Airport guide for passengers arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)

All international passengers arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) shall observe the applicable arrival protocols in adherence to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) protocols.

References: IATF Resolution No. 168, s.2022

All arriving international passengers shall comply with the following protocols prior to arrival at MCIA:

1. Present negative test results for passengers without COVID-19 boosters:
   • RT-PCR test taken within forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin, OR
   • Laboratory-based Antigen test taken within twenty-four (24) hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin
2. Present proof of full vaccination. If unable to present, shall be considered unvaccinated or unverifiable proof of vaccination.
3. Register for an account on the One Health Pass (OHP) website via https://onehealthpass.com.ph/ within three (3) days before your scheduled arrival date at MCIA. Take note of your Transaction Number which will be needed for the completion and submission of the electronic Health Declaration Checklist (eHDC). Registration to OHP is free of charge.

Reference: IATF Res. Nos. 160-A, 164-A, and 168:

Reference: IATF Res. Nos. 160-B and 168

Foreign children travelling with Filipino nationals

• Foreign child aged 12 to 17 travelling with their Filipino parent shall follow the protocols based on their Filipino parent's vaccination status
• Unvaccinated foreign child below 12 years of age shall follow the testing potocol of their Filipino parent travelling with them

Cost of Quarantine for Unvaccinated, Partially Vaccinated, or Unverifiable Vaccinated Status

• For OFWs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shall shoulder the cost of quarantine facility. 
• For ROFs and foreign nationals, the cost of accommodation at the accredited quarantine hotel are shouldered by the passenger. For the list of accredited hotels, visit https://bit.ly/MCIAAccreditedHotels or click the button below.
  • Ensure to arrange transportation with your quarantine facility from the airport to the accredited quarantine hotel. Taking public or private transportation is prohibited.

Step 1. One Health Pass (OHP) Registration. Register for an account on the One Health Pass (OHP) website via https://onehealthpass.com.ph/ within three (3) days before your scheduled arrival date at MCIA. Take note of your Transaction Number which will be needed for the completion and submission of the electronic Health Declaration Checklist (eHDC).

Prepare a copy of your official proof of vaccination and negative RT-PCR or Antigen test result. These shall be uploaded during the OHP registration and will be needed to determine your quarantine classification.

Step 2. Complete eHDC. The eHDC must be accomplished and submitted only a day before or on the day of your departure. Keep a copy of the OHP personal QR code generated upon submission of the eHDC. Keep a screenshot or print of a copy of your OHP personal QR code.

Step 3. In-flight procedures. Prior to arrival, fill out the following forms distributed by the airline crew while on flight:

• Immigration Arrival Card
• Customs Declaration Form

Step 4. Take note of your OHP QR code. Upon arrival at MCIA, prepare your OHP personal QR code. Only one (1) OHP QR code per person.

You will need this to present at the following points:

1. First - During BOQ eHDC verification
2. Second - at the respective help desks of OSS during the verification and assignment of your hotel
3. Third - with PCG for the final verification of your arrival; when you check-in and check-out of the quarantine hotel.

Step 3. Arrival briefing. Upon arrival, undergo required briefing by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). 

Step 4. Validation. Once briefing is done, proceed to the Validation Counter and present the following: 

• OHP personal QR code
• Passport and boarding pass
• Hotel Reference Booking, if applicable

Step 5. Temperature scan. Proceed to thermal scanning by the BOQ. Remember to temporarily take off your caps, eyewear, and face shield when undergoing thermal scan. 

Step 6. Immigration clearance. Proceed to the Immigration counter for clearance. Submit Immigration Arrival Card. 

Step 7. Proceed to designated counters. Proceed to the designated counters at the Arrival Reclaim Hall and present your OHP QR Code: 

• Non-OFWs and foreigners: DOT Help Desk
• For OFWs: OWWA Help Desk

Step 8. Swab testing of unvaccinated passengers. Only unvaccinated arriving passengers shall be swabbed upon arrival at MCIA regardless of country classification. A second swab will also be done may be done on the fifth (5th) day from their date of arrival.

All swab tests will be administered by the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7.

Step 9. Claim luggage. Proceed to assigned reclaim belt to claim baggage.

Step 10. Waiting area. 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 

Step 11. Customs clearance. Proceed to Customs counter for clearance. 

Step 12. Quarantine facility transfer. Proceed to your designated vehicle with your respective agency representative for hotel or quarantine accommodation drop-off. 

Step 13. Releasing of second swab test results. For those required to take a second swab test, only the second swab test result shall be released through 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 local 7688 to 7690. 

Step 14. Home bound. If swab test result is negative, coordinate with your LGU for further instructions on transport and specific quarantine protocols.

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*This page is updated regularly based on published laws and regulations by local and national government units.