As COVID-19 regulations ease and the number of cases in the country decline, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has been working to revive local tourism. Many provinces will let you enter, provided you are fully vaccinated and can present a negative RT-PCR test. Here’s how you avail the test for free.
Who is eligible?
Qualified domestic travelers can avail of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)’s offer to get a free RT-PCR test. The board announced that they can accommodate up to 350 people every day at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Diliman Quezon City.
Filipinos and foreigners residing in the Philippines who intend to travel domestically from November 1 onwards are eligible for the free test. Without the promo, an RT-PCR test at PCMC would cost P3,577. The money you saved could go towards other expenses, like food and accommodation
How to get tested for free?
- Fill out the RT-PCR Subsidy Test Form on the TPB’s website. This must be accomplished at least five days before your intended travel date. On the form, you also need to state your travel destination and return date.
- Submit the required documents. Ensure the files are clear, original copies in PDF or image format, and attach it with the form.
- Copy of any two government-issued IDs (Driver’s License, Passport, PRC License, PhilPost ID, UMID, SSS, Voter’s ID, TIN ID, PhilHealth ID, PWD ID, Senior Citizen ID),
- In the absence of the above, any of the following secondary IDs (police clearance, NBI clearance, Pag-ibig ID, and the like) can be submitted subject to the approval of the evaluation team.
- For minors, submit a PSA birth certificate, passport, or school ID.
- Copy of confirmed accommodation booking with a DOT-accredited and open establishment for leisure and staycation.
- Copy of roundtrip transportation tickets indicating the names and booking reference number, if applicable.
- If using a private vehicle, present a copy of the official receipt/certificate of registration and a photo of the vehicle with plate number.
- Copy of any two government-issued IDs (Driver’s License, Passport, PRC License, PhilPost ID, UMID, SSS, Voter’s ID, TIN ID, PhilHealth ID, PWD ID, Senior Citizen ID),
- Wait for your registration to be approved. TPB will review your documents and notify you of the status of your application. The PCMC will send an email to approved applicants the swab schedule and a copy of the Client Investigative Form that needs to be printed and filled in. Walk-ins are not accepted.
- Go to PCMC to get tested. Bring the printed copy of the CIF and a valid government-issued ID on your confirmed schedule. The RT-PCR test results will be emailed the next day. Failure to show up will forfeit your slot.
The offer runs until December 31, 2021, or until the subsidy funds for the project are depleted. TPB discourages submitting multiple applications.
