How to Get a Vaccination Record / Yellow Card
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV), commonly known as the "Yellow Card", is an official document issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) under the Department of Health (DOH) that certifies an individual's vaccination history for international travel purposes. The Yellow Card is recognized worldwide under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 of the World Health Organization (WHO), and it serves as the internationally accepted proof that a traveler has been vaccinated against specific diseases required by destination countries.
The Yellow Card gets its name from its distinctive yellow color and standardized format prescribed by the WHO. In the Philippines, only the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) — an agency under the DOH established by Republic Act No. 9271 (Quarantine Act of 2004) — is authorized to issue the ICV/Yellow Card. It cannot be obtained from hospitals, private clinics, or local health centers. The BOQ maintains offices at all international airports, seaports, and designated quarantine stations throughout the Philippines to ensure that travelers can access this service conveniently.
The Yellow Card is most commonly required for travelers going to countries that mandate proof of vaccination against yellow fever, particularly in parts of Africa and South America. It is also required for Filipino Muslims performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where proof of meningococcal vaccination is mandatory. Additionally, many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) need the Yellow Card as part of their deployment requirements. Beyond these specific cases, the Yellow Card serves as a comprehensive vaccination record that documents all immunizations received by the holder, making it a valuable health document for any international traveler.
This tutorial provides a complete, step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Yellow Card from the Bureau of Quarantine, including the requirements, fees, processing time, and important considerations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
When You Need a Yellow Card
The Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) is required or recommended in the following situations. If any of these apply to you, plan to visit the Bureau of Quarantine well before your travel date:
- Traveling to countries requiring proof of yellow fever vaccination — Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia) and South America (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia) require arriving travelers to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Some countries require this for all travelers, while others require it only for travelers coming from yellow fever-endemic areas. Without a valid Yellow Card showing yellow fever vaccination, you may be denied entry, quarantined, or vaccinated upon arrival at additional cost
- Traveling to countries requiring meningococcal vaccination — Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and seasonal workers. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. This requirement is strictly enforced and is one of the most common reasons Filipino travelers obtain a Yellow Card
- Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia — Filipino Muslims performing the Hajj or Umrah must present a Yellow Card with proof of meningococcal vaccination (and sometimes polio and seasonal influenza vaccination) as part of the mandatory health requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Health. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and travel agencies coordinating Hajj/Umrah require the Yellow Card as part of the documentation
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) deployment requirements — Some employers and recruitment agencies require OFWs to present a Yellow Card showing specific vaccinations as part of the pre-deployment medical and documentation requirements, particularly for workers being deployed to countries with specific vaccination mandates
- General vaccination documentation for international travel — Even if your destination country does not strictly require a Yellow Card, having one provides a convenient, internationally recognized record of your vaccinations. Some immigration officers may ask for proof of routine vaccinations (such as polio, measles, or COVID-19 vaccination) depending on current global health situations and the country's entry requirements
- Transit through countries with vaccination requirements — Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination even for travelers who are only transiting through (e.g., airport layover of more than 12 hours). If your itinerary includes a transit stop in a country with such requirements, you may need a Yellow Card
- Returning to the Philippines from endemic areas — While the Philippines does not currently require a Yellow Card for arriving passengers as a general rule, travelers returning from yellow fever-endemic countries may be asked to present proof of vaccination at the quarantine checkpoint upon arrival at Philippine international airports
Warning: Important Information About the Yellow Card
Before proceeding with your Yellow Card application, please take note of the following critical information to avoid delays, complications, or denied boarding:
