MCIA issues updated protocols for arriving international passengers

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

LAPULAPU CITY – Starting February 01 all international passengers arriving at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) shall observe updated arrival protocols per resolutions 96 and 97 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

For all types of passengers, MCIA reminds travelers to complete the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form via https://mactancebuairport.com/covid-19-registration within five days before the scheduled arrival date at MCIA.

Take note of the Barcode/Travel Reference Number (TRN) sent to your email address upon completion of the form.  Passengers must adherence to the mandatory RT-PCR swab testing on the 5th day from the arrival date at MCIA.

For OFWs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shall shoulder the cost of quarantine facility and swab test upon arrival. 

For non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals, the following required arrangements are shouldered by the passengers:

·         A minimum of seven (7) days hotel booking confirmation at accredited hotels. For the list of accredited hotels, click here or visit https://bit.ly/MCIAAccreditedHotels.

·         RT-PCR swab test cost of P4,100.00 paid upon arrival or pre-paid

·         Step-by-step Arrival Guide

Prior to arrival, fill out the following forms distributed by the airline crew while on flight: Health Declaration Form and Immigration Arrival Card.  Upon arrival passengers must undergo required briefing by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

Once briefing is done, proceed to the Validation Counter and present the following: Barcode/Travel Reference Number (TRN), Passport, Boarding Pass, Health Declaration Form. Keep the printed barcode until the date of your scheduled swab test.

Proceed to thermal scanning by the BOQ and to the Immigration counter for clearance and submit Immigration Arrival Card.

Proceed to the designated counters at the Arrival Reclaim Hall: For OFWs: OWWA Counter for hotel accommodation assignment and for non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals, go to the Cashier counter for payment of swab test, PHP and Visa card are accepted. For other currencies, proceed to the foreign exchange counter at the arrivals area.

Proceed to assigned reclaim belt to claim baggage.

Proceed to the designated waiting area and wait for a representative from the respective agencies for Customs clearance: OWWA for OFWs; Accredited hotel representatives for returning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals.

Proceed to Customs counter for clearance.

Proceed to the designated vehicle with the respective agency representative for hotel or quarantine accommodation drop-off.

On swab test date scheduled five (5) days from the arrival date, passengers must submit the printed barcode to the medical personnel then undergo swab testing that will be performed at the designated quarantine facility.

Test results are released within 24-48 hours via the email address provided in the online registration form.

If swab test result is positive, BOQ will coordinate with the passenger for specific instructions. The passenger must comply with the mandated health, safety, and treatment protocols of the DOH and BOQ.

If swab test result is negative, the passenger will receive the test result via email from the BOQ.

For inquiries on test result, please contact the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) via boq@gmcac.ph or call (032) 494-7000, 7688 to 7690.

If swab test result is negative, coordinate with the LGU for further instructions on transport and completion of the remainder of the 14-day quarantine.  Passengers may coordinate with the LGUs for pick up or arrange own transportation depending on the instructions of the LGU.

 Pre-payment instructions for swab test

Pre-payment of swab test for non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals is encouraged to facilitate smooth process upon arrival.  To pre-pay for the swab testing, follow the steps:

1.     After completing your online registration and once you receive your barcode/TRN, pay at least 48 hours before your scheduled arrival date.

2.    The following are the available payment methods: Bank Transfer or Direct Deposits (Indicate the passenger’s full name and arrival date in the details/notes section)

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) – SM City Cebu Branch

            Account Name:                     PRIME CARE CEBU

            Account Number:     00-318-1044-220

            Swift Code:                UCPBPHMM

3.    Money Remittance Centers:

Palawan, Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, LBC, Western Union, etc.

Payee: Janna Ragas

4.    Other methods

Prime Care Medical Clinic located at APM Mall, across SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City

Once payment is done, fill out the Prime Care Prepayment Form via bit.ly/PrimeCarePrepayment. Present the prepayment confirmation at the Cashier Counter upon arrival. Cash and credit card are also accepted to process payment.

Passengers are strongly advised to continuously monitor the status of their flights and ensure that they have the necessary documents in compliance with the regulations of the local government of their point of origin and place of destination, the advisory read.