MINERVA BC NEWMAN
CEBU CITY – The GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) clarified that the RT-PCR swab test is not mandatory for departing passengers at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
This service is offered to provide convenience to departing passengers whose intended destinations require a PCR swab test result for entry, GMCAC added and that test results are emailed to the passenger within 48 hours.
GMCAC strongly advised passengers to check relevant information of their intended destination country and/or city about the Testing facility approved by country of destination. RT-PCR swab testing can be done at any DOH-approved facility, but passengers are advised to check if the facility is approved by their intended destination.
The MCIA RT-PCR testing laboratory is an approved facility of all countries with current operating flights out of MCIA, GMCAC said.
The passengers are also advised to check on the Negative PCR test results as an entry requirement because some foreign countries require passengers travelling from certain countries like the Philippines to obtain a negative RT-PCR test before being allowed to check-in, such as the UAE.
There are also some countries that offer testing facilities upon arrival. Currently, there are also a few Local Government Units (LGUs) within the Philippines that require negative COVID-19 certification prior to travel. Some LGUs accept rapid testing while others require RT-PCR testing, GMCAC advisory read.
According to GMCAC that in summary, RT-PCR tests for departing passengers is an optional service that is being provided to passengers who need a negative RT-PCR test result to meet the entry requirements of their intended destination.
As a standard procedure however, passengers must check the specific travel requirements and protocols of their destination before their departure.
