Proving your vaccination status when traveling between the Philippines and the European Union is now easier.
The Philippines is now connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate #EUDCC system! This means that, as a result of the equivalence decision, the EU recognises the Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccination certificates and, at the same time, the Philippines accept to recognise EUDCC certificates according to its own legal order.
Following discussions between the European Union and the Philippines, the European Commission adopted an Implementing Decision giving technical recognition to the Philippines’ VaxCertPH as equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Effective July 19, 2022 when traveling between EU Member States, holders of the Philippine vaccine certificate can use it under the same conditions as people holding the #EUDCC. At the same time, travelers carrying the #EUDCC can now use it to confirm their vaccination status when entering the Philippines.
“The European Union regards this as an important milestone in ensuring expedite and safe travel and people’s mobility”, said European Union Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Dr Ana Isabel Sánchez Ruiz.
“We are grateful to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Health and Bureau of Quarantine for their work through the process, and to the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Tourism for their support”.
The Philippines is the sixth country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to be recognized under the EU Digital COVID Certificate #EUDCC system. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam had earlier been included in #EUDCC.
Globally, the EU has to-date adopted equivalence decisions with 45 third countries and territories in five continents, which brings the total number of countries and territories connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate system to 75. The most recent decisions were adopted on 29 July, adding up Oman, Peru and the Philippines.
Filipino travelers who have not been vaccinated with an **EU-authorised vaccine still need to check which vaccines are accepted by the relevant Member State prior to their travel.
All you need to know about the EUDCC: https://europa.eu/!yh86gY
