Some great news for fully vaccinated local tourists in the Philippines! If you have been itching to finally see the outdoors and experience what it’s like to travel to the country’s beautiful destinations again, then thank yourself for getting jabbed against COVID-19!
Start planning your trip (and packing your bags!) to these top destinations and provinces in the Philippines that don’t require RT-PCR tests anymore, and are open for the fully-vaccinated individuals*.
*Based on government guidelines, an individual is considered fully vaccinated if he/she has received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (or a single-shot vaccine) after at least 2 weeks.
Baguio
Widely known for its cool climate, winding roads with sweeping views, and lush greenery, Baguio City is one of the country’s well-loved tourist destinations, especially those coming from the busy Metro Manila and wanting to have a down time up in the highlands. The Philippines’ “Summer Capital” is home to popular attractions such as Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and the BenCab Museum.
Requirements:
- Vaccination card or certificate
- Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated adults are not allowed. For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minors aged 12 to 17, a negative antigen or RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours before arrival is still required
- Confirmed booking at accredited hotels in Baguio
- Pre-registration via visita.baguio.gov.ph at least one day before arrival
- Health screening upon arrival
- See detailed requirements here
Bohol
A small island off the Visayas region yet packed with so much natural charm. From the world-renowned geological wonder Chocolate Hills, pristine Loboc River, century-old stone churches, the charming Philippine tarsier, and glistening white sand beaches, there is no shortage of attractions for tourists to enjoy in Bohol.
Requirements:
- Vaccination certificate obtained from VaxCertPH *An announcement made last October 30 informs the public that vaccination cards are accepted until VaxCertPH is fully in operation
- An S-pass permit
- See detailed requirements here
Cebu City
A cultural treasure, gastronomic hotspot, and industrial hub all rolled into one — that’s Cebu City for you! It comes as no surprise that it has long been hailed as the Queen City of the South, with top attractions including the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Magellan’s Cross, and some of the biggest leisure malls the country has to offer.
Requirements:
Cebu Province
Cebu City is already a destination on its own, but exploring the larger island province of Cebu treats visitors with exhilarating sights and activities including canyoneering in Badian, the famous sardine run in Moalboal, a chance to swim with whale sharks in Oslob, and frolicking in the glorious beaches of Bantayan and Malapascua islands.
Requirements:
- Vaccination card or certificate
- Valid ID
- See provincial memorandum here
Dumaguete
Indeed, this laid-back town is the City of Gentle People. Dumaguate has this unassuming and quiet charm to it that extends to how friendly the locals are. Take a stroll down Rizal Boulevard, visit Silliman University, or take a side trip out to Apo Island for a great Dumaguete experience.
Requirements:
- Vaccination card or certificate
- Negative antigen test (48 hours validity from release date)
- Register at S-pass
- See detailed requirements here
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Formerly a US Navy Facility, Subic Bay has become a wonderful weekend getaway spot for those coming from Metro Manila and nearby provinces for its numerous attractions including the Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, Funtastic Park, and Tree Top Adventure Subic. Add to these a wide selection of hotels and vacation homes for rent and you’ve got a destination perfect for the entire family!
Requirements:
- Intrazonal and interzonal travelers of ALL ages are welcome
- Vaccination cards are required for interzonal travelers coming from a higher quarantine/alert level, persons over 65 years of age, those with comorbidities or health risks, and pregnant women
- See detailed requirements here
Here’s a complete list of Philippine provinces open for fully-vaccinated local travelers:
- Benguet – Baguio City
- Ifugao
- Pangasinan
- Nueva Ecija
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Isabela (via Land)
- Bulacan
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Quezon
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
- Romblon
- Masbate
- Subic Bay Freeport Zone
- Antique
- Iloilo
- Capiz – Roxas City
- Guimaras
- Negros Occidental – Bacolod
- Bohol
- Cebu
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Samar – Catbalogan
- Misamis Oriental – Cagayan de Oro City
- Davao Oriental – Mati
- Maguindanao – Cotabato City
- Agusan del Norte
- Agusan del Sur
- Surigao del Sur
- Lanao del Norte
- Zamboanga del Sur – Pagadian City