Bohol, Baguio ease requirements for fully vaccinated travelers
Two of the country’s banner destinations—Bohol and Baguio—are easing their requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated at least two weeks after receiving their second dose for two-dose vaccines, or at least two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.
Bohol, which is currently under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions, allows leisure travelers to enter the province.
On Oct. 24, Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap issued an executive order that lifts the negative RT-PCR requirement for fully vaccinated tourists until further notice.
Fully vaccinated individuals who wish to travel to Bohol only need to present a vaccination certificate from the Department of Health’s VaxCertPH website in lieu of a negative RT-PCR test result.
Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers (including those aged five to 17 years old) to the province are required to submit a negative RT-PCR test result taken not more than 72 hours prior to their flight.
All travelers to Bohol are still required to secure the following:
- Pre-booked accommodation in establishments accredited by the Departmant of Tourism or those with the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) seal. (Click here for the updated list of accredited establishments.)
- QR code and letter of acceptance that may be secured from tourism.bohol.gov.ph.
- For travelers staying in Panglao, they are required to register at panglaolgu.gov.ph. This is where a letter of acceptance will be issued prior to arrival.
- Approved S-Pass Travel Coordination permit from the local government unit of destination.
- Travelers who plan to tour parts of the province must pre-book with DOT-accredited tour operators.
The executive order also noted that if a fully vaccinated returning Bohol resident will not be able to provide a vaccination certificate, one may present his or her valid ID, authenticated and duly signed vaccination card issued in the province of Bohol, a government-issued ID, and an S-Pass approval.
Starting Dec. 1, 2021, all travelers to Bohol will be required to present a vaccination certificate.
Baguio welcomes fully vaccinated tourists
Baguio Tourism announced on Oct. 26 that the City of Pines is now ready to accept fully vaccinated travelers except those from areas under enhanced community quarantine, modified enhanced community quarantine, and Levels 4 and 5 areas.
Baguio City is under GCQ with heightened restrictions until Oct. 31.
Fully vaccinated adults must bring and upload their vaccination card/certificate.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minors aged 12 to 17 must present negative results of antigen or RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or during the health screening at the city triage. Meanwhile, minors aged 11 and below shall be tested at the option of their parents or a guardian.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated adults are still not allowed to enter the city.
Here are the following requirements fully vaccinated adults need to be able to enter Baguio City:
First, travelers must create an account and register on visita.baguio.gov.ph. Then, they must schedule their visit at least one day before their travel.
According to Baguio Tourism, only 2,000 individual registrations will be allowed for now. It also important to note that individuals should only proceed with their travel once the QR-code Tourist Pass (QTP) is already issued as registration upon arrival is not allowed.
Upon arrival in Baguio City, travelers are required to proceed to the triage area for health screening and verification of QTP and documents.
Symptomatic travelers, regardless of vaccination status or test result, will be immediately tested and isolated.
Minimum health and safety protocols are still to be observed in Baguio City, including wearing of face masks and social distancing.
Travelers should only book accommodation establishments that are listed in Baguio VISITA, and enter establishments with safety seal issued by the local government.