Most countries usually require polio vaccine certificates from travelers originating from areas where the highly contagious viral disease is endemic, but several territories have taken extra precaution, according to a July 2019 list released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since 2014, the WHO has “declared the international spread of wild poliovirus to be a public health emergency of international concern” as the disease could “result in irreversible paralysis” that could affect leg and respiratory muscles.
The virus reemerged in the Philippines in September, nearly 2 decades since the country was declared polio-free.
Filipinos are now expected to present polio vaccination certificates before they can be granted visas or entry permits in the following countries:
BRUNEI
Polio vaccination is required for travelers arriving from polio-affected countries (polio-exporting countries).
GEORGIA
A polio vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from countries and territories with risk of polio transmission. Travelers who are not vaccinated or unable to present a vaccination certificate are offered oral polio vaccine at the border.
INDONESIA
Filipinos staying in Indonesia for at least 4 weeks must present an international certificate of vaccination. If a traveler does not have this document upon entry to Indonesia, he or she can avail for an immunization at the point of entry for a fee.
LEBANON
Polio vaccination is required for travelers arriving from or going to affected countries.
MALDIVES
Proof of polio vaccination is required for persons travelling to and from countries exporting poliovirus as well as for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
MOROCCO
An international certificate of immunization, attesting to the taking of a dose of poliomyelitis vaccine over a period of 12 months and 4 weeks prior to departure, is required for all travelers from poliomyelitis-affected countries.
OMAN
Polio vaccination is required for travelers arriving from polio-exporting countries.
PAKISTAN
Administration of mandatory oral polio vaccine (OPV) to all outgoing international travelers and incoming long-term visitors of all ages, and an International Certificate of Vaccination as proof of vaccination are required.
QATAR
International certificate of polio vaccination is required for all travelers arriving from polio-exporting countries.
SEYCHELLES
Polio vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with polio outbreaks.
The Embassy of Morocco in the Philippines clarified on Monday that it has yet to require visa applicants to submit polio vaccination certificates.
The Department of Health has also advised those traveling to the Philippines to ensure that they have availed of the polio vaccine before their trip.
“International certificate of polio vaccination is required for travelers arriving from or going to high-risk countries,” according to the WHO’s recommendations for those traveling to and from the Philippines.
The poliovirus vaccine must be administered to “travelers of all ages going to countries with ongoing poliovirus outbreaks” between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to travel, the WHO said.
Travelers who fail to acquire the vaccine during the prescribed period “should receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers,” it said.
How to get your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV)
If you’re scheduled to travel abroad from the Philippines soon, here’s what you need to do:
1. Contact your destination’s embassy or consulate in the Philippines to inquire about their immunization requirements. If a polio vaccine certificate is required by the country you’re visiting, you obviously need to get a booster shot.
2. You can get the vaccine either through a private hospital or directly at the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), which issues the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) that you’ll need to present to the countries you’re visiting. However, the BOQ only administers the OPV. If you’d rather get the IPV, ask your family doctor or a private hospital.
3. If you get your vaccination from a private doctor, they’ll need to issue you a signed medical certificate that includes the name and lot number of the vaccine administered to you.
4. Bring your medical certificate to the BOQ, where you will need to fill out a form for the issuance of the ICV. This can also be done by a messenger or a third party for 5 people at most, provided he or she has an authorization letter.
Bureau of Quarantine location:
5. Pay the P300 fee for the issuance of the ICV, which you will receive on the same day, though you may have to wait a few hours. This should be valid for a lifetime, as long you don’t lose it. The fee is the same for those who get vaccinated directly at the BOQ.
Keep your ICV with you at all times when you travel (best to insert it in a safe place, like your passport holder), and present it to the proper authorities when required. The entire process – from vaccination to getting the BOQ, can be done within a day, and after that, you’ll be ready to travel!
Read the advisory from DOH – https://www.doh.gov.ph/advisories/Polio-Vaccination-for-Travelers-coming-to-the-Philippines
