GUIDE: Requirements for domestic travel in the Philippines

Traveling to nearby provinces or local tourist destinations soon? You might want to check first if you have all the “new normal” travel requirements ready for a hassle-free getaway.

With most places in the country now under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), and with the highly anticipated reopening of famous tourist destinations such as Bohol and Boracay scheduled in the last quarter of the year, a lot of Filipinos are excited to travel for leisure once again.

But of course, since the pandemic is still not over, safety measures still need to be observed, Hence, local tourists should expect a “new normal” when it comes to traveling.

So, for those planning to go on a quick getaway soon, here's a guide on the requirements for domestic travel in the “new normal”.

1) DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate

If you're thinking of going on a staycation soon, you should check first if the hotels have a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The CAO is given to accommodation establishments that comply with the safety protocols issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Philippine Department of Health (DOH). It certifies that their business operations are safe for both tourists and tourism workers.

Actually, this requirement is for the owners of the hotels or accommodations to accomplish. However, it's good to check for this yourself, in order to avoid problems when you get to your destination.

2) Debit card, credit card, and RFID

Cashless transaction is the “new normal” when it comes to paying for goods and services. By November 2, toll expressways will be requiring cashless transactions via the Easytrip radio-frequency identification (RFID).

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) recently conducted a free RFID installation program to encourage motorists to switch to contactless transactions. Easytrip has also partnered with Robinsons Malls and they have a program offering free RFID installation at select mall branches from October to November.

Airlines and other business establishments such as hotels and restaurants also implement cashless transactions so be prepared to do the payment online through your smartphone or have your credit card or debit card ready.

3) Travel authority/Travel pass

Initially, there was confusion on whether a travel pass was required in order to enter certain places such as Tagaytay.

However, this issue was resolved in a Laging Handa briefing last September 17 by Presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque. He said travel from MGCQ to another MGCQ areas doesn't require a travel pass. However, travel from places under the general community quarantine (GCQ) to MGCQ areas still require a valid travel pass.

So, visitors from Manila, which is still under GCQ, would still need to present a travel pass in order to enter Tagaytay, which is under MGCQ.

Also, before being issued a travel pass, you would need to secure a medical certificate from your LGU's head office.

4) Negative RT-PCR test results

Popular tourist destinations such as Boracay and Bohol will be implementing a “Test Before Travel” policy once they reopen. This requires tourists to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result before being allowed entry.

Palawan, on other hand, has already started this as they try to slowly revive tourism in their province with the help of “travel bubbles”.

This is a crucial safety measure in order to prevent COVID-19 from spreading further.

5) Book a flight and check in online (online boarding pass)

Since airlines such as Cebu Pacific, AIrAsia Philippines, and Philippine Airlines (PAL) now implement contactless flight procedures, passengers are required to book flights and check in online.

So now, instead of handing over a printed boarding pass, you only need to show your online boarding pass.

6) Health declaration form (HDF)

Much like what's currently being done in supermarkets and other business establishments, PAL requires its passengers to accomplish a health declaration form (HDF).

However, in the case of PAL, the HDF is accomplished online, along with the passenger travel profile.

So, check with your chosen accommodation if you need to fill out an HDF once you arrived or if you need to accomplish it online.

7) Booking confirmation

If you're heading to Boracay soon, you'll need to present a booking confirmation upon your arrival. This is the local government unit's way of ensuring that you have booked from a certified establishment.

Even if you're going to other destinations, it's best to have your booking confirmation ready, just in case they look for it upon your arrival at the airport.

8) Face masks and face shields

The COVID-19 threat is still present and very real, so even if domestic leisure travel is now allowed, you shouldn't let your guard down. Always wear a face mask and face shield, especially when interacting with other people.

Airlines such as PAL and Cebu Pacific actually require passengers to wear face masks and face shields upon entering the airport, during the whole flight (except when eating or drinking), and until their arrival to their destination.

9) Your own pen and sanitizer

In order to lessen contact with other people, passengers of Cebu Pacific are actually encouraged to bring their own pen to fill out forms.

And for your own safety, bring your own sanitizer (not bigger than 100 mL), so you'll have some to use aside from those that are located in entrances of establishments.

Aside from the things included in this checklist, don't forget to always carry with you a strong sense of caution, in order for you to stay safe and healthy during your travel in the “new normal”.

Want more lifestyle content like this? Head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

Check out also the GCQ essentials that can help you stay safe amid the pandemic.