Are you fully vaccinated and have post-lockdown travel plans abroad? Here’s how to get an International Certificate of Vaccination

If you are among the more than 11 million Filipinos who are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and you need to travel abroad after the reimposed lockdown in Metro Manila, an International Certificate of Vaccination may be handy, especially if you are going to a country that requires an internationally valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV), also known as the yellow card, is used to log one’s vaccination against diseases such as yellow fever and polio. The ICV is issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and is recognized by the World Health Organization.

Pre-COVID-19 pandemic, most of those who used the ICV were Overseas Filipino workers and travelers whose countries of destination required proof of vaccination.

Recently, the BOQ developed a new format for the ICV with a unique QR code, which allows the verification of the said document’s authenticity.

Here's how the new ICV looks like:

Fully vaccinated individuals against COVID-19 who are bound for international travel may request for an ICV from the BOQ. One can do this through the Bureau of Quarantine Online Booking System.

Before heading to the online booking system, make sure to prepare the following:

• A photo of your valid ID (Passport, PRC, TIN, Voters’ ID, SSS, UMID, etc.)
• Front and back photos of your COVID-19 vaccine certificate issued by the local government unit where you got vaccinated.

Here are the steps you need to get an ICV:

Step 1: Go to the Bureau of Quarantine Online Booking System at boq.pisopay.com.ph to set an appointment.

Step 2: Select your location where you will get your certification.

For those in the National Capital Region, there are two options: the main BOQ office in Port Area in Manila, and at SM Mall of Asia satellite office.

Step 3: Enter your e-mail address.

Step 4: Choose the service you want to process.

For COVID-19 vaccine certification, choose “Certification” in the drop-down menu, then click “International Certification of Vaccine for COVID-19" option.

Also displayed in this step is the amount one needs to pay for the certificate: P300. (An additional convenience fee of at least P70 is included.)

Step 4: Choose your preferred date and time to visit the site.

The appointment time differs depending on the BOQ site you choose. For the Manila main office and Mall of Asia satellite office, it’s from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Limited slots are available for their every 30-minute schedule.

Step 4: Fill out the form with required information.

Step 5: Upload the required documents: Valid ID and COVID-19 vaccine certificate issued by the LGU.

For the valid ID portion, choose the ID type from the drop-down menu, key in the ID number, and upload a photo of the ID.

For the LGU-issued vaccine certificate, you need to upload its front and back page photos. You also need to key in your vaccination details like the vaccine brand administered, vaccination dates, and administering center.

Step 6: Pay through payment partners to confirm your set appointment.

Different payment options are available including the following:

• Over-the-counter transaction at payment centers like LBC and 7-Eleven
• E-money through GCash and Paymaya
• Debit/Credit card
• Online banking

Step 7: Save the reference number after completing the process.

You will get a receipt with a reference number after you settle the payment.

Step 8: Show up on your scheduled appointment and claim your ICV.

On the day of your appointment, don’t forget to bring the following:

• A print out or screenshot of your confirmed appointment
• Receipt of your payment
• Valid ID
• Vaccination card
• Vaccine certificate issued by the local government unit where you got vaccinated

International Certificate of Vaccination photos from BOQ and screenshots from the BOQ online booking system