[UPDATED] Baguio City to Open its Doors to Tourists from Luzon on October 22

On October 1, 2020, the City of Baguio has allowed the entry of tourists from Region 1. And on October 18, 2020, the City Tourism Office and the Public Information Office of the City of Baguio further announced that Baguio City is ready to open for tourists from Luzon beginning October 22, 2020, wherein the limit then was only 200 tourist per day.

Following this update, on October 28, 2020, the City Tourism Office has revealed that the city is opening to more tourists and released the updated and simplified guidelines. Below are the following guidelines as provided by Baguio Tourism.

General Guidelines for Baguio City Tourists

Who can Visit

• All tourists from entire Luzon
• All Ages
  • As long as no underlying health conditions
  • No COVID-19 symptoms or exposure
  • Women must not be pregnant
• All with Baguio VISITA account
  • Sign up at visita.baguio.gov.ph
  • Upload valid ID and current photo
• All with Issued QTP
  • With your VISITA account, schedule a visit with travel details
  • Fill-out Electronic Health Declaration Form
  • Choose COVID-19 test option
  • Upload required test documents
  • Save or print the issued QR-coded Tourist Pass or QTP

What is QTP or QR-Coded Tourist Pass?

• Your QTP serves as your electronic ID to be presented at the border checkpoint, the triage and all tourism establishments for validation and contact tracing. No QTP, no travel.
• Travel requests can only be verified and approved up to 10:00 PM of the day before travel date. No walk-in travelers allowed, so schedule your visit early.
• For returning residents, students, workers or APORs, please register at hdf.baguio.gov.ph

Steps to a Safe and Responsible Visit

1. Create a Baguio VISITA account at visita.baguio.gov.ph
2. Schedule a visit and wait for your QTP via email
3. Proceed to Triage upon arrival
4. Follow Baguio health and safety protocols and standards while in the city

Additional Reminders

• Don’t forget to bring a copy of your COVID-19 Test Result or Testing Form (CIF) at the Triage
• Don’t forget to bring a copy of your QTP when going to city establishments and attractions

Health and Safety Protocols While in Baguio City

• Proceed to Triage upon arrival
  • CAP Convention Center John Hay Triage
    • Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Baguio Convention Center Triage
    • Open 24 hours
• Present QTP/QR-Coded Tourist Pass
  • In checkpoints
  • In hotels
  • In tourism establishments
  • In tourist sites
• Always observe minimum health and safety standards in public places
  • Wear face mask and face shields
  • Maintain physical distance of at least 1 meter as much as possible
  • Wash or sanitize hands always
  • Whenever you can, avoid crowded areas and places

COVID-19 Testing Options and Requirements when Visiting Baguio

1. Test Prior to Travel

• RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen tests are allowed as long as taken within 72 hours prior to arrival
• Upload negative test results when scheduling a visit with your Baguio VISITA account, bring a hardcopy to the Triage upon arrival for validation.
• If found to be invalid, an Antigen test shall be done for a fee.

2. Test Upon Arrival

• Download testing form and re-upload after filling-out, bring hardcopy to the Triage upon arrival
• Rapid Antigen test is available at the triage for Php 1,300

Notes

• Testing is NOT mandatory for tourists below 18 years old at the Triage, unless symptomatic. If asymptomatic, parents or guardians shall decide if child will undergo COVID-19 test.
• An RT-PCR Confirmatory Test shall be conducted to anyone (at any age) for the following cases:
  • Tourist’s antigen test upon arrival turns out to be positive
  • Tourist is reported to manifest COVID-19 symptoms
  • Tourist is reported to be a close direct contact of a COVID-19 patient

Baguio City Tourists’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These Baguio Tourists and VISITA FAQs were released by Baguio Tourism on November 3, 2020 as supplement to the guidelines. You may check the abovementioned guidelines first to have your basic questions answered.

