All the Things You Need To Know If You Want to Visit Baguio

2020 seemed to have passed in a flash. The whole world had to spend most of the year indoors because of the pandemic, causing tourist spots, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments to close down temporarily. While being cooped up inside, lots of people shared the exact same feeling: missing the outdoors.

Thankfully, some places in the country have started to reopen their doors to tourism, including the crowd-favorite Baguio City. For Baguio’s reopening, the local government imposed strict preventive measures, travel requirements, and safety processes before travelers can fully enjoy the city’s cool breeze and scenic spots once more. Listed below are the information that you need before paying the Summer Capital a visit, so read on and learn everything about Baguio’s reopening!

After being in quarantine for over half of the year, Baguio City finally reopened its borders to help jump start tourism amid the pandemic. The Public Information Office of Baguio officially announced its gradual reopening by posting a travel advisory on their Facebook page last August. The “travel bubble” agreement was signed by the local government units of Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

The province initially limited its reopening to guests from neighboring provinces, but it soon allowed tourists coming from Luzon shortly after. Guests can revisit popular scenic spots in Baguio, including popular parks like Burnham Park and Wright Park and iconic places like Session Road.

The Public Information Office also noted that the number of tourists per day will be limited to 500, but this may still be adjusted anytime without prior notice. They also mentioned that there will be no age limit for tourists, as long as they are healthy, not pregnant, and do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Now that the Summer Capital is operating under the new normal, here’s a list of processes, requirements, and safety protocols that you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

1. Guests must pre-register via the Baguio VIS.I.T.A. (Baguio Visitor Information & Travel Assistance) mobile application. The app is available for download via App Store and Google Play.

2. Note that guests must upload the following documents upon pre-registering on the VIS.I.T.A. App:

• Valid ID

• Current photo

• COVID-19 test results or testing form

For minors without IDs and email addresses:

• Registration of minors may be done by guardians using a newly created email managed by them as well. For required VIS.I.T.A. documents, IDs of parents/legal guardians may be uploaded. Test results and current photo must be minor’s own.

3. Upon arrival at Baguio’s checkpoint, guests must present their QR-Code Tourist Pass issued via email after confirmation of their travel request. They will then be directed to the triage center.

4. Guests must pre-book their accommodations in hotels that have received a Certificate Authorizing Operation or CAO from the Department of Tourism and the local government. This certifies that the hotel is allowed to operate. Staying with relatives and friends is strictly prohibited.

5. Guests must be assisted by an accredited tour operator agency and they must declare their itinerary for easier contact tracing.

6. All guests must undergo mandatory triage and PCR Testing upon arrival. Fees will be shouldered by the tourists.

7. Hotels obtaining a CAO and accredited tour operators must monitor their customers’ movements closely.

The City of Pines is still restricting its tourism and travels to selected areas in the Philippines, but that doesn't mean that you should lose hope. Remember that this, too, shall pass, and everything will be back to normal soon. For now, follow these safety precautions and stay protected!

If you need help planning your Baguio itinerary, visit Yoorekka to get recommendations and ideas!