- The Yellow Card is ONLY issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) — No hospital, private clinic, health center, or any other institution is authorized to issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. Only the BOQ, under the authority of the Department of Health and in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, can issue the Yellow Card. Any Yellow Card not issued by the BOQ is invalid and will not be recognized internationally
- The Yellow Card must be obtained BEFORE travel — You must secure your Yellow Card before your departure date. Some vaccinations require a waiting period before they are considered effective (e.g., yellow fever vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before entering an endemic area, and meningococcal vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia). Plan your BOQ visit well in advance — ideally at least 2 to 4 weeks before your travel date
- Vaccination certificates from private hospitals are NOT the same as the Yellow Card — A vaccination certificate or record from a private hospital or vaccination center is a different document from the ICV/Yellow Card. While you may bring your private vaccination records to the BOQ as supporting documents, you still need to apply for the official Yellow Card at the BOQ. The BOQ will verify your vaccination records and issue the standardized WHO-format Yellow Card
- Do not laminate or alter your Yellow Card — The Yellow Card must remain in its original condition. Do not laminate, fold excessively, or make any alterations to the document. Immigration and quarantine officers at international borders will inspect the Yellow Card for authenticity, and any alterations may cause it to be rejected. Additional vaccine entries may need to be added in the future
IMPORTANT: Airlines may deny boarding to passengers who cannot present a valid Yellow Card when traveling to countries that require proof of vaccination. The airline is liable for passengers who arrive at their destination without proper documentation, so they strictly enforce vaccination requirements at check-in. Always check your destination country's vaccination requirements and obtain your Yellow Card well in advance of your travel date.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Get a Yellow Card
Follow these steps to obtain your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (Yellow Card) from the Bureau of Quarantine. The process is generally straightforward and can be completed within the same day for walk-in applicants, provided you have all the necessary documents and the required vaccines are available at the BOQ office you visit.
Determine If You Need a Yellow Card
Before visiting the Bureau of Quarantine, first confirm whether you actually need a Yellow Card for your travel. Check the specific vaccination requirements of your destination country by consulting the following sources:
- The embassy or consulate of your destination country in the Philippines
- The World Health Organization (WHO) International Travel and Health portal, which lists country-by-country vaccination requirements
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers' Health website, which provides destination-specific health recommendations
- Your airline's website, which often lists health documentation requirements for each route
- Your travel agency or recruitment agency (for OFWs), which can advise on the specific documentation needed for your deployment
- The Bureau of Quarantine website or hotline for the latest vaccination requirements and advisories
Tip: Country vaccination requirements can change without notice, especially during disease outbreaks. Always check the most current requirements close to your travel date, not just at the time of booking. Requirements may also differ based on your country of origin, transit countries, and length of stay.
Get the Required Vaccinations (If Not Yet Vaccinated)
If you have not yet received the required vaccinations for your destination, you have two options for getting vaccinated:
- Get vaccinated at the Bureau of Quarantine — The BOQ main office and some quarantine stations offer vaccination services for travel-related vaccines, including yellow fever, meningococcal, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and other vaccines. Getting vaccinated at the BOQ is convenient because the vaccination will be recorded directly on your Yellow Card during the same visit. Vaccine availability may vary by location, so call ahead to confirm
- Get vaccinated at a private hospital, clinic, or vaccination center — If the BOQ office near you does not carry the required vaccine, or if you prefer a private healthcare provider, you can get vaccinated at any reputable hospital or clinic. Make sure to obtain an official vaccination certificate or record from the healthcare provider, including the vaccine name, brand, batch/lot number, date of administration, and the administering physician's name and signature. You will need to present this record to the BOQ when applying for the Yellow Card
Important: Some vaccines require a waiting period before they provide full protection and are considered valid for travel purposes. For example, yellow fever vaccination becomes valid 10 days after administration. Meningococcal vaccination also requires at least 10 days to take effect. Plan your vaccinations well in advance of your travel date to meet the required waiting periods.
Visit the Bureau of Quarantine Office
Go to the nearest Bureau of Quarantine office to apply for your Yellow Card. The BOQ Main Office is located at the Port Area in Manila, but the BOQ also operates quarantine stations at all international airports and seaports across the Philippines. The most commonly visited offices for Yellow Card applications include:
- BOQ Main Office — Port Area, Manila (San Fernando St., Intramuros area)
- BOQ Quarantine Station — NAIA Terminal 1 — Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
- BOQ Quarantine Station — NAIA Terminal 3 — Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
- BOQ Quarantine Station — Clark — Clark International Airport, Pampanga
- BOQ Quarantine Station — Cebu — Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Lapu-Lapu City
- BOQ Quarantine Station — Davao — Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City
- BOQ Quarantine Station — Subic — Subic Bay International Airport, Zambales
- Other BOQ quarantine stations at international seaports and designated offices in various regions
Note: The BOQ Main Office in Manila is the most fully equipped office and typically has the widest range of vaccines available. Airport quarantine stations may have limited services and vaccine availability. If you need a specific vaccine (such as yellow fever), call ahead to confirm that the office you plan to visit carries that vaccine. Office hours vary by location — the Main Office is generally open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Present Vaccination Records and Required Documents
At the BOQ office, present your complete set of documents to the processing officer. The BOQ staff will review your documents to verify your identity and vaccination history. Make sure you have the following ready:
- Valid passport (original and one photocopy of the data page)
- Valid government-issued ID (as secondary identification)
- Vaccination records or certificates from your healthcare provider (showing vaccine name, date administered, batch/lot number, and administering physician)
- Old Yellow Card (if you are renewing or updating an existing one)
- 2x2 or passport-size photo (required by some BOQ offices — bring at least 2 copies to be safe)
Tip: Bring photocopies of all your documents. Some BOQ offices do not have photocopying facilities on-site, and you may need to leave the premises to find a photocopy service. Having copies prepared in advance saves time and avoids delays.
Fill Out the Application Form
The BOQ staff will provide you with a Yellow Card application form. Fill out the form completely and accurately. The application form typically requires the following information:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Sex/gender
- Nationality
- Passport number and date/place of issue
- Purpose of travel (tourism, employment, pilgrimage, etc.)
- Destination country and date of travel
- Contact information (address, phone number, email)
- Vaccination history (list of vaccines received and dates)
- Name of employer or travel agency (if applicable)
Make sure all information matches your passport details exactly. Any discrepancy between your Yellow Card and passport may cause problems at immigration checkpoints. Double-check your name spelling, date of birth, and passport number before submitting the form.
Pay the Yellow Card Fee
Proceed to the Cashier or payment window to pay the applicable fees. The fee covers the cost of the Yellow Card booklet and the recording of your vaccination information. If you are also getting vaccinated at the BOQ, additional fees for the vaccine(s) will apply.
| Service / Item | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Yellow Card (ICV) issuance | PHP 200 - PHP 400 |
| Yellow fever vaccination | PHP 3,000 - PHP 5,000 |
| Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination | PHP 1,500 - PHP 3,500 |
| Typhoid vaccination | PHP 1,000 - PHP 2,500 |
| Hepatitis A or B vaccination | PHP 800 - PHP 2,000 |
| Influenza (seasonal flu) vaccination | PHP 800 - PHP 1,500 |
| Recording fee (for vaccines administered elsewhere) | PHP 100 - PHP 200 |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary between BOQ offices and depending on current vaccine supply and pricing. The amounts above are approximate and based on recent fee schedules. Always inquire about the exact fees at the BOQ office before proceeding. Payment is typically in cash, though some offices may accept other forms of payment. Keep the official receipt as proof of payment.
Receive Your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card)
After paying the fees and completing the vaccination (if applicable), the BOQ medical officer will prepare and issue your Yellow Card. The authorized BOQ physician will sign and stamp the Yellow Card, officially certifying your vaccination record. The Yellow Card will contain the following information:
- Your full name, date of birth, sex, and nationality
- Passport number or other travel document reference
- List of vaccinations received, including:
- Name of the vaccine
- Date of vaccination
- Manufacturer and batch/lot number
- Validity period (start and end dates, if applicable)
- Signature and stamp of the administering clinician
- Official stamp of the Bureau of Quarantine
- Signature of the authorized BOQ medical officer
Important: Before leaving the BOQ office, carefully review all entries on your Yellow Card. Check that your name, date of birth, passport number, and all vaccination details are correct. Any errors should be corrected immediately while you are still at the office. It is much harder to correct errors after you have left.
Processing time: For walk-in applicants with complete requirements, the entire process — from document submission to receiving your Yellow Card — typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of applicants and whether you are also getting vaccinated at the BOQ office. During peak seasons (Hajj season, year-end travel season), expect longer waiting times.
Requirements Checklist
Prepare the following documents before visiting the Bureau of Quarantine. Having complete requirements will ensure a smooth and fast processing of your Yellow Card application.
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Original and one photocopy of the data page | Must be valid for at least 6 months from travel date; name on Yellow Card must match passport exactly |
| Valid Government-Issued ID | Original and one photocopy | As secondary identification (e.g., PhilSys ID, driver's license, UMID, voter's ID, PRC ID) |
| Vaccination Records / Certificates | Original vaccination certificates from your healthcare provider | Must show vaccine name, date, batch/lot number, and administering physician; not required if getting vaccinated at BOQ |
| Accomplished BOQ Application Form | Available at the BOQ office or downloadable from the BOQ website | Fill out completely and legibly; some offices provide the form on-site |
| 2x2 or Passport-Size Photo | 2 copies, white background, recent (taken within 6 months) | Required by some BOQ offices; check with your specific office if needed |
| Yellow Card Fee | Approximately PHP 200 - PHP 400 (plus vaccine fees if applicable) | Cash payment preferred; bring exact amount if possible |
| Old Yellow Card (if renewal/update) | Original old Yellow Card | If you are updating an existing Yellow Card with new vaccinations or replacing a damaged/full card |
Additional requirements for specific cases: Hajj/Umrah pilgrims may need to present their NCMF endorsement or accredited travel agency confirmation. OFWs may need to present their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or job offer documents. Seafarers may need to present their seaman's book. Check with the BOQ or your coordinating agency for any additional requirements specific to your situation.
Complete Example: Yellow Card Application Scenario
Below is a sample scenario showing the complete process of obtaining a Yellow Card from start to finish. This example illustrates a typical case of a Filipino traveler who needs a Yellow Card for travel to a country requiring yellow fever vaccination.
Example Scenario
Applicant: Maria Clara Santos
Purpose: Business trip to Lagos, Nigeria
Travel Date: March 15, 2026
Requirement: Yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for Nigeria)
Step 1 - Research: Maria checks the Nigerian Embassy website and
confirms that Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever
vaccination for ALL arriving travelers. She also
checks the WHO and CDC websites for additional
recommended vaccinations for Nigeria.
Step 2 - Vaccination Plan: Yellow fever vaccination must
be given at least 10 days before arrival. Maria plans
to visit BOQ on February 28 (15 days before travel).
She decides to get vaccinated at the BOQ itself.
Step 3 - Visit BOQ: Maria goes to the BOQ Main Office
at Port Area, Manila on February 28 at 8:30 AM.
She brings her passport, PhilSys ID, and 2x2 photos.
Step 4 - Documents: She presents her passport (original
+ photocopy), PhilSys ID, and 2x2 photos to the
BOQ processing officer at the Yellow Card window.
Step 5 - Application: She fills out the BOQ Yellow Card
application form with her personal details, passport
number, destination (Nigeria), and travel date.
Step 6 - Payment: Maria pays the following at the cashier:
- Yellow Card issuance: PHP 300
- Yellow fever vaccine: PHP 4,200
- Total: PHP 4,500
Step 7 - Vaccination & Card: The BOQ nurse administers
the yellow fever vaccine. The BOQ physician records
the vaccination on her new Yellow Card, signs it,
and affixes the official BOQ stamp. Maria receives
her Yellow Card within 1 hour of arrival.
