Boracay Is Reopening to Tourists on October 1 — Here’s What You Should Know

The beach is calling — but who can travel?
by Cristina Morales | September 30, 2020

Boracay has had a rough two years. In 2018, it was closed for six months for rehabilitation, and this year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the global tourism sector to a standstill for months. But starting October 1, the Philippine government is reopening Boracay to domestic travelers in an effort to revive the country’s economy. Here’s what you need to know.

Can I travel to Boracay even if I’m not coming from an MGCQ area?

Yes. According to the BIATF, Boracay will be open to tourists coming from MGCQ and GCQ areas. “Effective Oct. 1, Boracay Island may accept tourists from areas within a community quarantine classification of GCQ or lower, apart from travelers from Western Visayas,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a September 24 statement.

Are foreigners allowed to travel to Boracay?

No, foreigners are still not permitted to travel to Boracay.

Will I need to take a COVID-19 test?

Yes. All tourists going to Boracay will need to test negative on a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR test). The test needs to be taken not earlier than 48 hours prior to the travel date.

What about age restrictions and persons with co-morbidities?

Age restrictions have been relaxed to permit travelers between 21 and above 60 years old to travel to Boracay. However, persons with co-morbidities will still be forbidden from traveling.

Which airports will be open?

Airlines have been advised to land at Godofredo R. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, as it will be the only port of entry for tourists traveling by air.

What precautions is the Boracay LGU taking?

There will be a central point to screen tourists traveling by air, land, or sea. “Minimum health and safety guidelines, as well as emergency response protocols, must be in place, and a COVID-19 Laboratory in the locality must be operational,” Roque said.

There is an operational COVID-19 laboratory at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan.

 

Are you planning on traveling to Boracay any time soon? Tell us about it in the comments.