These tourist spots now accept fully vaccinated travelers even without taking a COVID-19 swab test

A number of local tourist destinations have now removed the COVID-19 swab test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers as the number of infections in the country continues to go down.

Based on the Department of Tourism guidelines, tourists below 18 years old and not yet fully vaccinated are exempted from testing requirements in areas under Alert Level 2. But unvaccinated and not yet fully vaccinated adults must submit a negative RT-PCR test not more than 48 hours before check-in or arrival. 

In an interview with The Source, DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said there are no age restrictions for staycations in areas under Alert Level 3. However, tourists who are not yet vaccinated must submit a negative RT-PCR test. She also appealed to the government to further ease travel requirements for those who will travel during the holidays. "Admittedly, 'yung magastos talaga is the negative RT-PCR. Siyempre, mas maganda na if they accept vaccination cards in lieu of RT-PCR, less gastos din 'yun."

The DOT is also coordinating with the Philippine Children's Medical Center to provide free swab tests for qualified travelers with a daily cap of 350 per day. Puyat said DOT also plans to appeal to other groups to subsidize testing for tourists.   

Those the tourist spots listed below have stated the removal of the RT-PCR test for fully vaccinated travelers, it would still be best to double check with the place you intend to stay for other local government regulations you may need to comply with.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

There are no age requirements for tourists. People coming from areas under Alert Level 3 or a higher quarantine restriction must be fully vaccinated. They are also required to present their vaccination card upon arrival, especially for those over 65 years old, with comorbidities, and pregnant women. 

Baguio City

Tourists are required to pre-register at Baguio’s tourism website and go through a health screening. A vaccination card or certificate is a must-have upon arrival. On the other hand, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated adults are not allowed. Minors who haven’t received their COVID-19 jabs are required to present RT-PCR and antigen test results. 

Clark Freeport Zone

Fully vaccinated travelers need to present their vaccination cards upon arrival. However, tourists who come from areas under GCQ Alert Level 5, MECQ, and ECQ regardless of their vaccination status. 

Tarlac

Tourists coming from ECQ and MECQ areas must submit a vaccination card upon arrival. 

Cebu Province

A vaccination card or certificate is required for domestic travelers upon arrival. Medical certificates or negative swab tests are not required.

Lapu-Lapu City 

Tourists are not required to submit a negative RT-PCR test. 

Catbalogan City 

Tourists are not required to submit a negative RT-PCR test. 

Bohol

Tourists must present a vaccination certificate obtained from VaxCertPH and an S-pass permit.

Iloilo City

Tourists must register through the S-pass website and present a vaccination certificate from VaxCertPH upon arrival. Meanwhile, travelers who are unvaccinated and have only availed the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine must register and present a 72-hour negative RT-PCR test. 

Children aged four years old and below are not required to register and submit a negative RT-PCR test. 

Negros Occidental

Tourists must present a vaccination card upon arrival.

Masbate Province

Tourists present a vaccination card and S-pass permit upon arrival. You can also check out Bicol region’s travel requirements below:

Southern Leyte 

Tourists must present a vaccination card upon arrival. However, the area is placed under modified GCQ until Nov. 30. 

Maasin City

Tourists must submit a vaccination card in lieu of a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival. They’re also required to present a valid ID, a letter of acceptance from their respective LGU, and a QR code from Southern Leyte’s contact tracing system. 

Tacloban City 

Tourists should present a vaccination card upon arrival. Meanwhile, registration to the Balik Tacloban project and submission of documents and negative RT-PCR will no longer be required for Tacloban-bound travelers.

Misamis Oriental

Tourists must present a vaccination card upon arrival.