Following Boracay Island, Ilocos Norte will start to re-open to local tourists on October 15, 2020!
Paoay Church |
“We’re elated with the decision of Governor Manotoc to
finally welcome visitors from Luzon to Ilocos Norte, even those coming from
areas that are still under general community quarantine (GCQ). The province’s
success in managing the number of COVID-19 cases, not to mention an array of
cultural sites, natural attractions, and fun activities make it really worth
the long drive for people looking for a cure for their cabin fever,"
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
All local tourists from Luzon including those from areas
that are still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) will be allowed to
visit Ilocos Norte as long as they provide a Negative RT-PCR Test
Result within 48 hours before entry to the province. Local tourists are also
reminded to wear masks, face shields, and always practice social distancing
during their stay.
Ilocos Norte Capitol |
Currently, the province sets an initial target of 50 tourists per day in a bid to prevent
COVID-19 spread. They also had issued a certificate of authority to 208 hotels
and resorts in Ilocos Norte which are also regularly checked by the Regional
Office for compliance with health and safety standards.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation |
Check out below Frequently Asked Questions that will help
you when planning your next vacation in Ilocos Norte:
1. Who are allowed to enter Ilocos Norte?
Travelers from Luzon area
including those from areas that are still under General Community Quarantine
(GCQ).
2. Is there an age limit when visiting Ilocos
Norte?
There is no age limit
however, tourists that are pregnant and has a high-risk health condition and
comorbidities are not allowed to visit. Everyone are also require to take an
RT-PCR test.
3. What are the requirements for travel?
Just like in Boracay Island, local tourists must accomplish
the following requirements when visiting Ilocos Norte:
-
Tour Voucher with confirmed Accommodation Booking via
accredited hotels/ resorts
-
Confirmed Tour Itinerary via accredited travel agencies /
tour operators.
-
Negative RT-PCR Test / Antigen Test valid for 48 hours
before travel. (You may schedule your Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival at the
Pinili Visitor Center; payment for the test is shouldered by pax)
-
Medical Certificate
-
Travel Authority
-
Safe Pass QR Code
4. How to get Safe Pass QR Code?
First, you must pre-register your travel at ilocosnorte.ph. Then,
request a SafePass entry account at request.safp.as or
thru SafePass Portal via Facebook Messenger. Once done, don’t forget to save a
digital or printed copy or your QR code since you will need to present this at
the gateway checkpoints of the province, tourism establishments, and accessing
other services while in Ilocos Norte.
Sandboarding at Paoay Sand Dunes |
Once you’re all done with the requirements and now heading
to Ilocos Norte, please be guided of the following guidelines upon arrival:
1. At
Badoc Gateway, present your SafePass QR code to the personnel for scanning and
travel documents and valid IDs. Then, head to Ilocos Norte Tourist Triage South
at the Pinili Visitor Center which is only 8 minute drive away from the
gateway.
2. Complete the triage by presenting again the SafePass
QR Code, travel documents, and valid ID.
3. Once done and cleared, you may now proceed to your pre-booked accommodation.
Check out below map for your reference:
Photo source: Ilocos Norte Tourism |
Once you’re in Ilocos Norte, make sure to follow your
itinerary with the guidance of your travel operator or tour guide. Keep your QR
Codes with you at all times and don’t forget to digitally check-in and check-out
in all sites for easier contact tracing.
It’s not hard to see why Ilocos Norte became one of the
must-visit destinations in the country. The province boasts with various
attractions such as a stunning wind farm, panoramic ocean view, exciting sand
dunes adventure, and architectural wonders that is sure to let you enjoy
whatever your travel preference is! Now that they are slowly re-opening, many
are sure to be looking forward to unwind yet we must always keep in mind to
travel safely!
Reference:
Department of Tourism - Philippines
***
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