El Nido eases travel restrictions, expands travel bubble
After seven months in quarantine, tourist destinations in the Philippines are slowly reopening their borders to domestic travelers - and the Best Island in The World for 2020 just happens to be the newest destination on that list.
While El Nido Resorts, a cluster of island resorts in the heart of El Nido, has actually been accepting Manila residents since July (under very strict protocols), the Department of Tourism has given the Palawan government officials a green light to move towards the second phase of El Nido’s travel bubble in hopes of reviving tourism in the province.
What you need to know about El Nido’s reopening
As of October 30, travel restrictions have been eased for Filipino travellers keen to visit El Nido, Palawan. While further specifics have yet to be announced by Department of Tourism and Palawan’s local government officials regarding the expansion of El Nido’s travel bubble, here’s what we know so far:
Strict Test-Before-Travel Policy
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat mentions the need for an RT-PCR test at least 72 hours prior to their trip which of course, should be negative. Similar to the protocols for Boracay’s reopening, quarantine is likely to be mandatory post-test.
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DOT is working towards increasing safety measures in El Nido
Following the successful reopening of El Nido Resorts earlier in July to Manila residents, the Department of Tourism has declared that they are taking the necessary steps towards medical preparedness as they open up the rest of El Nido to the local public. Details regarding these specific guidelines and protocols have yet to be announced.
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Photo Credit: https://www.elnidoresorts.com/gallery/
Visitors can stay in DOT-certified accommodations
Several establishments can now operate and accommodate leisure guests in El Nido. As of October 23, DOT has announced 9 establishments, including El Nido Resorts accommodations, that have already earned their Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO), while 27 establishments already have their Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO).
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Contact tracing through QR Code
Similar to the travel guidelines that have been posed in Boracay, visitors will be required to fill out health declaration forms via the El Nido municipality website. Afterwards, a unique QR code will be provided for contact tracing purposes.
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There are limited direct flights with partner airlines
Take note before you start planning your itinerary: there are only eight flights from Lio Airport via Airswift that accommodate a direct entry to El Nido, Palawan. However, flights to Puerto Princesa are available under Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, a five-hour land trip to El Nido.
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