International Certificate of Vaccination for Covid 19: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Yellow Card in Cebu

By vivomigsgee in Features Travel October 15, 2021

I just secured my Yellow Card today and feel the need to share my satisfactory experience with the whole process from appointment to issuance.

If you are traveling abroad, you may have to secure an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV) or Yellow Card. The ICV is a document that records an individual’s vaccinations required for international travel. It is recognized by member countries of the World Health Organization.

Please note, however, that ICV is not mandatory and cannot be considered an “immunity passport.” It serves as “proof of vaccination” of an individual. Not all countries require ICV so please make sure you contact the country you are going to to find out what their entry requirements are.

Individuals who will travel abroad, such as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), seafarers, and others, can obtain an ICV for COVID-19. As per Bureau of Quarantine guidelines, these individuals must be “fully vaccinated” in the Philippines.

ALSO READ: DIY Guide on Securing DOH Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate

If you belong to any of the above category, then you may want to secure ahead an ICV for purposes of travel abroad (even if it’s not required yet in your place of destination). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to secure a Yellow Card in Cebu.

STEP 1: Booking of Appointment

Book an appointment at www.icv.boq.ph. (Please note that this article for Cebu only, based on my experience.) Slots are very limited so you need to be quick like a ninja in order to effectively secure a slot via the Bureau of Quarantine Online Booking System. You’ll see, I am not kidding! =)

If you’re from Cebu or neighboring provinces in Central Visayas, you can make an appointment either in BOQ Cebu Main Office or in its newest satellite office at Robinsons Galleria Cebu (beginning September 27, 2021). I’m actually glad that BOQ added a satellite office in Cebu to accommodate more ICV requests.

Please be guided with the advisory on the right corner to know the earliest available appointment schedule of your selected service. You may also want to select other locations in Visayas such as Iloilo, Bacolod and Kalibo for availability of slots.

STEP 2: Payment of Fees

There is a fee for requesting an ICV for COVID-19. It costs Php 300.00 + Php 70.00 convenience fee. Once you already have a scheduled date, pay the transaction using the reference number generated upon booking via GCash, PayMaya, 7-Eleven, Online banking, credit cards and debit cards. You will be given only one hour for your booking so ensure everything is ready (e.g., digital copies of requirements) for a smoother transaction.

STEP 3: Visit Branch

On the day of your confirmed appointment, proceed to your selected branch. Bring original passport, valid government ID other than the passport and vaccination card (full vaccination) uploaded on website for verification purposes.

To safeguard everyone’s health and wellness, please follow health protocols at all times while inside the area like social distancing, wearing of face mask/face shield and application of alcohol in your hands.

STEP 4: Screening

At your selected branch, proceed to the screening area and show your documentary requirements to the attending BOQ personnel for validation. You may be asked some clarificatory questions so please answer honestly.

STEP 5: Printing

Once everything is confirmed, you may then proceed to the releasing or printing counter. Don’t forget to check your name, birthday and other important details of your vaccination and wait for the issuance of your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) or Yellow Card. And oh, please sign your Yellow Card on the space provided for.

There you have it mates! The process was really fast and straight-forward. It only took less than ten minutes to complete steps 4 and 5. I hope that you’ve learned something from this article. Enjoy your newly-issued International Certificate of Vaccination or Yellow Card! Safe travels!