Boracay is one of the first major tourist destinations in the Philippines that resumed operation for leisure travelers. Even though the country’s most renowned beach is open to visitors, we still have to maintain safety and meet all the requirements. So here’s a simple guide when preparing for a Boracay trip this 2021.
As I wrote below the requirements I know for the moment, always check with the authorities for the latest updates and possible restrictions and requirements that may affect your itineraries. Make sure to follow the health and safety protocols implemented in your origin and destination.
As for gateway to Boracay, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) advised that each airport in Aklan will operate for a specific type of passenger, depending on the purpose of travel.
Boracay Airport or Caticlan Airport serves Boracay-bound leisure travelers. Kalibo Airport opens for returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFWs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).
For travelers who will be visiting Boracay this year, here are the documents you need to prepare.
- Health Declaration Card. You can do this online. Go to Tourist Boracay website and click Boracay. Fill in the form.
- Confirmed hotel or resort booking on the island. Keep in mind to only book in a hotel with a Certificate of Authority to Operate/Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism.
- Negative RT-PCR test. Must be taken within 72 hours prior to departure. RT-PCR tests must be done only in any of the accredited laboratories.
- E-mail these requirements to the authorities: Attach a copy of Health Declaration Form, RT-PCR Negative Result with the date of extraction within 72 hours to date of travel, a copy of confirmed booking slip/form, roundtrip flight/travel details, and proof of identification with Philippine Residency and send to touristboracay@gmail.com using the email subject “HDC-FamilyName, FirstName”. If you are traveling with companions, you can send the documents in one email with the list of names of those traveling with you.
- Tourist QR Code and Health Declaration Card. These will be sent to your e-mail once processing is successful. Print or keep a digital copy of your Tourist QR Code and keep it with you at all times when you are on the island.
Submit your documents at least 12 hours or more before your flight/travel to avoid delays. Send only valid documents as falsification is punishable by law. According to the Aklan Provincial Government, you should receive a response to your e-mail within 2 hours.
If processing is unsuccessful, an email will be sent to you requesting for additional requirements or clarification. Immediately comply with this to avoid delays in the QR Code release.
Your Tourist QR Code has an expiry of twelve (12) hours from your accommodation checkout time. For an extended stay in Boracay Island, send an email of a new booking slip showing the extension to touristboracay@gmail.com before your original checkout time.
I hope this simplified guide helps you on our future trip to Boracay. Stay tuned for more travel blogs!
*Photo by Fritz Mendez
