Siargao Travel Requirements
The meteoric rise of tourism to Siargao in recent years came to a sudden and unexpected halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, Siargao has reopened its doors for domestic travel (from GCQ and MGCQ areas) as of November 2020, allowing travelers into its shores to experience its unique island offerings.
If you’re planning to travel to Siargao anytime soon, we’ve made a comprehensive guide on how to travel to the country’s surfing mecca in the New Normal. In this guide, we’ll be talking about Siargao’s travel requirements - from when and where to book your flights, hotels, COVID-19 tests, all the way to the protocols you need to follow while in the island paradise.
UPDATE: As of December 10, Siargao is under Alert Level 2 and no longer requires a negative RT-PCR test result from fully vaccinated travelers. All fully vaccinated individuals with or without comorbidities and fully vaccinated pregnant women are welcome to enter the Province of Surigao del Norte.
Before you go (Pre-Flight Checklist):
- Vaccination card or vaccination certificate
- Confirmed roundtrip tickets
- Confirmed accredited accommodation booking for at least 2 nights
- Valid ID
- Surigao del Norte e-Health Pass
- Approved Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) through S-Pass
Step 1: Secure your negative RT-PCR Swab or Saliva Test Result
UPDATE 12/10/21: According to Executive Order No. 21-043, all fully vaccinated individuals entering Surigao del Norte Province no longer need to present a negative RT-PCR test result upon traveling.
Just like most re-opened tourist destinations in the country, you will need to present a negative RT-PCR Swab or Saliva test result to enter Siargao. It is required that this test be taken 48 hours prior to your departure date/time to Siargao and must only be taken in DOH accredited laboratories.
For your convenience, you can book your RT-PCR home tests on Klook and receive results within 24-36 hours. The home RT-PCR test will be conducted by Kairos Medical Lab, a DOH Accredited Laboratory, and you can get up to 40% off only on Klook.
NOTES:
- If your test is taken more than 48 hours before your flight, you will be required to take a rapid antigen swab test upon arrival at your own expense.
- Minors (17 years old and below) are exempt from providing RT-PCR tests results
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- DOH Accredited Laboratories:
- RT-PCR Home Test on Klook: https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/54021-metro-manila-rt-pcr-antigen-home-testing/
Step 2: Book your flight to Siargao
When booking your flight to Siargao, please note that your flight schedule should be within 48 hours from the time you took your RT-PCR swab or saliva test, and not from when you received your result. Domestic tourists may enter Siargao through the Sayak Airport (Siargao) and Surigao Airport.
Before your flight, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the new airline guidelines and protocols in light of COVID-19.
Step 3: Book your accommodations at a DOT-Accredited Accommodation
After securing your roundtrip tickets, book your Siargao accommodations for a minimum of two (2) nights at a DOT-accredited accommodation. Only book your stay at accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) from the Department of Tourism.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- DOT-Accredited Accommodations: Siargao Tourism Assistance Center’s Official Facebook page.
Check out these discounted Siargao accommodations on Klook:
Step 4: Submit your travel requirements
The next step is to submit your complete travel requirements to sdntourism@gmail.com a day before your trip. You will then receive an email if your application to travel is approved.
Requirements:
- Copy of Negative RT-PCR Swab or Saliva Test Result
- Copy of a Valid Identification Card or Government-Issued ID
- Confirmed Roundtrip Airline Tickets
- Confirmed reservation a a DOT-accredited accommodation
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- E-mail: sdntourism@gmail.com
Step 5: Get your Surigao del Norte e-HEALTH Pass with a QR Code
Tourists also need to register for a Surigao del Norte e-HEALTH Pass. You’re not required to attach this in your email along with the other required travel documents, but this will act as your entry pass to Siargao and all establishments in the island. This is required for contact tracing purposes.
To get your e-HEALTH Pass, sign up in this link: Surigao del Norte e-HEALTH Pass.
- Click Register Person
- Select Tourist as your entry type
- Fill out the personal information and travel details on the form
- Click Generate to get your e-HEALTH Pass QR Code.
NOTE: It’s best to print a copy of this e-HEALTH Pass and save a copy in your phone to have with you at all times. Without this, you may be denied entry.
IMPORTANT LINKS
- E-HEALTH Pass Registration: https://covid19.ssct.edu.ph/healthform
Step 6: Pack and Quarantine
Be a responsible tourist! After getting tested, it’s your responsibility to quarantine until your flight to Siargao. 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 of face masks, face shield, alcohol, wipes, etc. Also check with your airline and accommodation if they have any other additional requirements for guests. Download the Traze App before heading to the airport as this will be used when you check in at the airport and when you arrive in Siargao Airport for contact tracing purposes.
Important Travel Reminders
Get your RT-PCR Swab or Saliva Test from accredited laboratories only
Only take your RT-PCR swab or saliva test at accredited laboratories within 48 hours before your flight. If your test is taken more than 48 hours before your flight, you will be required to take a rapid antigen swab test result upon arrival in Siargao at your own expense.
Always bring a copy of your e-HEALTH Pass with QR Code
When you’re exploring Siargao, always carry with you a printed or digital copy of your e-HEALTH Pass with QR Code. This will be scanned when entering establishments for contact tracing purposes.
Transportation from the airport
Upon your arrival at either Sayak Airport (Siargao) or Surigao Airport, you must present all the necessary travel documents and head straight to your accommodation via accredited vehicles only. If you want to be transported on a private vehicle, you need to obtain a clearance from the Task Force beforehand to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines.
Follow minimum health standards
While you’re in Siargao, you have to strictly comply with standard health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, observing proper social distancing, and regular sanitizing and washing of hands.
Observe curfew hours
Abide by the enforced curfew hours in the island which is from 11 PM to 4 AM.
