Keith Kirby Calvo 
Travel restrictions have start to loosen, and are now extending their doors to tourists. Traveling to Cebu is on this long list, too!
The region is well-known for its vibrant city life, close-by white sand beaches, and outstanding diving. It offers the ideal mix of luxury and adventure, making it the ideal retreat for all kinds of tourists.
We’ve put up a thorough travel guide to the Queen City of the South if you’re eager to visit the second-largest metro area in the nation.
This “Traveling to Cebu” guide will cover everything from when and where to book flights, accredited lodging options, prerequisites, and rules to adhere to while in Cebu City.
Traveling to Cebu Requirements
There are different requirements for people that are vaccinated and non-vaccinated
Prior to departure (Pre-Flight Checklist):
Fully-vaccinated tourists:
- Valid photo ID with signature
- Vaccination Certificate or Vaccination Card with a QR code
Non-Vaccinated tourists:
- Authentic ID with a photo and 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
Additional Important Added Documents:
- Booking a round-trip flight
- Confirmed Hotel Reservation with Credentials
- Travel Schedule
Step 1: Obtain an Authority to Enter pass
It’s important to take note that domestic travelers will simply need to provide their vaccination card or, in the case of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists, a negative RT-PCR test as of December 1, 2021.
If you intend to visit Cebu City, a requirement would be to have an Authority to Enter (ATE) pass in order to do so. Visitors must enter their personal and travel data on the city’s government website in order to obtain one: Registration
Within 48 hours of receiving all required materials, an email pertaining to your application will be delivered. You will get the Clearance email if your application is accepted. This must be shown when you arrive in Cebu City.
Step 2: Negative RT-PCR Test Result
Note: Only non-vaccinated travelers will be needed to show a negative RT-PCR test result as of December 1, 2021.
While announcements have been made about the removal of the swab test requirement for tourists, 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 completed in certified laboratories only, at least 72 hours (3 days) before your departure for Cebu City.
Step 3: Plan your travels to Cebu.
Please keep in mind that your flight itinerary should be within 72 hours of the time you took your RT-PCR test, NOT from the time you received your findings, while making travel arrangements to Cebu via Mactan Cebu International Airport.
It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the updated policies and procedures before your journey if you’re traveling during the pandemic.
Step 4: Secure your hotel reservation.
The following step is to reserve your hotel room at a resort or hotel in Cebu City that has been approved.
This means that the hotel or other lodging facility that guests are permitted to use must possess a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) or a Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO) issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Step 5: Plan your traveling schedule.
Prepare your travel itinerary following the confirmation of your hotel reservation for the entirety of your stay, or at the very least for the first 10 days of your vacation (whichever is shorter).
Step 6: Complete the COVID Shield Travel Authorization form.
A Travel Authorization from the Joint Task Force Corona-Virus Shield must be shown by non-essential travelers, according to a government task force in Cebu City (JTF-CV).
There are the two requirements you must meet before receiving your travel authorization: A medical certificate from a DOH-accredited hospital or from the city or municipal health office, as well as a barangay clearance from your local government of origin demonstrating that you have not had COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days prior to the travel date
Step 7: Pack & Quarantine!
You must maintain in quarantine following the testing until your flight to Cebu. Avoid social engagements and running errands outside of your home as much as you can. Social Butterflies, hold the urge to explore, this is something you must deal with for your protection.
Remember to bring your COVID-19 safety kit, which should include your face mask, face shield, alcohol, wipes, and other items. If your airline or lodging has any additional criteria for visitors, ask them before booking.
Follow health and safety protocols upon arrival and departure
Overall when it comes to travelling don’t forget to have fun! Always have a mix of enjoying the trip and being a responsible traveler.
Consistently adhere to the minimum health and safety regulations put in place in the province, such as the use of face shields and masks, frequent hand washing, and social seclusion.
Before traveling to Cebu, be sure to check this list. Following this will definitely safe
READ ALSO: 10 Best Essential Places to Stay in the Philippines in 2022
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