Result: Maria now has a valid Yellow Card with yellow
fever vaccination recorded. The vaccination becomes
valid on March 10 (10 days after administration),
well before her March 15 departure to Nigeria.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Yellow Card cost?▼
The cost of obtaining a Yellow Card from the Bureau of Quarantine typically ranges from PHP 200 to PHP 400 for the card itself (issuance fee). This fee covers the Yellow Card booklet and the official recording and certification of your vaccination information by the BOQ medical officer.
However, if you are also getting vaccinated at the BOQ, additional vaccine fees will apply. The total cost depends on which vaccines you need:
- Yellow fever vaccine: approximately PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000
- Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine: approximately PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,500
- Other travel vaccines (typhoid, hepatitis, flu): PHP 800 to PHP 2,500 each
If you were already vaccinated at a private hospital or clinic and only need the BOQ to record it on your Yellow Card, a recording fee of around PHP 100 to PHP 200 per vaccine entry may apply. Fees may vary between BOQ offices and are subject to change. Always ask for the current fee schedule at the BOQ office.
Where can I get a Yellow Card?▼
The Yellow Card can only be obtained from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) under the Department of Health. The main locations where you can get a Yellow Card include:
- BOQ Main Office — Port Area, Manila (the most fully equipped office with the widest range of vaccine availability)
- NAIA Terminal 1 Quarantine Station — Pasay City
- NAIA Terminal 3 Quarantine Station — Pasay City
- Clark International Airport Quarantine Station — Pampanga
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport Quarantine Station — Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport Quarantine Station — Davao City
- Other BOQ quarantine stations at international seaports and regional offices
Not all BOQ offices carry all vaccines. If you need a specific vaccine (especially yellow fever, which is a specialized vaccine), contact the BOQ Main Office first. The BOQ Main Office in Manila is the most reliable location for obtaining yellow fever vaccination and the Yellow Card in a single visit.
How long is the Yellow Card valid?▼
The Yellow Card itself does not have an expiration date — it remains valid as long as it is in good condition and has available space for new entries. However, the individual vaccine entries recorded on the Yellow Card have their own validity periods based on the type of vaccine:
- Yellow fever vaccination — As of 2016, the WHO declared that a single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection. Previously, yellow fever vaccination was valid for only 10 years and required a booster. Under the current International Health Regulations amendment, the validity is now for the life of the vaccinated person, starting 10 days after vaccination. No booster dose is required
- Meningococcal vaccination — Validity is typically 3 to 5 years depending on the specific vaccine type. Saudi Arabia requires that the meningococcal vaccine be administered no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims
- Other vaccines — Validity periods vary by vaccine type. Check with the BOQ or your healthcare provider for the specific validity of each vaccine recorded on your Yellow Card
If your Yellow Card becomes full (all vaccination entry spaces are filled), damaged, or the information becomes illegible, you can request a new Yellow Card at the BOQ. Bring your old Yellow Card so the previous entries can be transferred or referenced.
Can I get vaccinated at the Bureau of Quarantine?▼
Yes, the Bureau of Quarantine offers vaccination services for travel-related vaccines. The BOQ Main Office in Manila is the primary vaccination site and typically has the widest selection of vaccines available, including:
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine
- Typhoid vaccine
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Influenza (seasonal flu) vaccine
- Polio vaccine (oral or injectable)
- Other vaccines as required by specific destination countries
Getting vaccinated at the BOQ is the most convenient option because the vaccination is recorded directly on your Yellow Card during the same visit — no need for a separate recording appointment. However, vaccine availability may vary by BOQ office. Some quarantine stations at airports may have limited vaccine stocks. It is strongly recommended to call ahead to confirm that the vaccine you need is available at the office you plan to visit, especially for yellow fever vaccine, which may occasionally be out of stock due to limited global supply.
