Everything you need to know about Siargao’s reopening
Considered the Philippines’ surfing capital, Siargao has long been renowned for its world-class surf breaks and laidback island charm. The island has everything—from pristine white-sand beaches to enchanting lagoons and majestic limestone formations—making it a haven for beach bums, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
After 8 months in lockdown, Siargao is officially reopening its shores to local travelers this November 23. The announcement was made by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in efforts to revive the island’s tourism industry.
Flights to Siargao are set to resume on December 1, 2020. But before you book your plane tickets, here’s everything you need to know about the island’s reopening:
Flight availability
Tourists can expect these routes to be available for booking starting December 1, 2020:
- Cebu to Surigao; and vice-versa
- Manila to Surigao; and vice versa
- Cebu to Siargao; and vice-versa
- Manila to Siargao; and vice-versa
- Clark, Pampanga to Siargao; and vice-versa
- Davao to Siargao; and vice-versa
According to the Surigao Del Norte Tourism and Culture Office, there will be one round-trip flight available for each route, weekly.
Strict Test-Before-Travel Policy
To enter Siargao, tourists who are arriving via Sayak Airport are required to present an e-Health Pass with valid ID and negative RT-PCR results taken within 48 hours from point of origin. The DOT notes that if an RT-PCR was taken more than 48 hours before departure, a negative antigen swab will be required on the day of arrival.
How To Get an E-Health Pass: Click Here
Meanwhile, residents of Surigao del Norte are required to present an e-Health pass with valid ID, a certificate from Barangay Captain stating the traveler is not a close contact, and confirmed booking from an accredited DOT-accommodation establishment (AE).
These E-Health Passes will also be required upon departure.
Minimum five-day itinerary
According to DOT’s list of requirements, a 5-day confirmed booking from a DOT-certified accommodation should be presented along with their health passes and COVID-19 rest results. This means that tourists must stay for a minimum for five (5) days on the island. Along with confirmed hotel bookings, round-trip tickets and travel itinerary details must be presented.
*Note: Tourists with incomplete documents will be deported back to origin destination.
Restaurants and Hotels need to be DOT-certified to Operate
Before restaurants and resorts can reopen their doors, all establishments must secure a DOT Business Permit, a certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) from the DOT, an e-health System Registration, e-health Pass, or QR Code reader, and “new normal” protocols approved by the municipal health office.
With this, guests are encouraged to book their stay in DOT accredited accommodations only.
No quarantine
Guests travelling to Siargao will no longer need to quarantine. However, it is advised that these individuals take a Rapid Antigen Test 7 days after their swab test.
Enhanced Safety Measures
To ensure everyone’s safety, Siargao’s local government has placed minimum health standards that comply with the local COVID-19 management procedures and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases directives. Under these protocols, a curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. will be enforced.
For more information: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news_features/ReopeningOfSiargao.aspx
