Philippine Travel Destinations that have reopened to Domestic Tourism

After months of living under the longest lockdown in the world, many people who live in Metro Manila are eager to travel once again. Different destinations are slowly opening their doors to domestic tourists for “non-essential” leisure travel. The cautious reopening is part of government efforts to kick-start the tourism economy that has suffered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.

Though more flexible travel movements are slowly starting to take place,  the resumption of domestic tourism does not mean that the threat of COVID-19 has disappeared. The DOT reminds the public that the pandemic has not ended and that safety protocols and enhanced hygiene measures in all sectors of the tourism industry need to be enforced to curb the spread of the virus. The new guidelines and restrictions (mainly the added cost of getting swab tests and hassles of lining up in government offices to apply for travel passes) and the potential risk of getting sick and infecting family back home has been a major deterrent to potential travelers.

Check out latest updates on DOT’s dedicated travel website: https://philippines.travel/safeph

Anyway, here are a few updates on notable destinations that have reopened for domestic travel and accept travelers coming from Metro Manila and the NCR, even if the region is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

FYI: Most of the Calabarzon area (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon, with the exception of some areas in Rizal), have been open to locals and non-residents of the respective provinces, but with strict adherence to health and safety protocols by the LGUs.

In case you just want a quick change of scenery minus all the requirements, I suggest you travel to nearby destinations like Antipolo, visit neighboring towns, or just explore whatever you can just within your vicinity. Better yet, help flatten the curve and stay home. But if you are willing to face all the risks and go through the hassles of travel right now and the extra expenses, here are some of the destinations that have reopened their doors to tourists and their “new normal” requirements.

Bohol

Bohol has officially opened to domestic tourists and frequent individual travelers effective Dec. 15, 2020. Bohol was previously open to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) guests, weddings or small events with a minimum of 6 persons in a travel group since November.

Requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR Test taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to the date of travel
  • Online registration through tourism.bohol.gov.ph. for unique personal QR code
  • Confirmed hotel booking
  • Avail of DOT accredited transport service
  • Full list of requirements can be viewed here: tourism.bohol.gov.ph.

Coron

The island of Coron reopened its doors to domestic tourists starting the December 1. The island welcomes only Filipinos and foreigners residing in the country who are aged 15 to 65. Tourists will be required to arrange a booking with a DOT-certified accommodation establishment prior to their trip.

Requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR test conducted within 48 to 72 hours before their flight
  • Roundtrip plane tickets
  • Confirmed booking at DOT-accredited accommodation
  • Pre-booked tours and itinerary
  • Pre-registration: Online health declaration form on Coron tourism website: (www.corontourism.ph

El Nido

While El Nido has been open to local residents of Palawan since October, under Phase 2 of their reopening, they will be accepting guests coming from Metro Manila and outside the province starting November 30. Leisure travel to El Nido is open to all ages without underlying conditions and health risks. Tourists from outside the island can fly directly to El Nido via AirSwift. Tourists may go out of their accommodations for guided island-hopping activities and scuba diving. However, Manila tourists will not be allowed to visit restaurants in town, but can get food delivered to their hotels.

Requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR swab test result taken within the last 48 hours before the flight
  • Health declaration form
  • Reservation in DOT-accredited accommodation
  • Travel itinerary from local El Nido travel agency
  • QR-coded tourist ID from elnidotourism.ph

Masungi Georeserve

Masungi Georeserve reopened last November 26. All tourists from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified (GCQ) may now start reserving their slots at Masungi’s website. Only 50 visitors per day for each trail will be accommodated under new guidelines.

Requirements: (need to be submitted online 3 days before visit)

  • Conservation agreement
  • Health declaration form
  • COVID-19 agreement

Siargao

Siargao Island has reopened its doors to local tourists starting November 23. Flights to the top surfing island destination located in Surigao del Norte, will resume on December 1.

