Follow us on
COVID-19 Consumer News
What You Need To Know to Visit Baguio and Ilocos This 2021
Here are the travel requirements of Baguio, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur!
By: Antonette Louise Guiao | January 09, 2021
Just comply with the requirements and protocols and you’re good to go!
When it comes to vacations, you don’t need to look further than the North. Lovely travel destinations including Baguio City, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur are only some of the spots well-loved by tourists because of the beauty they offer. With each place catering to different kinds of travelers, the North surely is a gem for anyone who wishes to have a little escape this 2021.
Now that these provinces are aiming to operate under the new normal, each of them laid out safety protocols that visitors must comply with. As such, local tourists also have to be aware of the travel requirements of Baguio and Ilocos to ensure a smooth trip. So if you are planning to visit any of these places soon, read on and find out the travel requirements of Baguio and Ilocos!
Travel Requirements
Always wear your mask and carry alcohol or hand sanitizer with you.
Baguio, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur reopened their doors to guests last year despite the ongoing pandemic. This is to help kickstart tourism in their areas. Travelers may once again enjoy the attractions of the places, but travel requirements and safety guidelines as per the Inter-Agency Task Force must first be followed strictly.
For Baguio
Baguio City officially reopened for tourism last October 2020. To make the most out of your visit in the City of Pines, these are what you need to follow:
1. Tourists of all ages coming from the entire Luzon are allowed to enter, as long as they have a Baguio VISITA Account from visita.baguio.gov.ph and are issued with a QR-coded Tourist Pass or QTPby the VISITA team .
2. Tourists must proceed straight to the triage area upon arrival. The following are the triage centers:
• CAP Convention Center John Hay Triage (open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM)
• Baguio Convention Center Triage (open 24 hours)
3. As for testing options, tourists may choose to get tested prior their travel or upon arrival at the place.
Test prior to travel requirements:
• RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen tests taken within 72 hours prior to arrival
• Must upload negative test results when scheduling a visit using the Baguio VISITA account
• A hard copy must be brought to the triage for validation
Test upon arrival requirements:
• Download test form and re-upload after filling it out
• A hard copy must be presented at the triage center
• Rapid antigen tests are available at PhP1,300
Note that testing is not mandatory for tourists below 18 years old at the triage centers unless symptomatic. Parents and guardians of asymptomatic minors can choose if the child will undergo a COVID-19 test or not.
4. Tourists may enter Baguio via Naguilian Road or Palispis (Marcos) Highway.
5. DIY and day tours are not allowed in the city. Only guided tours are permitted and these tours must be arranged with DOT-accredited tour operators.
6. Minimum health safety guidelines including wearing face masks and face shields, social distancing, and regular hand sanitation must always be observed.
7. For public transport, both drivers and passengers must adhere to the “no face mask and shield, no ride” policy.
8. For dining protocols, restaurants and food establishments that offer dine-in services must comply with health requirements such as wearing face masks and shields, social distancing, and regular hand sanitizing.
For Ilocos Norte
Just like Baguio City, Ilocos Norte reopened for tourism last October 2020. Below are the following travel requirements and safety protocols of Ilocos Norte:
1. Tourists from Luzon, including Metro Manila, are allowed to enter Laoag. Only 50 tourists per day are allowed.
2. Tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ areas with a high infection rate must present the following:
• Negative RT-PCR test result taken not 72 hours prior to traveling or upon arrival
• Negative RTD test result upon arrival at the provincial borders
3. Tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ areas with low infection rates can either present a negative RT-PCR test or RTD test and another RTD upon arrival at the border.
4. Pregnant women, guests with diseases, and children with chronic illnesses are not allowed.
5. Tourists may enter Laoag via Badoc and Pagudpud gateways, including the Laoag International Airport. Visitor’s Assistance Centers in the said places can process tourist arrivals from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
6. Below are the following travel documents and requirements that tourists must prepare prior to travel and upon arrival at the city:
• Negative RT-PCR test result
• RDT test at the border upon arrival
• Pre-registration at Laoag’s Stay IN, Laoag’s tourist registration
• SafePass QR Code
• Health declaration form
7. DIY and day tours are not allowed as well. All tourists must have pre-arranged travel with DOT-accredited travel agencies or tour operators only.
8. Minimum health protocols including wearing of face masks and shields, social distancing, and regular hand sanitation must be observed.
9. For public transport, a “no face mask and shield, no ride” policy is implemented.
10. For dining protocols, all restaurants and food establishments must comply with the safety guidelines and must enforce COVID-19 specific procedures.
For Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Sur reopened tourism for domestic tourists last November 15, 2020. The travel requirements and safety protocols of the place don’t fall far from Ilocos Norte and Baguio City. Here’s what you need to consider before traveling to the country’s heritage city:
1. Vigan is open to domestic tourists. Guests below 21 years old, above 60 years old, and pregnant women are not allowed to enter the city yet.
2. Tourists coming from Baguio may reach Ilocos Sur via Tagudin and Sinait borders.
3. Tourists must prepare the following requirements:
• Negative RT-PCR or RTD test result done within 5 days prior to arrival
• SafePass QR Code and copies of documents including the confirmed itinerary approved by an accredited travel agency, government-issued ID, and accommodation booking receipt
4. DIY and day tours are not allowed. All tours must be arranged by DOT-accredited travel agencies or tour operators.
5. Minimum safety protocols including wearing of face masks and shields, social distancing, and regular hand sanitation must be followed.
6. For public transport, a “no face mask and shield, no ride” policy is strictly implemented.
7. For dining protocols, all restaurants and food establishments must follow all safety guidelines.
Go to Yoorekka for more useful guides for your local travels this year!
These three provinces are arguably the best tourist destinations to visit, for each has something in store for every type of traveler. Just remember to plan your trip accordingly for a smooth, hassle-free getaway. Stay safe!
About Antonette Louise Guiao
Antonette is a writer, a night owl, an extrovert, and a BTS ARMY. Her spare time is consumed by drawing digital vector art, sleeping, binge-watching Netflix series, and learning how to cook. An adventurer by heart, she aspires to travel the world with her family, try extreme outdoor activities, and taste all sorts of food in different countries.
Learn more stories on:
Location Tags:
Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although
careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not
make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all
information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended
to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
ALSO READ
CATEGORIES
VIDEO MARKET PLACE
FOLLOW US ON
MORE STORIES AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
