Cebu City Travel Requirements
As travel restrictions start to ease, more provinces are reopening their doors to local tourists. Included in this growing list is Cebu! Known for its lively city life, nearby white-sand beaches, and spectacular diving, the province offers the ideal balance of adventure and luxury, making it the perfect getaway for all types of travelers.
If you’re excited to hit up the second largest metropolitan in the country, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to travel to the Queen City of the South. In this guide, we’ll be talking about when and where to book your flights, accredited hotels, requirements, all the way to the guidelines you need to follow while in Cebu City.
UPDATE 12/10/2021: Cebu Province shall be under Alert Level 2 from December 1 to 15, 2021. Interzonal travel within the entire island of Cebu shall be permitted.
NOTE: This travel guide only covers Cebu City, which has been open to tourists since November 2020. These requirements do not apply to cities outside of the Cebu City Proper or any other city in the province.
Before you go (Pre-Flight Checklist):
Fully-vaccinated tourists:
- Valid photo ID with signature
- Vaccination Card with QR Code/ Vaccination Certificate
Non-Vaccinated tourists:
- Valid photo ID with signature
- Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within seventy-two (72) hours; or
- Negative Antigen/ Saliva Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within forty-eight (48) hours
Other Important Supplementary Documents:
- Round Trip Flight Booking
- Confirmed Accredited Hotel Reservation
- Travel Itinerary
Step 1: Obtain an Authority to Enter pass
UPDATE: As of December 1, 2021, domestic travels only need to present either their vaccination card or negative RT-PCR tests for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers respectively.
If you’re planning to travel to Cebu City, an Authority to Enter (ATE) pass is required before you can enter the city. In order to secure one, guests will need to input personal and travel information on the city's government portal: https://mics.cebucity.gov.ph/inboundapplication/.
Once all documents and requirements have been submitted, an email regarding your application will be sent within 48 hours. If your application is approved, you will receive the Clearance email. You will need to present this upon arrival in Cebu City.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- Cebu City ATE Application: https://mics.cebucity.gov.ph/inboundapplication/.
Step 2: Negative RT-PCR Test Result
UPDATE: As of December 1, 2021, only non-vaccinated travelers are required to present a negative RT-PCR test result.
While Cebu made headlines when its Governor, Gwendolyn Garcia announced the removal of the swab test requirement for tourists traveling to the province, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella clarified that the tri-cities (Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu) will still require a negative RT-PCR test from its visitors.
The test must be taken at least 72 hours (3 days) before your departure for Cebu City and must only be taken in accredited laboratories.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOH Accredited Laboratories: https://hfsrb.doh.gov.ph/1729-2/
Step 3: Book your flights to Cebu
When booking your flight to Cebu via Mactan Cebu 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.
Step 4: Secure your hotel booking
The next step is to secure your hotel booking from an accredited hotel or resort accommodation in Cebu City. 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) or a Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO) from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- Links of DOT Accredited Accommodations (REG VII Tab): http://beta.tourism.gov.ph/
Check out these DOT Accredited Accommodations in Cebu City on Klook (with exclusive deals!):
Step 5: Arrange your Travel Itinerary
After securing your hotel booking, prepare your travel itinerary throughout the duration of your stay or for at least the first 10 days of your trip (whichever is shorter).
Guests planning to explore city sites and attractions must book a tour package at the province's booking portal, discover.cebu.gov.ph.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- Link to Accredited Tours: https://discover.cebu.gov.ph/
Step 6: Process your COVID Shield Travel Authority
Cebu City's government task force requires non-essential travelers to provide a Travel Authority from the Joint Task Force Corona-Virus Shield (JTF-CV).
There are two requirements you must present before getting your Travel Authority: A medical certificate from a DOH-accredited hospital or at the city/municipal health office and a barangay clearance from your local government of origin proving that you haven’t had COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days prior to the travel date.
Step 7: Pack & Quarantine!
After getting tested, it’s your responsibility to quarantine until your flight to Cebu. 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
Plan and book your itinerary ahead
DIY tours in Cebu are strictly prohibited. If you’d like to make the most of your trip, book your preferred tour package at the province’s booking portal, discover.cebu.gov.ph. This will not only ensure you experience the best Cebu has to offer but also ensures the safety of everyone.
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 the wearing of face masks and face shields, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and practicing social distancing.