Requirements:

  • e-Health Pass
  • Valid ID card
  • Negative RT-PCR result taken within 48 hours from point of origin
  • If RT-PCR is taken more than 48 hours, a negative antigen swab test result will be required upon arrival at the cost of the tourist
  • Five-day confirmed booking from DOT-accredited accommodation
  • Round-trip ticket or travel details

Ilocos Sur (including Vigan)

Ilocos Sur has been open to residents and tourists from Baguio only, but has reopened to Luzon residents starting November 15. Guests below 21 years old and 60 years old and above and pregnant women are not allowed to enter Vigan as of the moment. DIY and day tours are not allowed.

Requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR test or RTD test result
  • SafePass QR Code
  • Confirmed itinerary by the travel agency
  • Government-issued ID
  • Accommodation booking receipt
  • Pre-booked tours with DOT-accredited tour operator

Baguio City, Benguet

Baguio City has been open to local residents and Region 1 tourists through the Ridge and Reef Baguio-Region 1 travel corridor, but they will start accepting guests from the entire Luzon starting October 22, 2020. According to guidelines, only 200 tourists per day are allowed in the city. Visitors are no longer required to book their itineraries through a DoT-accredited tour agency. However, they will still be required to book stays in a DoT-accredited accommodations.

Requirements:

  • Undergo COVID-19 testing up to 72 hours before trip
  • Testing upon arrival is available at the Central Triage located at the Baguio Convention Center (passengers will be quarantined until results are released)
  • Pre-registration via the Visitors Information and Tourist Assistance (VISITA) platform prior to their trip, among other requirements.
  • Confirmed itinerary and proof of accommodation booking
  • Guests may only stay in only hotels that have been issued a CAO (Certificate Authorizing Operation) by the DOT

Bataan

Bataan has been open to residents and domestic tourists in the Philippines under GCQ and MGCQ. Domestic tourists can enter Bataan through SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and other major entry points in the province. Open tourist destinations include Las Casas Filipinias de Acuzar and Sinagtala Farm Resort & Adventure Park.

Requirements:

  • RT-PCR test result
  • Health certificate
  • Valid identification
  • Copy of the confirmed booking reservations
  • QR code before entering Bataan

Laguna (Enchanted Kingdom)

Enchanted Kingdom reopened on October 17, 2020 and is set to be open every weekend thereafter but as per IATF Guidelines, only guests who are 21 – 59 years old will be allowed to enter. Senior citizens, guests below 21 years old and those with underlying conditions are not allowed. The theme park has been inspected and granted the authority to operate by the City of Santa Rosa as endorsed by concerned government agencies.

Requirements:

  • EK does NOT require a travel pass or swab tests for entry to the park
  • Visitors can purchase tickets through Walk-in (Makati Sales Office and EK Front Gates), online via the EK Online Store and EK’s Online Travel Agent Partners (Klook, KKday, SM Tickets, TicketWorld, Traveloka, TicketNet, KTix).

Ilocos Norte (including Laoag)

Visitors from Luzon, including those coming from Metro Manila, can now travel to Ilocos Norte starting October 15, 2020. Requirements include a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before entry and pre-registration at ilocosnorte.ph with a valid SafePass QR code. Only 50 tourists will be accepted per day. DIYs and day tours are not allowed.

Requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR test
  • Guests arriving from GCQ areas must undergo RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) upon arrival at the provincial border
  • Pre-registration from Laoag Stay IN Registration system 
  • Original documents and IDs must be presented at the border for verification
  • Those who plan to stay longer than three days must undertake rapid tests on the fourth, ninth and 14th day of their stay.

Open tourist sites in Ilocos Norte include Cape Bojeador Light House, Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center, Kapurpuran Rock Formation, Bangui Windmills, Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay Church, Pagudpud, and more, as the province has already welcomed tourists for leisure travel.

Batangas

Batangas has started accepting guests mainly for recreational diving starting October 15, 2020. Dive sites in Anilao, Batangas have been allowed to operate again, subject to strict protocols and requirements for tourists. Domestic tourists can only enter Batangas via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and Batangas Pier. Only dive establishments with DOT and PCSSD accreditation would be allowed to operate. Guests of all ages from GCQ and modified GCQ areas are welcome. Popular diving destinations that have reopened include Balayan Bay, Cathedral Rock, Beatrice Rock, Twin Rocks, and Mainit Muck.

