BAGUIO tourism is now ready to open its doors to 500 tourists with eased guidelines for visitors.
As of October 28, the local government has allowed all tourists from Luzon of all ages, with accommodations at relatives' or friends' homes, and same-day or long-term vacations.
Based on the latest guidelines, all inbound travelers are mandated to register health declaration forms at https://hdf.baguio.gov.ph, while tourists register at http://visita.baguio.gov.ph. Travelers should also comply with health and safety protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, handwashing or using hand sanitizers and practice social distancing, Alberto said.
Documents needed for health workers, uniformed personnel and government officials resident of or working in the Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tublay and Tuba (BLISTT) area are: medical certificate, valid government identification card (ID) or any document as proof of residence or assignment in the BLISTT area.
The same documents are needed for authorized persons outside residence (Apor) but not residing or not assigned to work in BLISTT, including documents as proof of Apor status and Apor purpose in the city. A negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result or rapid antigen test conducted within 72 hours before entry to the city is also needed. The absence of such a test would mean a swab test at the central triage at the Baguio Convention Center.
Drop and Go drivers need to upload medical certificates issued at the place of origin and a valid government-issued ID with the place of residence.
Travelers who are just passing through need to present a medical certificate issued at the place of origin and a travel pass-through permit (TPP) issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the place of origin.
Travelers coming to Baguio for medical purposes need to upload a medical certificate issued at the place of origin and a doctor’s referral or proof of medical appointment. Companions of the patient need to undergo regular travel protocols, Alberto said.
Employees of public and private offices residing in Baguio and working in nearby provinces, workers in Baguio living in near provinces and Baguio residents coming back from travels outside of the city--all of whom regularly pass through checkpoints--need to upload a medical certificate issued from the place of origin, a valid government-issued ID showing the place of residence, proof of being an Apor such as employee ID, business permit, contract of work, etc. A negative result of RT-PCR or rapid antigen test conducted within the last 30 days before entry into the city is also needed. BLISTT residents shall be given the same treatment.
Returning Baguio residents (RBRs) need to upload travel authority issued by the PNP in the place of origin, valid government ID with Baguio address, a negative result of RT-PCR or rapid antigen test conducted within 72 hours prior to entry in the city. RBRs may opt to undergo 14-day home quarantine instead of being tested.
Non-Apors but are non-tourists, students and for personal travel purposes need to upload travel authority issued by the PNP in place of origin and the negative result of RT-PCR or rapid antigen test done within 72 hours prior to entry.
Those entering the city without test results would be tested at the central triage. First-time entrants into the city since the enhanced community quarantine may opt to undergo 14-day home quarantine instead of being tested.
Currently, only private vehicles are allowed to enter the city border, though limited public transport is available within the city and scheduled Baguio-La Trinidad–Itogon–Sablan–Tuba–Tublay transport.
The tourism office also warns of colorum and illegal tour operators, tour transports or tour guides, including illegal accommodations. (With a report from Baguio City Public Information Office)