Proctored COVID antigen tests for entry to PH?

[Snorkel378 38]

Good evening all,

My wife and daughter (the filipino-americans) and me (just american) are headed to the Philippines in September, and while I know things can change on a dime, currently, does anyone have any experience using the proctored tests such as optum for headed to the Philippines? I'm very aware for the way back, PAL will only take a test administered in the Philippines, but for the way there, through LAX, was hoping to use a proctored test where you video call a nurse to watch you and read the results. Flying from South Texas to LAX in the evening before our PAL flight, spending the night in a hilton near LAX then flying out noon the following afternoon, so we could hypothetically do a test at the TBIT in the morning, but that seems cutting it close.

[Loren Y 2,755]

Testing and Vaccination Requirements to Enter the Philippines

Travelers must show proof of vaccination and negative RT-PCR results from a test taken within 48 hours of departure from their country of origin. A negative antigen test from within 24 hours will also be accepted. The country also asks that you self-monitor for symptoms for seven days after arrival. If you experience symptoms while in the country, you should report to the local government authorities.

Proof of vaccination include any of these documents:

• World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
• VaxCertPH
• National or State digital certificate of the country/foreign government, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement
• Other proof of vaccination permitted by the IATF

Says a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours will work. I recommend the Binax Now by abbot labs. You can buy a 6 pack at emed.com for 150 dollars that includes the video observation and results. Link below. I've used them multiple times with good results for getting back to the US. And it looks like they will work for entry into PH. Double check with the airline though, they will be making the call when you check-in at LAX.

https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en

[CaseyandJuliebe 2]

10 hours ago, Loren Y said:

Testing and Vaccination Requirements to Enter the Philippines

Travelers must show proof of vaccination and negative RT-PCR results from a test taken within 48 hours of departure from their country of origin. A negative antigen test from within 24 hours will also be accepted. The country also asks that you self-monitor for symptoms for seven days after arrival. If you experience symptoms while in the country, you should report to the local government authorities.

Proof of vaccination include any of these documents:

• World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
• VaxCertPH
• National or State digital certificate of the country/foreign government, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement
• Other proof of vaccination permitted by the IATF

Says a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours will work. I recommend the Binax Now by abbot labs. You can buy a 6 pack at emed.com for 150 dollars that includes the video observation and results. Link below. I've used them multiple times with good results for getting back to the US. And it looks like they will work for entry into PH. Double check with the airline though, they will be making the call when you check-in at LAX.

https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en

I just came back recently and I used the above. However I was under the impression you needed COVID travel insurance as well? I can't remember if they asked for it or not. Note that once you are there, depending on where you go,  you might need an additional App on your phone. Davao City had one and I know the VaxCertPH is for general country wide entry. 

I had heard mixed results on the rapid tests so I went with PCR. 

Edited April 27, 2022 by CaseyandJuliebe

[Carpe Vinum 2,327]

There have been some issues lately with rejection of Antigen tests for entry to the Philippines that are not laboratory based.

[Loren Y 2,755]

For travel insurance I have been using worldtrips.  Cheapest I've found, and so far has worked for me in 3 different countries that required it. Just select a high deductible to keep the cost down. Not like it will ever get used. It's just a money grab for most countries. 

[Snorkel378 38]

I was under the impression that Filipinos and their non Filipino spouses were exempt from the insurance requirements?

[Talako 785]

On 4/26/2022 at 8:51 PM, Snorkel378 said:

Good evening all,

My wife and daughter (the filipino-americans) and me (just american) are headed to the Philippines in September, and while I know things can change on a dime, currently, does anyone have any experience using the proctored tests such as optum for headed to the Philippines? I'm very aware for the way back, PAL will only take a test administered in the Philippines, but for the way there, through LAX, was hoping to use a proctored test where you video call a nurse to watch you and read the results. Flying from South Texas to LAX in the evening before our PAL flight, spending the night in a hilton near LAX then flying out noon the following afternoon, so we could hypothetically do a test at the TBIT in the morning, but that seems cutting it close.

Why not do it at LAX as soon as you arrive?  They have a testing center, and you are there.  Results in a few hours with time to retest for the next day flight if there is an issue.  

 

https://onpoint-testing.com/los-angeles-at-wallypark/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Nza8_669wIVRWxvBB1B8wyhEAAYASAAEgL2PfD_BwE

[Snorkel378 38]

We unfortunately arrive well after it closes but we will do it the morning of our flight at TBIt