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Escape to one of the best islands in the world, Boracay in the Philippines! Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top things to do and see, where to eat, best hotels and resorts to stay in, and other travel tips with this ultimate travel guide.
Boracay Island, one of the top beaches in the Philippines, is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand beach (called White Beach), crystal clear and azure waters, a stunning sunset and more. The island doesn’t fall short on adventures and activities for people of all ages.
- Book Boracay vacation packages for a hassle-free trip to this island paradise
You'll never run out of exciting things to do in Boracay, from swimming, island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, dining and parties. Because of these, Boracay has been cited multiple times as one of the best islands and beaches in the world according to reputable publications and travelers' choice lists.
If you’re planning a getaway to Boracay, here’s everything you need to know to experience what this world-renowned paradise has to offer fully.
Boracay Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal
Starting October 1, 2020, tourists from all over the Philippines can once again explore Boracay's clear waters and gorgeous stretches of white sand. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has released a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow and consider before you jump at the chance to book that ticket to Boracay.
1. Who are allowed to go to Boracay?
Residents from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to traveling. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.
2. What are the entry points in Boracay?
Godofredo Ramos Airport also known as Caticlan Airport is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially now that there is a daily tourist cap in place.
Travelers arriving at Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port Terminal should also expect strict monitoring as each port is mandated to have health declaration stations, body temperature checks, hand sanitation, staff in protective gear, and physical distancing.
3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?
Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Boracay:
Secure a negative RT-PCR test result
The IATF has enacted a test-before-travel requirement. Travelers from GCQ or MCGQ areas must secure a negative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before the trip, so plan accordingly. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.
Observe strict quarantine
Travelers have to observe strict quarantine protocols until their travel date. This includes social distancing and proper, frequent handwashing.
Health declaration form
Visitors have to register online at http://aklan.gov.ph to answer a health declaration form. A QR Code will be sent right after, which will be presented upon arrival at the airport as well as when entering establishments for contact tracing.
Pre-book accredited Boracay hotels or resorts
Travelers should already have pre-booked hotels or resorts to stay in Boracay. Once booked, they should register through Aklan’s mobile app. Check out the list of DOT-accredited accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Open here.
Travel authority from PNP and IATF is NOT required
Tourists no longer need to secure travel authority, a negative RT-PCR test result will suffice.
4. How do you get the Tourist QR Code?
STEP 1: Access http://aklan.gov.ph or https://bit.ly/2QzbUkZ and click Online Health Declaration. Choose Boracay on the "Where To?" page.
STEP 2: Fill out the required fields and click submit.
STEP 3: Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card (HDC) on your smartphone or have it printed.
STEP 4: Email touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC - Family Name, First Name (example: OHDC - Santos, John) and attach a copy of the following:
- 1) HDC together with a copy of RT-PCR Negative Result
- 2) Confirmed booking flight and booking details
- 3) Valid ID
Multiple tourists and documents can be sent in one email.
STEP 5: Wait for the email response within the day. If approved, a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code will be sent back to you. Present these to authorities at the borders for scanning.
5. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in Boracay?
Once you're in Boracay, make sure you follow these safety protocols:
Tourist QR code
Visitors should always have a copy of their QR code on their person, whether through their smartphone or a printed physical copy. This will be used to enter establishments like hotels, restaurants and other facilities for contact tracing.
Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield
Tourists are required to wear proper safety gear and practice social distancing. Proper safety gear is defined as a mask and face shield, in addition to frequent and proper handwashing.
Transport protocols
Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.
Passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be immediately transported to the nearest health facility. Drivers are provided with proper safety gear and the needed sanitization tools to disinfect the vehicle after every ride.
Dining protocols
Customers dining in have to log down details for contact tracing. Restaurants should have temperature checks, practice social distancing, and other sanitizing products. Self-service stations are barred from operating.
6. What activities can you do in Boracay during quarantine?
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Boracay, but make sure to take note of the following protocols:
Swimming - with registration
Tourists have to register before swimming. There are designated beach stations where you can get your temperature checked before you go into the water. Areas are marked with red and yellow flags and you’re allowed to swim from 6 am to 6 pm.
Water sports - reduced capacity
Water sports or White Beach activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are permitted but at a reduced capacity.
Dining - with protocols
Restaurants are open for dine-in and take-out. Contactless payment is encouraged to lessen possible transmission.
