More and more destinations in the country are waiving the COVID-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated visitors, a clear indication that the tourism sector is on the path of recovery.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) released an updated list of domestic destinations which no longer require negative results of RT-PCR tests for fully vaccinated tourists. These include popular destinations like Baguio, Bohol, Cebu, Clark, Subic, and, starting on November 16, Boracay Island and Guimaras.
In lieu of the RT-PCR test, these destinations require only vaccination cards issued by the Department of Health (DOH) or the local government unit (LGU) where the vaccination was administered.
“With the lifting of the testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors to these destinations, travel has become more affordable and accessible for domestic tourists, especially with the coming holiday season,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
As of November 13, 2021, the DOT’s list of provinces that accept vaccination cards in lieu of COVID-19 tests for travelers include:
– Tarlac
– Pampanga
– Nueva Ecija
– Camiguin (starting Nov. 15)
– Batangas
– Oriental Mindoro
– Masbate
– Camarines Norte
– Iloilo
– Guimaras (starting Nov. 16)
– Negros Occidental
– Bohol
– Southern Leyte
– Zamboanga del Sur
– Zamboanga Sibugay
– Misamis Oriental
– Bulacan
– Cebu Province
The following destinations are also accepting vaccination cards as requirements for travelers:
– Boracay (starting Nov. 16)
– San Vicente, Palawan
– Naga City, Camarines Sur
– Baguio City, Benguet
– Cebu City and Mandaue City
– Clark Freeport Zone
– Subic Bay Freeport Zone
– Dingalan, Aurora
– Maasin City, Leyte
– Ormoc City, Leyte
– Calbayog City, Samar
– Mati, Davao Oriental
The tourism chief reminded tourists to observe minimum health and safety protocols when traveling.
“As we expect more tourists going to Boracay Island, and other destinations that have eased travel requirements for fully vaccinated individuals in the coming weeks, we continue to remind travelers to observe minimum health and safety protocols when visiting the spots,” Puyat said.
