Bohol Travel Requirements
"Is Bohol open for tourists?" After months of being deprived of the sun, sea, and sand, we can finally travel once more! One of the best places to experience all these again and more is on the beautiful island of Bohol after the province started accepting leisure travelers from GCQ and MGCQ areas in December 2020.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time for you to finally see the awe-inspiring Chocolate Hills in person, enjoy a delicious feast while cruising through Loboc River, and meet Bohol’s famous mascot—the tarsier!
If these have sold you to travel to Bohol, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to travel to this island in this new normal. This guide includes the necessary Bohol travel requirements, important links and forms to fill out, accredited tour operators and accommodation establishments, and as well as tips for travelling to Bohol in the new normal.
Before you go (Pre-Flight Checklist):
- Negative RT-PCR Test
- Flight booking
- Confirmed Accredited Hotel Booking
- S-Pass
- Travel Coordination Permit (TCP)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
Step 1: Get Tested for COVID-19
Just like all the other reopened tourist destinations in the country, a negative RT-PCR test result is required for you to enter Bohol. It’s important to remember that your RT-PCR test must be taken exactly within 72 hours (3 days) before your departure for Bohol and must be taken only in accredited laboratories.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOH Accredited Laboratories: https://hfsrb.doh.gov.ph/1729-2/
Step 2: Secure your flights to Bohol
When booking your flight to Bohol via Panglao International Airport, please note that your flight schedule should be within 72 hours from the time you took your RT-PCR test, and NOT from when you received your results.
Before your flight, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the new guidelines and protocols when flying during the pandemic.
Klook Tip: Familiarize yourself with new airline guidelines in light of COVID-19. New health and safety precautions are likely to have been added to their travel guidelines (ex. Wearing of mask on flight; documents needed if any)
NOTE: Flights and hotel reservations can be booked before your testing, but of course will need to be rebooked (if permitted by airline and accommodation establishment) when RT-PCR results are positive.
Step 3: Secure your Hotel Booking
The next step is to secure your hotel booking from accredited accommodations in The Municipalities of Panglao or Dauis. This means that the hotel or accommodation establishment that tourists are allowed to stay in must have obtained a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) from the Department of Tourism (DOT) or the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) seal from the Provincial Government of Bohol.
Do note that tourists are not allowed to stay with relatives, friends, or any other non-accredited accommodation establishments.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of Accredited Hotels in Bohol: https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph/where-to-book-and-stay/
NOTE: Flights and hotel reservations can be booked before your testing, but of course will need to be rebooked (if permitted by airline and accommodation establishment) when RT-PCR results are positive.
Step 4: Register for an S-Pass
When you search BOHOL on the S-Pass website, it will show as restricted. This means that a Travel Coordination Pass (TCP) is required. However, before you can get a TCP, you must first register for an S-pass.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- Register for an S-Pass: https://s-pass.ph/
Step 5: Apply for a Travel Coordination Permit (TCP)
Once you have an account on the S-pass website, you can then proceed and apply for a permit. Simply visit this link, fill out the necessary information (e.g. if you're traveling from an EVQ/MEC area), and choose which municipality in Bohol you're visiting. From there, a list of requirements of your destination's LGU will be provided, typically a 72hrs negative RT-PCR Test Result or Saliva PCR Test from Red Cross.
Step 6: Pre-arrange your transfers
For a hassle-free and smooth sailing trip, tourists are advised to pre-arrange their transfer through accredited tourist transport services from their point of entry to their booked DOT-accredited accommodation. It’s best to book your transfers in advance to avoid any hiccups upon your arrival in Bohol.
Important Links:
- List of Accredited Transport Service Providers (for pre-booking): https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph/where-to-book-and-stay/
Step 7: Pack & QUARANTINE!
After getting tested, it’s your responsibility to quarantine until your flight to Bohol. As much as possible, avoid any interactions with people outside your household or going out for errands.
Don’t forget to pack your COVID-19 safety kit with your face masks, face shield, alcohol, wipes, etc. Check with your airline and accommodation to find out if they have any additional requirements for guests.
Travel Tips:
Coordinate with a DOT-accredited tour operator prior to traveling
It is advised to book an itinerary with a DOT-accredited tour operator before traveling to the island. This will also help you make the most of your time in Bohol.
The list of Tourism Service providers with DOT Accreditation and establishments granted with the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) Seal are posted at the Bohol Tourism Website: tourism.bohol.gov.ph.
Important Links:
- List of Accredited Transport Service Providers (for pre-booking): https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph/where-to-book-and-stay/
Always bring a digital copy of your QR code and other travel documents
Your QR code is your entry pass to Bohol and to most, if not all, establishments there. Upon arrival at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport or port of entry, this will immediately be scanned. Don’t forget to carry it with you at all times as it will be scanned upon entrance and exit to establishments and sites, along with an electronic copy of your travel documents.
Just in case, keep a digital copy of your negative RT-PCR test results on you at all times as well.
Get your RT-PCR Test from DOH-accredited laboratories only
Make sure to have your RT-PCR test from DOH-accredited RT-PCR laboratories and your negative test result should not date earlier than 72 hours prior to your date of travel.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOH Accredited Laboratories: https://hfsrb.doh.gov.ph/1729-2/
Follow health and safety protocols upon arrival and departure
Be a responsible and mindful traveler! Comply with the minimum health and safety standards implemented in the province at all times such as wearing of face masks and face shields, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and practicing social distancing.
Coordinate ahead with or follow the arrival protocols of your receiving local government unit (LGU) or destination. Prior to departure, it is required to check out using your QR code from your accommodation and at the airport.
Where to Stay in Bohol
Enjoy Klook-exclusive deals on these DOT-accredited Bohol hotels:
Bohol Tourist Spots
Enjoy a hassle-free vacation in the new normal and pre-book your Bohol itinerary on Klook! Here are a couple activities to try out:
