Traveling to Boracay? What you need to know ahead of island’s opening to more locals

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 24)— World-class destination Boracay is expected to reopen its doors to more tourists in October, but visitors will have to go through strict health checks, officials said.

On Wednesday, officials said tourists from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) will be allowed to enter the island beginning October 1 subject to health protocols, including a negative polymerase chain reaction test result two to three days before travel.

The island resort is now open only to tourists from Western Visayas.

The local government of Malay town, which has jurisdiction over the island, said it is still awaiting formal approval from the COVID-19 inter-agency task force, but Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat expressed confidence that her colleagues will support the proposal.

Ahead of Boracay’s expected reopening to visitors from GCQ areas, CNN Philippines spoke to tourism officials to learn more about the island’s protocols against the virus:

Negative PCR test result 48 to 72 hours before travel

A negative COVID-19 test result is one of the main requirements for travelers heading to the island. This will have to be done two to three days before travel time.

Addressing concerns on accuracy of results, Puyat urged tourists to stay at home after getting their swab tests to minimize risk and exposure to the virus.

“Stay home after swabbing so that we can be assured that before you leave for Boracay, that you stay negative,” Puyat said in an interview with The Source.

Pre-arranged accommodations

It is also required for guests to book accommodations ahead of their trip.

According to the Tourism department, there are now over 200 hotels and resorts with over 4,000 rooms that can accommodate tourists.

Guests will go through body temperature checks, and should fill up health declaration forms upon check-in. Establishments are also required to have santizing mats.

Tourism spokesperson Undersecretary Benito Bengzon said resorts are also expected to implement guest capacity in rooms.

All establishments and hotels will also have a COVID-19 hotline for coordination with health officials.

Are there age restrictions?

“We are proposing no age restrictions because Filipinos travel as a family. As long as they are negative with the RT-PCR, of course no symptoms, follow minimum health standards – we ask that no age restrictions to go also to Boracay,” Puyat said.

Which airport will accommodate visitors?

Only the Caticlan airport will be open. Puyat said the airport will have an isolation facility, which will cater to symptomatic visitors.

Do I need to undergo quarantine upon arrival?

Tourists who exhibit virus symptoms will be brought to a nearby isolation facility and will again be tested for COVID-19. If the test yields a negative result, then the one can proceed to the island. Otherwise, he or she will need to leave the area.

Puyat said officials are in discussions with airlines and hotels on rebooking or refunding, should a guest fail to complete the trip.

Do we need to wear masks while strolling on the beach?

Yes. “Kailangan naka-face mask (we need to wear a face mask). Just to be sure,” Puyat said.

Aside from wearing of face mask, visitors are also expected to observe other minimum health protocols, including physical distancing and hand-washing.

Will foreigners be allowed to visit the island?

Foreign nationals will be allowed to visit the island as long as they are in the country.

Is there a maximum length of stay in the island?

“No cap at all. Actually, we’re really encouraging long-staying guests. Because you can just be there, you have strong internet, and you work from anywhere,” Puyat said.

Is drinking allowed in the island?

Puyat, citing quarantine guidelines from the Trade department, said guests will be allowed to purchase two glasses or bottles of alcoholic drinks.