"Pandemic fatigue" is a real thing. Almost a year under lockdown, Filipinos--a recent Department of Tourism (DOT) survey said--have perceived traveling as an answer to keep their sanity amid the raging health crisis.
With the national government's vaccination program finally kicked off and more tourist destinations reopening their doors day by day, the prospects for traveling are better than they've ever been under the "new normal".
But where to start? Lucky for you, the Manila Bulletin has identified some of the top tourist sites outside of Metro Manila that are raring to welcome back visitors.
However, unlike the #TravelGoals that we knew in the pre-pandemic era, strict protocols and guidelines have to be imposed to ensure the safety of tourists, frontliners, as well as the host communities.
Here are 12 tourist destinations in the Philippines that have reopened as of February 2021, and the requirements that you should keep in mind before going there:
Baguio City
-Any valid government-issued ID (e.g. passport for adults, school/legal guardian’s ID for minors)
-Most recent COVID-19 test result issued by an accredited testing center-Confirmed itinerary as issued by accredited tour operator (optional)
-Accommodation booking receipt (optional)
Bataan
For tourists who are residents of Bataan:
-Medical certificate
-Any valid government-issued ID
-Travel pass from barangay of origin.
For non-resident visitors with a day tour schedule:
-Medical certificate
-Any valid government-issued ID
-Travel pass from barangay of origin
-QR code registration (download the GETPASS App from Google Play or App Store)
For non-resident visitors with one or more nights of stay:
-Confirmed reservation voucher (from hotel, resort, or accommodation establishment; must be pre-arranged)
Batangas (For recreational diving)
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken not later than 48 hours prior to arrival at the dive establishment
-Pre-booked accommodation or tour in Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving-accredited dive establishments
Bohol
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours before departure
-Pre-booked accommodation in Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited/UBE Seal establishments-Itinerary of arriving guest
-Pre-booked tour with DOT-accredited tour operators-QR code to be downloaded after registering at tourism.bohol.gov.ph
-Letter of acceptance from Panglao LGU issued through panglaolgu.gov.ph
Boracay
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours (from the extraction date) prior to travel
-Hotel booking confirmation voucher from a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited accommodation establishment issued with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO)
-Valid ID showing proof of residence in an area under GCQ or MGCQ-Roundtrip flight/travel details
-Completion of online health declaration Form from touristboracay.com
Cebu
-Letter of acceptance issued by the Lapu-Lapu City government (email [email protected] and the person in charge will inform you about the requirements for issuance of letter of acceptance)
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours from place of origin and by a laboratory accredited by the Department of Health (DOH)
-Roundtrip plane tickets
-Proof of confirmed booking in a hotel or accommodation establishment with a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) based in Lapu-Lapu City. Guests must also coordinate with chosen hotel/establishment for pick-up from the airport
Coron, Palawan
-RT-PCR test taken 48 to 72 hours prior to travel to Coron-Confirmed booking at a Department of Tourism (DOT)
-accredited accommodation
-Tours/travel itinerary booked with DOT-accredited travel operators only
-QR code to be issued after registering at travel.corontourism.ph/register for the health declaration form
El Nido, Palawan
-Negative RT-PCR test result conducted not earlier than 48 hours prior to departure
-Reservation voucher from accommodations with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO)-Secured QR
-coded tourist ID from guest.elnidotourism.ph with pre-arranged tour with a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited tour operator (No one is allowed to deviate from the tour)
Ilocos Norte
-Pre-booked hotel and tours with Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited accommodation establishments and travel and tour operators or agents
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours prior to entry, and rapid antigen test upon arrival
-SafePass QR code which can be requested at request.safp.as or via SafePass Portal on Facebook Messenger
Ilocos Sur
-Saved digital e-copy or printed hard copy of the issued SafePass QR code-Negative RT-PCR test result within 48 hours from release as issued by accredited testing centers
-Confirmed itinerary as issued by a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited tour and travel agent or operator
-Government-issued ID, preferably passport; for minors, school ID or parent/legal guardian’s ID
-Accommodation booking receipt
Laguna
-Travel Authority
-Negative RT-PCR test result or medical clearance certification from the City/Municipal Health Office of place of origin
-Advanced coordination with the local government units (LGUs) / agencies concerned is recommended for a more seamless and safe visit of domestic tourists
Siargao
For tourist invited by local resident:
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours
-Valid ID
-Surigao del Norte e-HEALTH Pass accessible from this link: https://covid19.ssct.edu.ph/healthform
-Travel certification issued by the Mayor of the City/Municipality of destination (within the province of Surigao del Norte)
- Forms are available in the municipal hall and can be obtained by the resident
For walk-in tourists:
-Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours
-Valid ID-Surigao del Norte e-HEALTH Pass accessible from this link: https://covid19.ssct.edu.ph/healthform-Confirmed booking accommodation for at least two nights from the resort, hotel, or hostel duly accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT)
-Travel Itinerary in Surigao del Norte
Planning to travel soon? Visit philippines.travel/safetrip or www.app.travel.philippines for more information to have a safe and sound trip.