Vaccinated Tourists Still Require To Follow Strict Protocols in Ilocos

Heads up, travelers: strict travel protocols in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur remain even to fully vaccinated individuals.

Despite several areas accepting vaccination cards as substitutes for COVID-19 test results, the Ilocos provinces’ local governments still monitor their borders to lessen the spread of the virus in the area. According to Metro Ilocos Norte Council project head Atty. Athena Nicolette Pilar, protocols are still in place.

Pilar adds that Ilocos Norte has not loosened up border measures and is still on the status quo. As of July 16, Laoag City was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine—which means intrazonal travels and movements are strictly monitored. Standard health protocols are still being enforced for both locals and tourists. Fully vaccinated tourists are still required to undergo COVID-19 testing and medical triage upon arrival at the provincial borders.

For tourists who are planning to enter the province, they must register at https://ilocosnorte.ph/ first. After successful registration, tourists must provide a valid ID and confirmed booking from accredited travel agencies or accommodation.

The Ilocos Norte Tourism page posted a list of the Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited agencies and accommodations to guide tourists. The list is available here: https://www.facebook.com/TourIlocosNorte/posts/4096589533750934. After securing a booking, guests are required to get their unique QR codes from Safepass via https://m.me/safepassportal.

Age restrictions are still in place in Ilocos Norte, which means those aged 18 to 65 must submit negative RT-PCR or antigen test results. Those coming from GCQ areas must submit RT-PCR or Philippine Red Cross-conducted saliva testing taken within 24 hours before arrival. As for those coming from MGCQ, rapid testing is also required within 24 hours before arrival in Ilocos Norte. They also have the option to get tested at the site.

As for Ilocos Sur, eight towns are under MECQ until July 22. Local officials stated that they are still finalizing protocols once they waive COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travelers.

As of July 13, there are 93,546 fully vaccinated residents in the Ilocos region. Vigan and La Union also started to vaccinate individuals under the A4 group last July 14.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Ilocos and Northern Luzon!