ICYMI: Baguio City Accepts NCR Plus Tourists for Leisure Travel

The rainy season has already started, but it’s not too late to enjoy the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. Recently, Baguio reopens for NCR Bubbles tourists as the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) eased the restrictions on leisure travel [1].

Despite many tourist attractions and destinations allowed to reopen, safety protocols are strictly reinforced. For example, trips are only on a point-to-point basis—which means that unnecessary pit stops won’t be allowed. In addition, tourists must present negative RT-PCR test results at least 72 hours before going on trips. Testing is not mandatory for kids below 17 years old unless they are showing symptoms. Those who haven’t taken any COVID-19 test must undergo antigen testing at Baguio’s Central Triage that costs PhP500 [2].

Before travel, the tourists must schedule their trips through http://visita.baguio.gov.ph. After completing the required information, the tourist will receive a Unique QR-coded Tourist Pass (QTP) code via email. The tourist has to present the QTP at the border for verification. QTPs can either be yellow or blue. Yellow QTP means that the tourist should be escorted to Central Triage or Camp John Hay triage, while blue QTP means guests can go straight to the hotel or terminals with triage. Only a maximum of 3,000 tourists per day is allowed to enter on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Aside from the QTP Codes, valid IDs are also required. In addition, standard safety measures like wearing a face mask and shield are mandatory. Tourists must also observe social distancing at all times. Children below 15 years old are allowed to travel to the city, but they need adult supervision; some establishments don’t allow children.

Establishments are also operating at limited capacity. The entire city has a curfew from 12:00AM to 4:00AM.

NCR Plus includes areas like Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.