Requirements:

  • Negative COVID-19 test taken not over 48 hours before arrival
  • Proof of reservation
  • Valid ID
  • Medical certificate
  • Divers must use their own set of scuba diving gear including masks, fins, snorkels, regulators, and other gear and use a defog solution for their mask. In case of rental equipment, all must be rinsed and disinfected after its return.

Boracay, Aklan

The island of Boracay opened its doors to all domestic tourists from GCQ and MGCQ areas last October 1, 2020 subject to guidelines. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.  Parties and organized sports activities are still not allowed.

Requirements:

  • Travel authority from PNP and IATF is NOT required 
  • Pre-registration online & health declaration form at http://aklan.gov.ph/
  • Negative RT-PCR test 48 to 72 hours prior to traveling to the island
  • Pre-booked accommodations at DOT-accredited establishments

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera’s beaches, snorkeling, and dive sites are open to residents of the province, foreign tourists, NCR and MGCQ areas, and residents. Areas open to domestic tourists from NCR (GCQ) and MGCQ areas include Muelle Bay Heritage Park, PHESI Windmill, Mangrove Conservation Area, Beaches, Snorkeling and diving sites, Sabang, White Beach and Extreme Adventure.

Requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR or nasopharyngeal swab result valid for 24 hours upon release prior to travel
  • Booking at a DOT-accredited establishment
  • Registration to Puerto Galera Tourist Registration Application available on Google Play Store and iOs.

Clark Freeport Zone

In Central Luzon, the Clark Freeport Zone is open to all tourists but those coming from GCQ areas, will need to present health declaration forms to accommodation and tourism-related establishments.

Subic

Subic is open to tourists coming from MGCQ areas. For those from GCQ areas, Subic only accepts individuals on official business trips. If one will stay for more than 48 hours, a swab test is required upon arrival, including checking in a quarantine facility while waiting for the results. Once cleared, that’s the only time one can be transferred to a leisure hotel.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay City announced its reopening last September to visitors without travel passes from areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) or no quarantine status. Among the travel spots that welcome tourists include Sky Ranch, Picnic Grove, churches, markets, and hotels with the famous Taal Volcano view.

The city is supposedly open to tourists provided they follow minimum health standards, such as the wearing of face masks and following physical distancing protocols. However, senior citizens and those below 21 years old are prohibited from entering establishments. 

Initially, tourists who can enter the city without travel authority are limited to those coming from MGCQ areas only. For travelers coming from GCQ, MECQ, and ECQ, areas, it is mandatory to provide a travel authority. However, according to recent news updates, these requirements are no longer checked at the borders.

Requirements:

  • Travel authority (if coming from GCQ, MECQ, and ECQ areas)
  • Medical clearance certificate coming from the city/municipal health office 

Guidelines for non-essential outbound travel

Aside from the easing of domestic travel to select destinations, starting October 21, 2020, the Philippines will be lifting its ban on non-essential outbound travel. Filipinos traveling abroad must present the following:

  • Submission of confirmed roundtrip tickets
  • Adequate travel and health insurance for those traveling in tourist visas
  • Execution of an immigration declaration acknowledging the risks involved in traveling
  • Negative Antigen result taken within 24 hours before departure, subject to the Department of Health guidelines
  • Upon their return, Filipino travelers must adhere to the protocols set by the National Task Force for OFWs. Included in this are mandatory COVID-19 testing and quarantine until they turn up negative for the virus.

Before planning your trip to any of these locations, it is best to check the local tourism advisories to avoid unnecessary hassles. For more detailed information, visit: https://philippines.travel/safeph

3 thoughts on “Philippine Travel Destinations that have reopened to Domestic Tourism”

  1. Nice work, this post took a lot of research! Looks like Philippines is approaching virus safely and sensibly, unlike here in U.S. Hopefully everyone will have a vaccine in the Spring and we can resume normal travel

  2. Hi Patrick, I wouldn’t say that our country has dealt with the virus safely and sensibly by any long shot, but at this point, we really need to reopen the economy. The travel and tourism industry has really suffered, but it’s become a “survival of the fittest” mentality for most people to get by. Hoping for the best for the whole world in dealing with this pandemic.

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