On Baguio VISITA Registration and Requirements

1. Are there registration fees?
   • None.
2. Is there a limit as to the number of allowed tourists inside Baguio?
   • As of now, we’re limiting tourists to 500/day at a time inside Baguio City. This may be adjusted anytime accordingly with prior notice. Keep posted for updates. (The answer 500/day on this FAQ was published on November 3, 2020)
   • Based on December 3, 2020 update from the City government of Baguio, city officials have decided to increase the daily tourist arrivals from 500 to 1,000.
3. Are senior citizens or minors allowed to visit Baguio?
   • There is no age limit to tourists, as long as they are healthy, not pregnant (for women) and without COVID-19 symptoms.
4. How long will it take for VISITA to send me confirmation regarding my travel request?
   • As soon as all documentary requirements are complete, your travel request shall be confirmed within 24, hours.

5. What if I have no access to a computer or smartphone?
   • Others who may be more technically proficient can assist you in the process.
   • For your convenience, you may engage with travel agents who can assist in creating your Baguio VISITA account and register your travel. They can also issue electronic QTPs.
6. What if I don’t have a mobile or smartphone to save my QTP?
   • The QR-coded Tourist Pass (QTP) may be printed on paper.
   • Better if on hard paper like an ID, or laminated.
7. Do we still need to secure travel authority? What are we going to present at the checkpoints?
   • For tourists, no need for travel authority from point of origin.
   • The documents you need to upload in VISITA are your valid ID, current photo, COVID-19 test results or testing form.
   • At the checkpoint, you only need to present your QTP, as issued to you via email after confirmation of your travel request.
   • With a valid QTP, checkpoint officers will direct you to proceed immediately to the triage.

8. What will minors upload if they don’t have IDs and email addresses yet?
   • Registration of minors can be done by their parent or legal guardian, using a newly created email managed by parent/guardian.
   • For required VISITA documents, ID of the parent/guardian may be uploaded, except for the current photo and COVID-19 test forms.
9. If I am staying only for one day and just have a round trip visit, do I need to register in the VISITA and comply with the Negative COVID-19 Test?
   • Yes, all tourists will need to register in VISITA, and must comply with COVID-19 test requirements.
10. What are the next steps to be followed once we have secured our QTP? Are there any other clearance requirements prior to entering Baguio City?
    • As soon as you receive your QTP, you are ready to go.
    • Just present QTP at the border checkpoint and you will be directed to proceed to the triage center.
    • Be reminded to also bring a copy of your test result or accomplished testing form at the triage.
11. What is the process for returning residents, or APORs and travelers who are not tourists?
    • The following, when entering Baguio, shall register at hdf.baguio.gov.ph, instructions and requirements are posted therewith:
      • LSIs, returning residents, workers, and students
      • APORs and other official business travels
      • Drop & go and passing through travelers
      • Travels for medical purposes

On Travel, Tour and Accommodation Concern

1. Is public transport already available?
   • For now, there are no provincial public transport that is operating until approved guidelines is issued for such.
   • You may use a private vehicle, or request for tour transport from your travel agent.
   • Within the city, there are already taxis and jeepneys plying around the city.
2. Are DIY tours and excursions or same-day tour already allowed?
   • Yes, all types of tours are now allowed, as long as the address where they are staying and contact person in Baguio are declared.
3. Can I stay in my relative’s or friend’s house or in our own vacation house?
   • Yes, as long as the area is not on hard lockdown, where there is an identified local outbreak.
   • As a safer option, book in accommodation establishments that had been issued with Certificate of Authority to Operate or Certificate of Compliance, then you may just meet with relatives and friends in safer areas.
4. What is the minimum or maximum length of stay allowed for tourists in the City?
   • No limits.
   • Tourists can stay for any number of days in Baguio.

