Bohol was on top of the list of provinces to adapt the “travel bubble” concept. The Department of Tourism jumpstarted this point-to-point travel by means of direct flights between select destinations with minimal Covid-19 cases, and allowed for a smooth validation of the island’s health protocols and concrete reopening plans before officially welcoming local and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourists last Nov. 15.
Following the safe footsteps of beach spots such as Boracay and Palawan, it seems like Bohol is also ready for an influx of individual leisure travels from GCQ areas come Dec. 15, according to Sec. Berna Romulo Puyat.
“The hotels are ready, they don’t only have DOT (Department of Tourism) accreditation, but also the UBE or Ultimate Bohol Experience seal. It passed all the stringent health and safety protocols,” she says.
As Bohol speeds past your holiday vacation list, you not only need to pack clothes, but also the right amount of street smarts and knowledge of rigorous yet reasonable travel guidelines. To get you started, we’ll clue you in on a few FAQs and Bohol Bubble protocols you wouldn’t want to skip.
Who is allowed entry to Bohol?
Domestic tourists and residents can visit Bohol provided that they have a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior arrival, valid IDs, QR code secured from registration at tourism.bohol.gov.ph, confirmed accommodation booking at a UBE- and DOT-accredited hotel or resort, and confirmed tour booking with a DOT-accredited tour operator and travel agent.
How to go to Bohol from Manila
You can either fly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport for an hour and a half or enter via ferries through Tagbilaran City Port. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia have daily direct flights from Manila to Bohol.
Am I allowed to have my own itinerary?
As of now, do-it-yourself trips are strictly not allowed. Any trips, such as sightseeing, restaurant visits, stopovers, or deviation from itinerary, done outside your hotel or resort should be pre-arranged by your travel operator.
Do I need to undergo quarantine upon arrival?
No, but if you’re planning to stay for more than five days in Bohol, you have to undergo another RT-PCR test on your fifth day. You’ll be allowed to go out once you present a repeat negative result. If your result came out positive, however, you’ll be asked to stay at Bohol’s accredited quarantine/isolation facilities for 14 days.
What activities are allowed in Bohol during the pandemic?
You can visit Bohol’s famous spots such Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary, and enjoy the usual beach activities or watersports and land tours provided by your hotels. Check out our list of safe hotels and destinations in Bohol.
