This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
It’s about time to support local and travel again. If you are fully vaccinated, traveling has become easier and more convenient now as the country is gearing us to revive the tourism sector.
For the past two years, traveling had always been quite a hassle with the ever-changing community quarantine policies, both national and local rules, and a long list of requirements from the arriving destination. It got more expensive and time-consuming.
On January 28, the Philippine government announced that it is finally resuming acceptance of visa-free travel for short visits from 157 countries starting on February 10, 2022. This move definitely gives high hopes for our tourism industry.
With several domestic destinations also dropping the RT-PCR or antigen test requirement, traveling seems to be fun and light again for as long as you are fully vaccinated. Not as easy as the pre-pandemic era, but we are getting there.
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Here are some of the beautiful travel destinations in the Philippines that accept vaccination cards in lieu of COVID-19 / RT-PCR tests for travelers:
1. BORACAY
A top destination in the country, Boracay has finally re-opened its borders to local and foreign tourists. Starting on February 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR test when heading to Boracay Island and mainland Aklan.
BORACAY TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- For fully vaccinated travelers: VaxCertPH COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, Locally issued vaccination card, or WHO International Certificate of Vaccination
- For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: Negative RT-PCR test result (swab or saliva) taken within 72 hours
- Government-issued ID
- Confirmed booking slip/form from accredited hotel/resort
- Roundtrip flight/travel details
- Health declaration through touristboracay.com
Check out the must-visit places in Boracay here: https://vismin.ph/?s=boracay
2. CEBU
Cebu is the home of white beaches, historical sites, world-class resorts, and natural attractions. The island can now share its beauty again with travelers around the world, starting with fully vaccinated individuals.
CEBU TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- For fully vaccinated travelers: VaxCertPH COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, Locally issued vaccination card, or WHO International Certificate of Vaccination
- For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: Negative Antigen test result taken within 24-48 hours and a medical certificate.
- Government-issued ID
- Confirmed booking slip/form from accredited hotel/resort
- Roundtrip flight/travel details
Here are the Top Attractions to visit in Cebu: https://sugbo.ph/2019/100-places-to-visit-in-cebu/
3. BOHOL
Fully vaccinated parents or guardians traveling to Bohol are no longer required to undergo RT-PCR testing. They can now enjoy Bohol’s top attractions and enjoy the beautiful beaches and resorts in Panglao.
BOHOL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- For fully vaccinated travelers: VaxCertPH COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, Locally issued vaccination card, or WHO International Certificate of Vaccination
- For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited labs taken within 72 hours.
- Children aged 11 years old, accompanied by fully vaccinated parents/ guardians traveling to Bohol are no longer required to undergo RT-PCR testing.
- Government-issued ID
- Confirmed booking slip/form from accredited hotel/resort
- Roundtrip flight/travel details
Check out the top attractions in Bohol here: https://vismin.ph/tag/attractions-in-bohol/
4. CAMIGUIN
A fast-rising tourist destination in the Philippines, Camiguin Island is named as the “Island of Fire” because of the presence of seven volcanoes in the area. The province is the smallest in Mindanao and the second smallest in the country. What it lacks in size it makes up with beauty and spectacle for your perfect getaway.
CAMIGUIN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Valid ID
- All tourists, regardless of age, must have Clean Camiguin quick response (QR) code
- Confirmed reservation with an accommodation establishment in the Province
- For tourists who will stay in a private home must secure a clearance from the Municipal Government of the Municipality where they will be staying
- If from NCR/Luzon: Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within 72 hours
- If from Visayas/Mindanao: Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within 48 hours
- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
- Fully-vaccinated tourists may bring their unvaccinated minor children below twelve (12) years of age. Accompanying minor children who are twelve (12) to seventeen (17) years old must have at least received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Accompanying adult children must be fully-vaccinated
Here are the must-visit attractions in Camiguin: https://vismin.ph/2019/camiguin-island/
5. DAVAO
Davao City recently issued an Executive Order extending the lifting of RT-PCR requirements for Davao City-bound land, sea, and air travelers until June 30, 2022.
As of January 15, 2022, Davao City has inoculated a total of 1,268,468 first anti-COVID-19 jabs or 97.58% of the target 1,299,894 target population protection while the second doses are currently at 92.9%.
DAVAO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Government-issued ID
These are attractions you should consider visiting when in Davao: https://vismin.ph/tag/davao-city/
6. DUMAGUETE
The natural wonders, warm hospitality of the locals, and the rich history and culture of Dumaguete and its nearby attractions make the visit to this city memorable. In fact, it was listed as one of the 7 Best Places to Retire Around the World by Forbes Magazine. Good thing more travelers can now experience Dumaguete’s amazing destinations.
DUMAGUETE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Full vaccinated travelers:
- Valid ID
- Vaccination Card/Certificate
- A photocopy of both requirements with the traveler’s contact information number for contact tracing purposes
- Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers:
- Valid ID
- Negative Antigen Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories issued within forty-eight (48) hours
- A photocopy of both requirements with the traveler’s contact information number for contact tracing purposes
Heading to Dumaguete now? Check out these Top 10 Attractions in the City of Gentle People: https://vismin.ph/2020/attractions-dumaguete-city/
7. METRO MANILA & CLARK
Whether for business or leisure, many people still go to Metro Manila. Good news, as requirements have also been eased for travelers bound for Metro Manila and Clark.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Vaccination Card or DOH-issued Vaccination Certificate
- Passport or Valid government ID
- Confirmed Airline Ticket
EXEMPTIONS:
- Persons with medical conditions that prevent full COVID-19 vaccination as evidenced by:
- Medical certificate (with name, signature and contact details of the physician)
- Persons who will procure essential goods and services (such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, medical and dental necessities) as evidenced by:
- Barangay Health Pass or other proof to support and justify such travel
- Passengers coming from (a) international flight, with an onward domestic flight after completion of the required facility-based quarantine, and (b) domestic flight with an immediate international connecting flight.
FLIGHT AVAILABILITY AND SCHEDULE
You can find the available flights and schedule here as of February 2022:
- Philippine Airlines: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/aboutus/newsandevents/advisory-covid19-02feb22-241
- Cebu Pacific: https://www.cebupacificair.com/pages/travel-info/covid-travel-reminders/where-we-fly
- AirAsia: https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2021/12/30/airasia-philippines-welcomes-2022-with-more-flights-reopens-clark-hub-for-caticlan-flights
As of February 2022, other popular destinations like Siargao and Palawan still require a negative RT-PCR and antigen test. But hey, I’m sure taking all the extra requirements will be surely worth it.
Got some travel plans this year? Where are you heading to?
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