5. What if my chosen hotel is not on the list of VISITA?
   • For your safety, you can only book your accommodation with registered hotels or accommodation establishments.
   • If they are not on the list, they are not yet registered.
6. Can tourists visit their relatives who are in Baguio (in their resident area)?
   • Yes, as long as the area is not on hard lockdown, where there is identified local outbreak.
   • For your safety, it is highly recommended that meeting with your friends and family be done in open spaces or establishments with a Certificate of Compliance.
7. Will I be allowed to enter and tour the tourism attractions in BLISTT?
   • Yes, but in coordination with the LGU.
   • For convenient entry, arrange a tour in BLISTT areas with an accredited tour and travel agents.
8. What if I’m a tourist to an adjacent destination town and just passing through Baguio, what are the requirements?
   • Each LGU has its own requirements and protocols, so you need to comply with such separately.
   • As passing-through traveler, you’ll need to register also in the city’s hdf.baguio.gov.ph
9. Is there a need to receive the QTP or confirmation before traveling or can we walk-in and submit the requirements upon arrival at the border checkpoint?
   • QTP must be secured and saved prior to travel.
   • Since we are still regulating the number of tourists coming in, walk-ins are not yet allowed.
10. What are the penalties if I violate the guidelines as a visiting tourist?
    • Not following city health and safety protocols and guidelines is a violation under RA 11469 or “Bayanihan To Heal As One Act” and/or RA 11332 or “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Heath Concern Act” and therefore will be subjected to legal procedures.

On Testing Requirements and Health Protocols

• What if there are no testing laboratories available in our hometown?
  • Testing upon arrival is an option.
  • For P1,300.00, a Rapid Antigen test is available at the Central Triage in CAP John Hay or Baguio Convention Center.
• What are the accepted types of COVID-19 test for tourists?
  • Any DOH-approved testing methods can be used.
  • For now, it is the RT-PCR test and Rapid Antigen test, either of which should be done 72 hours prior to arrival, or an Antigen test done in Baguio upon arrival.
• Are minors not required to undergo swab test?
  • Testing is NOT mandatory for tourists below 18 years old at the triage, unless symptomatic.
  • If symptomatic, parents or guardians shall decide if child will undergo COVID-19 test.
• If I will stay in Baguio for more than a week or more, am I required to submit myself to COVID-19 test again?
  • Not necessarily.
  • Re-test or any confirmatory test in Baguio shall only be required when tourist start to manifest COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Also, if required by the home LGU when returning back home.

• Is Rapid Antigen Test safe for infant and children?
  • Yes, there are no medical reference that says otherwise.
• Is the Antigen test painful? How is it done?
  • Antigen test is done by a nasal swab, which may cause a little discomfort up the nose.
• Do we need to go to Central Triage upon arrival?
  • Yes, it is required that everyone entering the city, will undergo triage upon arrival.
  • We have two triage centers.
  • If arriving between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, proceed to the CAP triage in John Hay.
  • For those arriving beyond the said hours, proceed to Baguio Convention Center triage, which is open 24 hours.
• What happens at the Central triage?
  • During triage, your health declaration and test results will be verified by the triage medical staff for confirmation and validation.
  • The interview will take only 3 to 5 minutes.
  • But if tourist opted for a test in the triage, testing form will have to be presented.
  • Test can be up to 10 minutes, and results will be available in 15 to 30 minutes.
  • A waiting area is provided for those waiting for results.
• What will happen if the tourist tests positive of COVID-19 while inside Baguio City?
  • First, an RT-PCR confirmatory test will be conducted.
  • While waiting for results, the patient will be brought to one of the city-managed isolation centers, where lodging and food, provided.
  • When the result turns out to be positive, coordination and arrangement will be made with home LGU for the transfer back home.
  • Transportation back home will be arranged and shouldered by the city and home LGU.

Non-Baguio Resident Guests Required to Present Triage Form and HDF Issued QR Code

Furthermore, on December 11, 2020, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued Executive Order No. 184, Series of 2020, an order mandating all accommodation establishments to require presentation of triage form and HDF issued QR Code for guests who are not residents of Baguio City.

