Baguio City updates travel requirements and safety guidelines

Baguio City is open to tourists. However, as a precaution, safety protocols are still enforced. If you're considering a trip to Baguio soon, here are the requirements and other things you should know.

On July 5, Baguio City announced that they are following the updated Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) protocol for local travelers.

Per IATF Resolution No. 124-B and City EO No.79, s. 2021, fully vaccinated individuals including senior citizens may now travel for leisure without having to present a negative COVID-19 test, and the City of Pines is officially accepting full-dose vaccination cards or certificates as entry documents.

Here are the strict definitions of being fully vaccinated according to IATF:

1. More than or equal to two weeks after having received the second dose in a two-dose series, or
2. More than or equal to two weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine.
3. The vaccines administered to the individual are included in either the Philippine Food and Drug Health Administration's Emergency Use Authorization list or Compassionate Special Permit; World Health Organization's Emergency Use Listing.

Meanwhile, here are the updated Baguio travel requirements as of July 19:

Create a Baguio VISITA account

Before your visit to Baguio, all tourists need to create an account on visita.baguio.gov.ph.

To create an account, visit the website and tap "Schedule a Visit" on the homepage. This will prompt you to sign up and register where you will need to input personal information, such as address, contact details, valid government ID and a current photo. Afterwards, an email will be sent to verify your email address.

Don't forget to download your QR Coded Tourist Pass (QTP) and keep a copy with you at all times. When in Baguio, you will need this QR code for checkpoints including the triage area, hotel reception, and key attractions around the city.

Make sure that you complete this step at least 24 hours before traveling. Entry is limited to 3,000 travelers per day on a first-come first-served basis.

Full-dose vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test result

Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR swab test result and only need to show a valid vaccination card or certificate.

Unvaccinated individuals need to present a negative antigen or RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to your entry and must be taken only at accredited laboratories. You also have the option of taking an antigen test upon arrival at the city's triage for a fee of P500. Take note Saliva Test is not available at the Central Triage.

Upon arrival, proceed to triage

All tourists must undergo triage when they arrive in Baguio City. The location of the triage center depends on the color of your QTP.

For yellow and purple QTP, go to Camp John Hay Triage or Central Triage near Baguio Convention Center. You can go straight to your booked hotel if you have blue QTP, which has its own triage area set up. And, go straight to your LISTT destination (passing through) if you are holding green QTP.

Follow all health and safety rules within the city

While it's now easier to enter Baguio City, travelers are advised to follow minimum health and safety protocols, such as wearing of face mask and face shield at all times, maintaining physical distancing of one meter, and avoiding enclosed and crowded places as much as you can.

If you're still looking for a place to stay, check out these beautiful accommodations you can book for your trip: