[ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ADVISORY] Ilocos Sur Welcomes More Tourists Starting November 15, 2020

 

Want to travel but still can’t decide where to go to? Well, maybe there’s something missing in your destination choices? If you’re from Luzon Area, better include Ilocos Sur in your must-visit list!

 

Bantay Church Bell Tower, Bantay

Starting November 15, 2020, the Province of Ilocos Sur will be open to tourists from Luzon Area including those from Metro Manila, “once all systems and health and safety measures are in place”, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

 

The development came upon the announcement of Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan V. Singson to open up the province following the growing interest from tourists from the National Capital Region (NCR) during the launch of the Reef and Ridge traveler corridor.

 

The DOT also lauded the initiative of Governor Singson's to give back jobs to the tourism workforce from the kutcheros or carriage drivers to the waiters, the souvenir shops, to the tour guides through the slow but sure reopening of the province.

 

Test-Before-Travel

Baluarte Zoo, Vigan

Ilocos Sur first welcomed back tourists through the Ridge and Reef travel corridor with Baguio City and Ilocos Region including the provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Norte. And just like before, they will be requiring some documents to its tourists such as pre-registration before travel, negative RT-PCR test results within a 72-hour period.  

 

Check out below the previous Ridge and Reef (Baguio – Region 1) Travel Corridor Guidelines:

 

Before Traveling

Calle Crisologo, Vigan

1. Explore and arrange visit with DOT-Accredited Tour and Travel Agents.

Preliminary Preparations include:

•     Explore available DOT – Accredited Accommodation
•     Explore itinerary and other services offered
•     Learn safety protocols and guidelines for the visit

2. Have yourself tested

•     RT-PCR test result issued not more than 48 hours prior to travel is required.
•    Testing methods are subjected to DOH advisories and guidelines. Updates will be posted when officially released.
•     Test results are valid for a 5-days itinerary only.

3. Register & create a QR Code using Safepass

•     Request entry during the day of your travel to Ilocos Sur

To gain access to your location, try getting your own SafePass QR code first:

•     From your personal mobile phone, go to https://m.me/safepassportal
•     Click on Get Started
•     Enter 2 to request your SafePass QR Code
•     Follow  and finish all the instructions

Once done, you can now request entry into your location. To do that, just go to https:/m.me/safepassportal or https:/request.safp.as

 

4. Don’t forget your SafePass QR Code and copies of all documents:

•     Most recent COVID-19 test (current prescribed method by DOH) with the result issued by accredited Testing Centers.
•     Confirmed itinerary as issued by an accredited Tour Operator.
•     Government-issued ID, preferably Passport second page; for minors, school ID, or parent/legal guardian’s ID.
•       Accommodation Booking Receipt

During Travel

Bibingka

1. Stopovers are only allowed in designated pit stops:

•     For breathers, meals, and personal necessities during travel, stopovers are only allowed within BLUPISIN (Baguio, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte) at predetermined DOT-accredited restaurants or gas stations.
•     As much as possible, any stop is discouraged. For short-distance trips, please travel direct from point of origin to destination without stopping.

2. Designated pit stops in Ilocos Sur:

•     LV&JV Pasalubong (Brgy. Bagar, Candon City, Ilocos Sur; along National Highway)
•     Marsha’s Delicacies (Brgy. Cabalanggan, Bantay, Ilocos Sur; along National Highway)
•     Petron (Poblacion, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; along National Highway)

3. Entry access to the Province of Ilocos Sur will only be at:

• Tagudin Border
• Sinait Border

Upon Arrival at the border

Souvenir

1. Present your documents. (Do not leave your documents at the checkpoint border. Treat them as your passport or visa)

2. Triage card will be individually issued

•     A triage card will be presented during the check-in
•     No triage card, no check-in

During Guided Tour

1. Follow itinerary as assisted by a tour guide

•     Any modification of itinerary must be consulted and approved by the Provincial Tourism Office.
•     Digital check-in/out shall be done in all sites or establishments to be visited

Who is allowed to visit Ilocos Sur?

1. Tourists from Luzon Area

2. 50 Tourists at a time

3. Below 60-years old that are healthy, not pregnant, and have no COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.

4. Complied with all pre-registration requirements.

*As part of precautions for safety and slow re-opening, the Province of Ilocos Sur will only allow a limited number of tourists. Criteria may change upon the recommendation of the Provincial Health Officials.

 

Getting to Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is located north of Manila and can easily be accessed by land. If you have a private transfer from Manila, travel time is about 8 hours depending on the traffic. 

Reference: Department of Tourism

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