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What You Should Know About Visiting Boracay In The New Normal (UPDATED 2021)

Boracay reopened its doors to domestic tourism last October 1, 2020, simultaneously with Baguio, leading the way for other tourism hotspots like Siargao, Bohol, and Palawan that soon followed. Finally, the ice that got us frozen in place is melting and opportunities to explore again are gradually opening up. 

Of course, there are still strict protocols to follow so you can enjoy your vacation safely. If you’re aching for a beach escape soon, plan your trip ahead and take note of the new travel guidelines for Boracay.

 

 

Minimum Eligibility

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Boracay will only accept residents of areas classified under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or lower, in addition to the earlier announced Western Visayas residents. There is no age restriction.

 

 

What You Need To Prepare (a.k.a. Your Boracay Travel Checklist)

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  • Negative RT-PCR Test Result
  • Roundtrip Flight Tickets
  • S-Pass
  • Health Declaration Form for Boracay Tourist QR Code
  • Confirmed Accredited Hotel Booking
  • Government Issued-ID
  • Island Transfers

 

 

COVID-19 Testing

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A test-before-travel policy is implemented in Boracay. If you’re a non-Aklanon resident, you need to undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test within 72 hours prior to your travel date and provide proof of a negative result. 

You can check all accredited COVID-19 testing laboratories on the DOH website. After taking the test, strict quarantine until your departure date is strongly advised.

 

 

Registration and Health Declaration

If you satisfy the basic requirement of eligibility, you may proceed to fill out the required Health Declaration Card online at www.touristboracay.com

Note that at this point, it is best to have your trip planned out already because you will be asked for details like travel itinerary and accommodation. 

 

 

 

Travel Itinerary

As mentioned, you will be asked to provide documentation of your trip in advance, which includes your roundtrip flight itinerary. Make sure that you book flights bound for Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport), the designated port of entry for leisure travelers. 

You can book a shared transfer service from Caticlan Airport to ensure a smooth arrival at your hotel. Physical distancing and other safety standards are implemented in all transportation services.

 

 

Acquiring Your S-Pass

All inbound Boracay tourists are required to acquire an S-Pass (Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage) before traveling to the island. This document must be approved prior to your trip. You can get yours here: s-pass.ph.

To follow up on your S-Pass, you may email aklantraveller@gmail.com or call (036) 268 – 8033.

 

 

Hotel Booking

via Astoria Current

You will also need to arrange your accommodation in a DOT-certified hotel in advance. Here are some of KKday’s recommended hotels:

 

 

Submission of Documentary Requirements

Once you’ve accomplished all of the above requirements, you will now need to submit them to Boracay Tourism’s validating team at touristboracay@gmail.com at least 12 hours before your travel date. 

The subject of your email should be: OHDC-Family Name, First Name

Your email should contain: 

  • A copy of your negative RT-PCR result
  • Accommodation booking confirmation
  • Roundtrip flight/travel details
  • Valid ID

For traveling groups, you may send all of the requirements in one email. Just indicate all of the names and make sure each one’s documents are complete to avoid delays. 

 

 

What to Expect After Submission

Expect the validation team to respond between a couple of minutes to an hour. You may send a follow-up email after two hours. 

Once approved, you will receive a copy of your Health Declaration Form along with a Tourist QR Code. You will use this code upon your entry and exit of Boracay and when entering establishments on the island. So, be sure to save the code on your phone and have a printed copy if possible. 

 

 

Other Tips and Reminders

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  • Your Tourist QR Code will expire 12 hours after your hotel checkout time. If you plan to extend your stay, you should send an email to touristboracay@gmail.com with your new booking slip as proof prior to your checkout. 
  • Exercise contactless transactions whenever possible.
  • Opt for private tours and small group activities to help you minimize contact with other people.  
  • Keep these safety tips in mind during your vacation.

 

 

Browse KKday for more tours and experiences in Boracay!

 

 

Words by Rei Leano
Featured image via Jakub Barzycki on Shutterstock

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