Boracay waives RT-PCR test for fully vaccinated visitors starting Nov. 16
Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores announced Friday, Nov. 12, that starting Nov. 16, RT-PCR testing will no longer be required for fully vaccinated visitors to Boracay island.
They do, however, need to present proof of vaccination upon arrival. This can be obtained from VaxCertPH, from their LGU, or they can show their vaccination card with QR code.
One is considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after receiving their last dose. Those who have yet to complete their vaccination or are awaiting their second dose must still present a negative RT-PCR test result to enter Boracay with the sample taken up to 72 hours before the flight.
Boracay has reached a 94% vaccination rate of its tourism workers, and 70% among its residents. According to Miraflores on Teleradyo, the provincial government will make further announcements next week.
Boracay joins the list of Philippine destinations that have eased their COVID requirements for fully vaccinated individuals. The list includes Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Masbate, Southern Leyte, Clark and Subic, and Baguio City among the country’s top tourist destinations.
The unvaccinated may avail of free RT-PCR tests by registering online at the Tourism Promotions Board's (TPB) website at least five days before their planned travel date. TPB accepts only 350 registrations per travel date.
“Gaya din ng ginagawa natin sa mga RT-PCR test na pagve-verify natin, so madali pa rin natin mahuhuli yan kung sino namemeke ng mga vaccination certificates,” Miraflores said.
Malay Mayor Floribar Bautista said in March this year that those caught faking their RT-PCR test results will be banned for life from the island.
Boracay’s visitor numbers hit the second highest this year in October with 32,452 arrivals. The highest number of recorded tourists was in July at 35,108, with people from Manila coming after a series of ECQ/MECQ lockdowns that started in March and lifted only in June.