What vaccines are recorded in the Yellow Card?▼
The Yellow Card can record any vaccination that is required or recommended for international travel under the International Health Regulations. The most commonly recorded vaccines include:
- Yellow fever — The most frequently required vaccine for the Yellow Card; mandatory for travel to many African and South American countries
- Meningococcal (ACWY) — Required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims and travelers to the African meningitis belt
- Polio (OPV or IPV) — Required by some countries for travelers coming from polio-endemic or outbreak areas
- Cholera — May be required for travel to certain cholera-affected areas
- Typhoid — Recommended for travel to areas with poor sanitation
- Hepatitis A and B — Recommended for many international destinations
- Influenza — May be required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims
- Rabies — Recommended for travelers to certain high-risk areas
- COVID-19 — May be recorded depending on current destination country requirements
- Japanese encephalitis — Recommended for certain destinations in Asia
The BOQ physician will record whatever vaccines are relevant to your travel needs. You can also have previously administered vaccines recorded on the Yellow Card by presenting your vaccination certificates from other healthcare providers.
Can I get a Yellow Card without a passport?▼
Generally, no. The Yellow Card is an international travel document linked to your passport, and the BOQ requires a valid passport as the primary identification document for Yellow Card applications. Your passport number is recorded on the Yellow Card and must match when presented at international borders.
However, there are limited exceptions in certain circumstances:
- If your passport is still being processed at DFA but you need to get vaccinated urgently (e.g., to meet the 10-day waiting period before travel), some BOQ offices may allow you to get vaccinated first and return later with your passport to have the vaccination recorded on the Yellow Card. This is handled on a case-by-case basis
- Seafarers may use their seaman's book as an alternative travel document in some cases
It is strongly recommended to secure your passport first before visiting the BOQ for a Yellow Card. This ensures a smooth process and avoids the need for multiple visits. If you have a special circumstance, contact the BOQ directly to inquire about your options.
How long does the process take?▼
For walk-in applicants with complete requirements, the entire Yellow Card application process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours at the BOQ office. The actual processing time depends on several factors:
- Number of applicants — During peak seasons (Hajj season, typically around June to July; year-end holiday travel season from November to January), waiting times can be significantly longer due to high volume
- Whether you need vaccination at BOQ — If you are getting vaccinated at the BOQ, add time for the vaccination process itself, including a brief post-vaccination observation period (typically 15 to 30 minutes) to monitor for adverse reactions
- Completeness of documents — Having all required documents ready and complete speeds up the process significantly. Incomplete documents mean delays and possible return visits
- BOQ office location — The BOQ Main Office in Manila typically processes more applicants and may have longer queues compared to satellite quarantine stations at airports
- Time of day — Arriving early in the morning (8:00 AM when the office opens) generally means shorter waiting times
The Yellow Card is issued on the same day of your visit — there is no need to return on another day to claim it. The BOQ processes Yellow Card applications as a walk-in, same-day service.
What if I lost my Yellow Card?▼
If you have lost your Yellow Card, you can apply for a replacement at the Bureau of Quarantine. Here is what you need to do:
- Visit the BOQ office where your original Yellow Card was issued, if possible. They may have records of your vaccination history in their database or logbooks
- Bring your passport and a valid government-issued ID for identification purposes
- Bring any proof of your previous vaccinations — such as vaccination certificates from hospitals or clinics, photocopy of your lost Yellow Card (if you have one), or any other documentation showing your vaccination history
- File a report or execute an affidavit of loss — Some BOQ offices may require you to submit a written statement or affidavit of loss explaining the circumstances under which you lost the Yellow Card
- Pay the replacement fee — A fee for the new Yellow Card booklet will apply
The BOQ will issue a new Yellow Card and, to the extent possible, reconstruct your vaccination records based on their files and any supporting documents you provide. If the BOQ cannot verify your previous vaccinations, you may need to get re-vaccinated and have the new vaccinations recorded on the replacement Yellow Card.
