BOQ to open more satellite stations for ‘yellow card’ appointments

The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) said Saturday it will be opening more satellite stations to meet the increasing demand of those seeking to secure a “yellow card” for international travel.

During state-run PTV’s Laging Handa briefing, BOQ director Dr. Roberto Salvador Jr. said that next week the agency will open satellite stations at the SM North Edsa and Eastwood in Quezon City as well as in Mckinley, Taguig City.

The BOQ will also open satellite stations in General Santos City, Kalibo, Bacolod, Palawan, and Legazpi City “para mabigyan ang mga nangangailangan ng yellow card (to serve those who need a yellow card).”

The yellow card or International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis (ICVP) is a document issued by the BOQ indicating the vaccines taken by an individual which he/she can present to his/her country of destination.

“Ito po ay recognized ng lahat ng 196 WHO signatories na nagumpisa pa po mula 1935,” Salvador said.

(This is recognized by all the 196 signatory-countries of the World Health Organization, established in 1935)

How to apply?

The BOQ official said travelers who want to secure a yellow card can apply through the agency’s online booking system.

“Once naka-book na pwede na pumunta sa Bureau of Quarantine kung kelan ‘yung date na napili nila para maissuehan sila ng yellow card,” Salvador said.

(Once the online booking is completed, they can go to the BOQ office at their chosen date for them to be issued a yellow card.)

Currently, applicants can go to the BOQ’s main office at the Port Area, Manila and other satellite stations, such as in SM Mall of Asia, Batangas, Subic, La Union, Laoag, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, to get their yellow cards.

Applicants need to present a passport and vaccination certificate from their respective local governments.

The yellow card costs P300.

Not mandatory

Salvador noted that a yellow card is not mandatory for all international travelers as he urged travelers to check the requirements in their respective countries of destination from their airlines or pertinent authorities.

He also urged the public to refrain from booking for yellow cards if not for international travel purposes, to ensure that the slots are only for those going out of the country.

“Ang kukuha muna sana ng yellow card ay ‘yung may malalapit nang flight na kailangan ng yellow card,” Salvador said.

(Those who will apply for a yellow card, as much as possible, are those nearing their flight schedules.) — DVM, GMA News