Traveling in the new normal requires tourist cooperation to ensure safety measures are in place. It might cause a little inconvenience but it is necessary to ensure the safety of both parties – the tourist and the residents of the travel destination.
There are fundamental requirements that you need to secure. These requirements apply to the four tourist destinations enumerated in this article:
• Negative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test from accredited laboratories by the Department of Health (DOH) within 48-72 hours before departure. For verification, visit the List of Accredited Laboratories
• Valid company ID and/or government issued IDs such as passport and driving license
• Confirmed flight booking and itinerary
• Confirmed hotel accommodation (receipt) from accredited hotels of your destination
Also, take note that when travelling in the new normal, tourists and residents are required to wear masks and face shields at all times.
For specific requirements of the following tourist destinations, here’s what you need to know:
Boracay
Prior to booking a flight and accommodation to Boracay, visit the list of accredited hotel booking by the Boracay government.
Once you have prepared your basic travel requirements such as the negative RT-PCR test, confirmed flight, accommodation, and itinerary you will need to send them via email to [email protected] with the subject: OHDC-FamilyName-FirstName.
The email must be sent at least 12 hours before departure to avoid any delays. It is also highly recommended to do a follow-up two hours after you sent an email for confirmation. If there are no issues with the requirements, you will receive your Health Declaration Form (HDC) with the Boracay Tourist QR code within an hour from submission.
Vigan
Vigan in Ilocos Sur is now open to domestic tourists from Luzon only. But only those from 21 to 60 years old are allowed to visit Vigan. Pregnant women are also discouraged from visiting the historical site.
Tourists coming from Baguio should take note that entry to Ilocos Sur is only via Tagudin Border and Sinait Border.
Palawan
After securing the fundamental travel requirements in the new normal, you should instruct your chosen DOH-accredited laboratory or testing facility to email the RT-PCR test results directly to the city’s Incident Management Team (IMT) at [email protected]
In travelling to Palawan, do not forget to secure government IDs. Follow safety protocols for everyone’s well-being.
Tagaytay
In visiting Tagaytay, a travel pass or travel authorization is required for tourists coming from GCQ, MECQ, and ECQ areas. Swab tests are no longer required, however, it is better to secure one since other establishments in Tagaytay such as hotels require it
Just like Vigan, there is also an age requirement in Tagaytay which is from 15 to 65 years old for residents and 21 to 60 years old for domestic tourists.
Travelling in the new normal is quite challenging but it is only for the best. When you travel to any of these tourist destinations, or anywhere else, do not forget to bring valid IDs for verification purposes.
Have a safe trip!