What You Need To Know To Visit Boracay This 2021

The white sand beaches, colorful marine creatures and reefs, and the vibrant island life of Boracay all took a break from tourists because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. For what seemed like centuries, the island of Boracay closed its borders to secure the safety of the locals, workers, and travelers from the pandemic.

Luckily, along with other popular destinations in the country, Boracay reopened its doors to local travelers following some guidelines. Though leisure travel has become stricter, since the reopening of Boracay it has once again become a prime destination for solo travelers, romantic couples, and families who are looking for a tropical escape. If you are planning to have some fun on the island’s sand, listed below are the protocols enforced in the reopening of Boracay you know about. Read on!

The island has once again seen visitors since its reopening last October 1, 2020. And in the first two weeks of December, the merriest time of the year, tourist arrivals increased. Although the number of tourist arrivals is still below 3,000 to 5,000 daily, Boracay business owners are optimistic and hoping that more travelers will visit the world-famous island.

While international travel is not yet allowed, the government's efforts to boost local tourism are supported by tourism establishments. In hopes to recover from economic distress brought by the pandemic, hotels, restaurants, and tourism activities in Boracay innovated protocols to make sure its guests and staff are safe from the virus.

With this, tourists can now enjoy a relaxing stay at their hotel safely as long as minimum health standards are followed by guests and staff. Foodies can also enjoy the various cuisines on the island, especially in an alfresco setting—one of the best ways to experience island living in Boracay. Also, windsurfing, island hopping, snorkeling, and other tourism activities reopened to keep visitors’ itineraries entertaining.

Before visiting Boracay Island, there are requirements and safety measures that you need to follow. Below are the basic protocols, along with requirements to submit, for those planning to visit the island.

1. Visitors should access the https://www.touristboracay.com/ website and choose the Boracay tab on the Where To page.

2. Visitors should fill out the Health Declaration form and click submit. Then, take a screenshot of the confirmation page.

3. After filling out the form, visitors should attach these files in an email to touristboracay@gmail.com:

• Screenshot of the confirmation page

• RT-PCR negative result with the date of extraction 72 hours prior to the date of travel

• A copy of the confirmed booking slip/form

• Roundtrip flight/travel ticket

• Proof of identification with Philippine Residency

• Hotel booking

4. Once the processing is successful and approved by the final validator, a copy of the Health Declaration Form (HDC) with the Tourist QR code will be sent to the tourist. Guests should carry a printed or digital copy of the code which will be used in the entry and exit ports of Boracay Island.

5. The Tourist QR Code will expire 12 hours after the guests’ accommodation check-out time. If they wish to extend their stay in Boracay, guests should send an email with a new booking slip requesting an extension to touristboracay@gmail.com.

Traveling during a pandemic may be harder, but it’s still doable. Just make sure to keep in mind the new normal protocols wherever you go. And now that the island has health standards to make leisure travel safely within your reach, you can make Boracay your first destination this 2021!

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