Boracay travel requirements and guidelines under COVID-19 new normal

Last updated on May 11, 2021

Starting October 1, 2020, tourists from all over the Philippines can once again explore Boracay’s clear waters and gorgeous stretches of white sand. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has released a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow and consider before you jump at the chance to book that ticket to Boracay.

1. Who are allowed to go to Boracay?
Residents from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to traveling and who have secured the necessary document requirements of Boracay. A negative saliva RT-PCR test result can also be submitted as an alternative. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.

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2. What are the entry points in Boracay?
Godofredo Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport, is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially now that there is a daily tourist cap in place.

Travelers arriving at Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port Terminal should also expect strict monitoring as each port is mandated to have health declaration stations, body temperature checks, hand sanitation, staff in protective gear, and physical distancing.

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

Secure a negative RT-PCR test result
The IATF has enacted a test-before-travel requirement. Travelers from GCQ or MCGQ areas must secure a negative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to travel, so plan accordingly. Guests can also present a negative saliva RT-PCR test result as an alternative. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.

Filled out the Health Declaration Form and send the requirements via email
Visitors have to register online at https://www.touristboracay.com/ to answer a health declaration form. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page and send the following requirements to touristboracay@gmail.com using the email subject OHDC-FamilyName, FirstName at least 12 hours or more before your trip:

1. Screenshot of the OHDC confirmation
2. Proof of identification with Philippine Residency
3. RT-PCR Negative Result Certificate (saliva, nasopharengeal or oropharengeal) with date of extraction within 72 hours to date of travel
4. A copy of a confirmed booking slip/form from a Boracay accommodation. Travelers should already have pre-booked hotels or resorts to stay in Boracay. Once booked, they should register through Aklan’s mobile app. Check out the list of DOT-accredited accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Open here.
5. Roundtrip flight/travel details via Caticlan Airport only
6. S-Pass Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) (can be obtained from https://s-pass.ph/)

If you’re traveling as a group, you can send multiple tourist documents in one email. Just include a listing of the names of the tourists.

If processing is successful, a copy of HDC and QR Code will be sent right after, which will be presented upon arrival at the airport as well as when entering establishments for contact tracing.

4. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you’re in Boracay?
Once you’re in Boracay, make sure you follow these safety protocols:

Tourist QR code

Visitors should always have a copy of their QR code on their person, whether through their smartphone or a printed physical copy. This will be used to enter establishments like Boracay hotels, restaurants, and other facilities for contact tracing.

Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield

Tourists are required to wear proper safety gear and practice social distancing. Proper safety gear is defined as a mask and face shield, in addition to frequent and proper handwashing.

Transport protocols

Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.

Passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be immediately transported to the nearest health facility. Drivers are provided with proper safety gear and the needed sanitization tools to disinfect the vehicle after every ride.

Dining protocols

Customers dining in have to log down details for contact tracing. Restaurants should have temperature checks, practice social distancing, and other sanitizing products. Self-service stations are barred from operating.

5. What activities can you do in Boracay during quarantine?
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Boracay, but make sure to take note of the following protocols:

Swimming – with registration

Tourists have to register before swimming. There are designated beach stations where you can get your temperature checked before you go into the water. Areas are marked with red and yellow flags and you’re allowed to swim from 6 am to 6 pm.

Water sports – reduced capacity

Water sports or White Beach activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are permitted but at a reduced capacity.

Dining – with protocols

Restaurants are open for dine-in and take-out. Contactless payment is encouraged to lessen possible transmission.

This travel information was provided by Guide to the Philippines.