Prevention tip: To avoid problems in case of loss, take a clear photograph or scan of your Yellow Card (front and back, plus all vaccine entry pages) and store the digital copies securely (e.g., email to yourself, save in cloud storage). While digital copies are not accepted as a substitute for the original at immigration, they can help the BOQ reconstruct your records when issuing a replacement.
Important Reminders
- Plan ahead — visit the BOQ at least 2 to 4 weeks before your travel date. Some vaccines require a 10-day waiting period before they are considered valid. Additionally, vaccine stock at the BOQ may run out, requiring you to wait for restocking or visit another office. Do not wait until the last minute.
- The Yellow Card is only issued by the Bureau of Quarantine. No hospital, clinic, or other institution can issue the ICV/Yellow Card. Any Yellow Card not from the BOQ is invalid and will not be accepted at international borders.
- Bring your passport — it is the primary requirement. Without a valid passport, the BOQ cannot issue your Yellow Card. Secure your passport first before visiting the BOQ.
- Do not laminate, fold, or alter your Yellow Card. The Yellow Card must remain in its original condition. Laminating prevents future vaccine entries from being added. Alterations may cause rejection at international borders.
- Keep your Yellow Card in a safe place. Treat it as an important travel document, similar to your passport. Store it in a secure location and bring it on every international trip. Take photos or scans for backup.
- Check destination country requirements before every trip. Vaccination requirements change over time based on disease outbreaks and public health policies. What was not required last year may be required this year. Always check the latest requirements before each trip.
- Airlines may deny boarding without a valid Yellow Card. Airlines are liable for passengers who arrive at their destination without proper health documentation. They strictly enforce vaccination requirements at check-in counters. Do not assume you can sort it out upon arrival.
- Bring cash for payment at the BOQ. While some BOQ offices may accept other forms of payment, cash is the most widely accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the Yellow Card fee and any applicable vaccine fees.
- Arrive early at the BOQ office. BOQ offices typically open at 8:00 AM. Arriving early, especially during peak seasons (Hajj season, holiday travel season), helps you avoid long queues and ensures you are processed within the same day.
- Inform the BOQ if you have allergies or medical conditions. Before receiving any vaccine, inform the BOQ medical officer of any allergies (especially to eggs, as the yellow fever vaccine is egg-based), medical conditions, pregnancy, or medications you are taking. Some vaccines may be contraindicated for certain individuals.
- Review your Yellow Card before leaving the BOQ. Check that all entries — your name, date of birth, passport number, vaccine details, and dates — are correct. Errors are much easier to fix while you are still at the BOQ office.
- The Yellow Card is for international travel, not for domestic use. The ICV/Yellow Card is specifically designed for international health requirements under the IHR 2005. For domestic vaccination records (e.g., child immunization records, COVID-19 vaccination cards), different documents are used.
Need Help? Contact the Bureau of Quarantine
For questions, concerns, or assistance with your Yellow Card application, you may contact the Bureau of Quarantine through the following channels:
BOQ Main Office
- Address: Port Area, Manila (San Fernando St., near Pier 1, Intramuros area)
- Telephone: (02) 8527-8481 / (02) 8301-7436
- Email: boq@doh.gov.ph
- Website: www.boq.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except holidays)
BOQ Quarantine Stations
- NAIA T1 & T3: Pasay City (available during airport operating hours)
- Clark Airport: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
- Mactan-Cebu Airport: Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
- Davao Airport: Davao City
- Directory: BOQ Quarantine Stations Directory
DOH Hotline: For general health concerns, you may also contact the DOH 24/7 hotline at 1555. For BOQ-specific inquiries about Yellow Cards, vaccination requirements, and quarantine procedures, contact the BOQ Main Office directly at (02) 8527-8481. You may also reach the BOQ through their official social media accounts on Facebook for announcements and advisories.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DOH you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DOH first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.