The Most Important Documents To Bring For Your Trips in the New Normal

With the reopening of nearby tourist spots and easing of quarantine restrictions, it is now possible to go on trips out of the city. From Tagaytay to Baras, nearby tourist destinations are now accepting travelers after months under lockdown. But before you take your whole family on out-of-town trips, there are requirements needed so you can cross borders. Read on to know the travel documents and essentials that are required for safe and hassle-free out-of-town trips!

• Travel Pass-Through Permit

During the earlier months of the quarantine, authorized persons outside residence (APOR) and locally stranded individuals (LSI) were allowed to cross borders. But the travel restriction was eased in October, thus allowing non-APOR to go on leisure trips.

In some cases, travelers are required to bring a Travel Pass-through Permit (TPP), which can be obtained from police stations. When it comes to getting TPP, Joint Task Force Shield commander Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar noted that there’s no need to present a medical certificate and there is also no need for prior coordination with your planned travel destination.

TPPs will be presented to policemen on border checkpoints in areas with restricted status; it is applicable only in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ. Your destination and some areas you will pass through along the way might require a TPP. On the other hand, if a TPP is not required for your destination but the areas you’re passing through are restricted, you will still need to secure the permit.

As of October 27, many provinces have an unrestricted travel policy. But to be safe, check if your destination and passable areas belong in the category before going on your trip. Note that some provinces also set their own travel protocols per area. Pangasinan, for example, is restricted, but Dagupan City is not.

• Travel Authority and Medical Clearances

If your destination is restricted, you will need to secure a travel authority. You can get this from police stations and it will require a medical clearance certificate issued by municipal or city health office. At the station, you will be asked to fill out a form that asks for details like your destination, date of travel, names of travelers, designated driver, and the vehicle that will be used. Once the form is submitted, the police station will coordinate with the local government unit of your planned destination to inform them of your arrival.

The approval of the travel authority will depend on the number of COVID-19 cases in the area. Since some cases might require quarantining, LGUs will have to check if the facilities are congested. The travel authority must be issued within 48 hours prior to the trip date and is applicable to all forms of land, sea, and air travels.

• Valid IDs

For APORs who are planning to go out of town for business, don’t forget to bring a valid company ID or certificate of employment.

• Vaccination Card

Many LGUs now require vaccination cards from fully vaccinated individuals. Some areas in the Philippines also accept vaccination cards instead of a negative COVID-19 test. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, an individual is considered fully vaccinated if it’s two weeks since receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing PPE is an absolute essential for out of town travels since it is required by the IATF. A helpful tip is to pack extra supplies of face masks, face shields, and bottles of alcohol if the trip would last for more than a day.

• Negative RT-PCR Test Results

While nearby provinces outside Metro Manila such as CALABARZON no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result and medical clearances, there are still areas that do. Popular tourist spots like Boracay require tourists to present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result at least 48 to 72 hours before the flight schedule. Ilocos Norte also requires negative test results within 72 hours before entry, as well as registration at the province’s official website. As advised by the IATF, check the requirement for your destination if RT-PCR tests are needed.

• Unique QR Code

There are destinations like Bohol, Coron, Baguio City, and Ilocos Norte that require pre-registration before entry. Under this system, they will issue unique QR codes that will serve as your entry pass and as a means of contact tracing. For a hassle-free trip, check the official account of your destination’s local government to see their entry requirements.

• Online Boarding Pass

Since many establishments are now prioritizing contactless procedures, make sure to book and check in to your flight online. When boarding your flight, you will be required to show your online boarding pass.

• Booking Confirmation from a Certified Establishment

Boracay and Baguio City are among the top destinations that ask travelers to present a booking confirmation upon arrival. It is required by the LGU to make sure that you’re staying in an accredited establishment for safety and health reasons. Wherever your destination is, it is advisable to have your booking confirmation ready in case it is asked for.

For more essential travel tips, visit Yoorekka!