Bohol travel requirements and guidelines under COVID-19 new normal

Starting November 15, 2020, travelers from the Philippines can once again discover Bohol’s countryside attractions and beaches. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to comply before you make your trip to the home of the Chocolate Hills.

1. Who are allowed to go to Bohol?
Bohol is open to residents and domestic tourists starting November 15, 2020 as long as they have a valid negative RT-PCR test or Saliva RT-PCR test from the Philippine Red Cross result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior date of travel and fulfill the necessary requirements of the province. Senior citizens and minors are allowed to enter Bohol as per E.O. 53.

2. What are the entry points in Bohol?
Domestic tourists can only enter Bohol via the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) or other ports of entry like Tagbilaran City Port.

3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?
Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Bohol:

Confirmed hotel booking

All tourists must have confirmed hotel booking in Panglao and Dauis. The accommodation must have a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) from the Department of Tourism (DOT) or the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) seal from Bohol’s Provincial Government.

Secure a negative RT-PCR test result

The IATF has mandated a test-before-travel requirement. All domestic tourists must get a negative RT-PCR test result done within three days (72 hours) prior to the date of travel. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here. Saliva RT-PCR Test from the Philippine Red Cross is now also accepted.

In case of booking cancellations or last-minute changes to flight schedules, tourists may also opt to have their swab test upon arrival in Bohol at their own expense. In such case, tourists will be required to fill up a signed undertaking stating that they are willing to undergo strict hotel quarantine while waiting for the result of their test.

Online registration for QR Code and Letter of Acceptance

Tourists must pre-register at Bohol’s tourist registration portal at tourism.bohol.gov.ph to get a QR Code and Letter of Acceptance. The necessary information will be sent to you via email.

A personal QR Code will be assigned to each tourist. This will serve as the visitor’s electronic ID which will be scanned at the entrance and exits of the establishments and where the necessary information such as accommodation and tour bookings will be documented. Walk-in tourists are not allowed.

Book with DOT-accredited tour operators only

Trips outside of the accommodation is only allowed if tourists have pre-arranged trips with DOT-accredited and UBE certified travel agencies or tour operators only. Do-it-Yourself (DIY) or day tours are no longer allowed.

Download TRAZE app

All tourists entering Bohol must have the TRAZE app for contact tracing which contains the traveler’s basic profile.

Observe strict quarantine

Tourists must follow strict quarantine requirements until their travel date. This includes wearing a mask and face shield, sanitizing hands regularly, and observing social distancing.

4. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you’re in Bohol?

Once you’re in Bohol, make sure you follow these safety requirements:

Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield

All residents and domestic tourists must wear face masks, face shields, wash hands regularly and practice proper social distancing especially in public establishments. This is to help reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 disease.

Transport protocols

Upon arrival in Bohol, tourists should be picked up by the transport service of their accommodation or by a pre-booked transport service from an accredited operator and should be immediately transferred to the pre-booked accommodation. Stopovers from port/airport to accommodation and meeting friends, relatives, acquaintances outside of the tourist bubble are not allowed.

Both drivers and passengers must follow the “no face shield, no mask, no ride” policy, This includes public transportation in Bohol like buses, jeepneys, tricycles, and many more. These protection measures are highly essential, especially at provincial borders to limit the spread of COVID-19 disease.

Dining protocols

There are restaurants and food establishments in Bohol that offer dine-in services. Guests are expected to comply with dining procedures such as the usage of face masks, face shields and proper social distancing.

Restaurants and food establishments must strictly implement all health and safety protocols as stated in the national and local government regulations.

5. What activities can you do in Bohol during quarantine?

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Bohol, which includes countryside attractions, beaches and other tourist spots like the iconic Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary.

Visitor QR Code

All travelers must present their QR code at the entrance before leisurely exploring these tourist attractions.

Travel protocols

Residents and domestic tourists can only join tours organized by DOT-accredited and UBE certified tour operators. DIY tours are not allowed.

Health protocols

Wearing a face mask, face shield, and observing proper social distancing in these tourist spots strictly needs to be followed

This travel information was provided by Guide to the Philippines.