BAGUIO: How To Travel To The City Of Pines During Pandemic

Baguio, our beloved City Of Pines and our go-to weekend escape, recently opened its doors to tourists from different parts of Luzon after it closed early this year due to the pandemic. This is great news but the City Government has imposed strict rules for those who seek to experience once more the feels that only this dainty place can offer. So other than your OOTDs and lists of Instagram-worthy places to visit, you might be wondering what are the other things you need to prepare for before traveling to Baguio City. If you wish to know then this Baguio Travel Guide During Pandemic might just answer them for you.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS IN TRAVELING TO BAGUIO

1. Be reminded that as of this time, only residents/tourists of all ages from the Luzon area are allowed to visit. There is no advisory yet about those coming from outside of Luzon or those who will be flying to Manila/Clark airports if they will be allowed entry.
2. Visiting tourists are required to register via this link – http://visita.baguio.gov.ph/.
   Only 750 tourists are allowed per day but this may change at any time.
3. Tourists must have booked their accommodation from DOT Accredited hotels/inns, tour, and travel agents. Please see the link for the comprehensive list:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SJkUh2hB2_u0m1tMSAoKPis6w7DV8E2btw72VhhpNgw/edit?usp=sharing
4. Visits to Baguio’s Tourist Spots require prior coordination as you may not be allowed entry without one.
5. Long-term stay is allowed and must be specified when applying for a visit.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELING TO BAGUIO

1. Tourists must have a Baguio Visita Account. Please access this link – http://visita.baguio.gov.ph/ to register.
   Confirmed travel with issued QR-coded Tourist Pass (QTP) emailed by VISITA Team.
2. Negative COVID-19 (RT-PCR or Antigen Test) test results. This can be acquired prior to travel or upon arrival.
3. Triage procedures upon arrival.

USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

1. No QTP (QR-coded Tourist Pass), no travel. This is required upon entry to the city and must be presented at the border. This is also required to access tourist establishments and sites, when checking in to your hotel and during the triage procedure.
2. No walk-ins are allowed and an approved travel request must be obtained a day prior to your visit. Travel requests are only approved until 10 PM.
3. Always bring a copy of your COVID Test result and QTP as you may not know when they’re required to be presented so might as well have them handy.
4. Follow the recommended safety protocols. Bring alcohol. Observe social distancing. Avoid crowded places. Always wear a face mask and face shield.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS

• As a traveler who is used to going to Baguio City at any given time or whenever I think my mind needs a quick Baguio fix prior to the pandemic, this change to me is a bit of a hassle but completely understand the implication. I would gladly follow the set of guidelines should I decide to go for a visit.
• Is this really worth it? To me, it is. I mean Baguio is unique and offers things one wouldn’t normally see in other places in our country so going through all these is definitely worth it.
• Is the cost (RT-PCR Test) worth it? I’d say if you want to experience something great and one-of-a-kind then prepare to pay a hefty price. This I always say but my cheapskate self thinks otherwise. So not unless I’m at a point where I feel visiting Baguio is a must for my wandering soul and I might die inside should I continue to refuse the urge, I’d rather put it for later or for when they ease out with these guidelines.
• Please! These are just my thoughts. I highly encourage everyone to support the recovery of the country’s Tourism Industry which was greatly affected by the onslaught of the pandemic. Make sure to reference this Baguio Travel Guide During Pandemic prior to your visit.

There you have it lovelies. If you require more information, please contact City Gov’t Of Baguio’s Tourism Office via their official Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/baguiotourism. Share this with your friends and plan that Baguio trip now. Until next time. Ciao!