Through the said EO, Mayor Magalong ordered the following:

• All accommodation establishments such as but not limited to the list below are henceforth mandated to require guests who are non-residents of Baguio City to present duly issued Triage Forms from the Baguio City Central Triage Units and their HDF issued QR Code upon check-in at the establishments.
  • Hotels
  • Inns
  • Boarding Houses
  • Transient Houses
  • Airbnb
  • Vacation Homes, and the like
• Non-Baguio resident guests who are unable to present the Triage Form and QR Code upon check-in at the establishment shall be referred back to the Baguio City Central Triage at the Baguio Convention Center for immediate health assessment.
• Establishments that refuse or fail to abide by the directive may face revocation of their business permits, in addition, to other penalties or sanctions as provided by laws or ordinances so applicable. 

You may read the complete executive order here.

Other Classifications of Travelers

On November 3, 2020, the Public Information Office of the City of Baguio has published the Amendment “To the Advisory on Localized Entry Protocols, Issued on 23 October, 2020” which took effect on October 29, 2020. Stated within the Amendment to the Advisory are details including the Classifications of Travelers and the Documentary Attachments that must be uploaded in their respective Health Declaration Form profiles.

Inbound Travelers and Tourist to Register

• All inbound travelers are mandated to register their Health Declaration Forms at https://hdf.baguio.gov.ph/
• Tourists shall register at https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/

Classifications of Travelers and Documentary Attachments

A. Health workers, uniformed personnel, and Government Officials who are residents of, or are assigned to work in, the BLISTT (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tublay, and Tuba) area

• Valid Government ID, and
• Any document as proof of residence or assignment in the BLISTT area

B. APOR not residing, or not assigned to work, in BLISTT

• Valid Government ID showing place of residence
• Any document as proof of APOR status and APOR purpose in Baguio City (Employee ID, Certificate of Employment, Business Permit, IBP/PRC ID, Contract of Work, Official Invitation, and etc)
• Negative result of RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test conducted within 72 hours prior to entry into the City.
  • In the absence of negative test results, travelers must present a Medical Certificate issued by the Local Health Office in their place of origin, stating that the person is neither a suspect, probable, or possible case of COVID-19, before proceeding to the Central Triage for testing

C. Drop and Go Drivers

• Valid Government ID showing place of residence

D. Passing Through Only

• Travel Pass-through Permit (TPP) issued by PNP in place of origin

E. Persons travelling to Baguio for non-emergency medical purposes

• Doctor’s Referral or
• Medical Appointment

F. 

1. Employee of the public and private sector who are residents of Baguio and working in nearby provinces, and who regularly pass through checkpoints;
2. Workers in Baguio and living in nearby provinces, who regularly pass through checkpoints;
3. Baguio residents returning from travels outside of the City;

For this purpose, residents of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay may only be required to present Valid Government Issued IDs showing place of residence;

• Valid Government Issued IDs showing place of residence
• If passing through the checkpoints for purposes of work, business, or employment, any document as proof of APOR status (Employee ID, Certificate of Employment, Business Permit, IBP/PRC ID, Contract of Work, Official Invitation, and etc.)
• Negative result of RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test conducted within the last 30 days prior to entry into the City

G. Returning Baguio Residents (Locally Stranded Individuals, or those who were previously stranded outside of Baguio and are now coming home for the first time since ECQ or MECQ

• Travel Authority issued by the PNP in the place of origin
• Valid Government Issued ID showing place of residence in Baguio City
• Negative Result of RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test conducted with 72 hours prior to entry into the City

*May opt to undergo 14 day home quarantine instead of testing

H. Non-APORs coming into the city for non-tourist, personal travel purposes (including students)

• Travel Authority issued by the PNP in the place of origin
• Valid Government Issued ID showing place of residence
• Negative result of RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test conducted within 72 hours prior to entry into the City (if none, proceed to Central triage for testing)

*Those coming into the city for work or study the first time since ECQ may opt to undergo 14 day home quarantine instead of testing

I. Tourist

• QR Coded-Tourist Pass (QTP)

Other Details as Provided by PIO Baguio

For Outbound Travelers