El Nido Travel Requirements
Almost a year into community quarantine, we sure travelers are craving a piece of paradise, a slice of heaven after being cooped up in our homes with limited opportunities for mobility. We all must be looking forward to a few days under the sun, sand between our toes, and with a full view of turquoise waters set against a clear blue sky.
Thankfully, as of November 30, 2020, travelers from GCQ areas can once again bask in the beauty of El Nido and its sparkling beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and inspiring sustainability efforts. With the threat of COVID-19 still very much part of our everyday lives, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the local government unit (LGU) of El Nido has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow before you make your way to this world-class destination.
El Nido is currently open only to local residents and domestic tourists coming from Manila provided they have a negative RT-PCR test result taken at least 48 hours prior to travel, valid IDs, confirmed accommodation booking at a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited hotel or resort, confirmed tour booking with a DOT-accredited tour operator, and a round-trip direct flight to El Nido.
NOTE:
There are no age restrictions for domestic tourists entering El Nido, Palawan. However pregnant individuals and those with comorbidities are restricted from traveling to the island.
Before you go (Pre-Travel Checklist)
For Fully Vaccinated Tourists:
- Approved S-Pass travel application
- Hotel Booking with DOT-accredited establishment
- Roundtrip tickets
- Vaxcert accomplished via vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or vaccination card
For Non-Vaccinated Tourists:
- Approved S-Pass travel application
- Negative RT-PCR test result taken within the last 72 hours before travel
- Hotel Booking with DOT-accredited establishment
- Roundtrip tickets
UPDATE 12/10/2021: All major Palawan destinations are open for tourism. Puerto Princesa will reopen starting December 8, 2021.
UPDATE 3/3/2021: Article has been updated to reflect El Nido's amended Executive Order 2021-12, which permits both APORs (Authorized Persons Outside Residences) and Tourists to submit either swab/saliva RT-PCR tests within 72 hours prior arrival (48 hours if transiting via Puerto Princesa International Airport). More here.
Step 1: Secure a Negative RT-PCR Test Result
UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2021: Fully vaccinated tourists are no longer required to provide a negative RT-PCR result result.
UPDATE MARCH 3, 2021: El Nido now accepts RT-PCR tests conducted by the Philippine Red Cross
Photo Credit: El Nido Tourism Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/talindak/)
The IATF has in place a test-before-travel requirement for most flyable domestic destinations. All domestic tourists from Manila must provide a negative RT-PCR swab/saliva test result taken at least 48-72 hours* prior to travel.
*48 hours from RT-PCR swab/saliva test if transiting via the Puerto Princesa Airport
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOH Accredited Laboratories: https://hfsrb.doh.gov.ph/1729-2/
You may also book your COVID-19 RT-PCR test from Klook, which will be conducted from your homes. Results will be available within 24 hours.
Step 2: Book Your Flights to El Nido
UPDATE MARCH 3, 2021: Tourists may now book round-trip tickets to El Nido (either via the Lio Airport, Busuanga/Coron Airport, the San Vicente Airport and the Puerto Princesa International Airport). For El Nido Tourism's update, you can find it on their Facebook Page.
When booking your flight to El Nido, please note that your flight schedule should be within 48-72 hours* from the time your RT-PCR swab/saliva test was taken, and NOT from when you received your results.
*48 hours from RT-PCR swab/saliva test if transiting via the Puerto Princesa Airport
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 and shield on flights; 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: Confirm Booking at a DOT-Accredited Accommodation
Tourists can only stay at DOT-Accredited Hotels and Resorts in El Nido. 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).
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOT Accredited Accommodations in El Nido: https://elnidotourism.ph/tourism-partners/
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.
Here are a couple DOT-accredited hotel establishments you can book on Klook (with exclusive deals!)
Step 4: Book Tours with DOT-accredited Operators
If you’re looking to explore the wealth of attractions of El Nido, tourists may only book with DOT-accredited travel agencies or tour operators with the LGU’s LSOC (Local Seal of Compliance). For the time-being, DIY traveling is restricted for contract tracing purposes.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOT Accredited Tour Operators in El Nido: https://elnidotourism.ph/tourism-partners/
Step 5: Apply for a Tourist QR Code (QT-ID)
Tourists intending to visit El Nido must first get a QR code, or in this case a QT-ID, that will serve as their pass to various attractions and establishments within the island.
To apply for a QT-ID, visit https://elnidotourism.ph/ to fill out the necessary information and submit the following required documents:
- Copy of Valid ID
- Accomplished health declaration form
- Travel itinerary (provided by accredited tour operator)
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Round Trip Flight booking confirmation
- Negative RT-PCR Swab/Saliva Test result (taken within 48-72 hours*)
*48 hours from RT-PCR swab/saliva test if transiting via the Puerto Princesa Airport
Step 6: Wait for email confirmation
After submitting your application for an El Nido QT-ID, you will receive an email confirmation containing your individual QR Code once documents have been verified.
Again, this will serve as your entry pass to the island and as well as multiple attractions and establishments within the island. That said, be sure to have a digital or physical copy with you at all times.
Step 7: Quarantine before you fly!
Tourists must abide by strict quarantine protocols until their arrival in El Nido. This includes the wearing of face masks and face shields, observing proper social distancing, and regular sanitizing/ washing of hands.
After getting tested, it is the tourist’s responsibility to quarantine until your flight to El Nido. As much as possible, avoid any social 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 other additional requirements for guests.
Travel Tips and Reminders
Observe minimum health standards
All tourists in El Nido must wear face masks and face shields, sanitize/ wash hands regularly, and practice social distancing especially in public areas or commercial establishments.
For more information, check out https://elnidotourism.ph/experiences/
Transport protocols
Tourists are allowed to leave their hotel and go island hopping for recreational activities like scuba diving or snorkeling only if these are part of El Nido tour itinerary provided by a DOT-accredited travel agency or tour operator.
Trips to mainland beaches are not permitted for the time being.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- List of DOT Accredited Tour Operators in El Nido: https://elnidotourism.ph/tourism-partners/
Dining protocols
As of writing, guests can only either take their meals back to their hotel/resort or have their food delivered. Food establishments and restaurants must abide by the health and safety regulations of the government.
Visit travel-palawan for more information.
Activities to Try in El Nido
Enjoy a hassle-free vacation in the New Normal and pre-book your El Nido itinerary on Klook! Here are a couple of activities to try out:
