By Alec Go
The Province of Batanes, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, is gradually opening its borders to welcome visitors beginning May 15 this year.
Based on the guidelines shared by the provincial government, only 50 fully vaccinated tourists who are over five years old will be allowed to visit the island per week during the trial period of May 15 to June 30.
Allowed travelers include returning residents, government and private officials on official business, and tourists. Tourists are required to book from an accredited tour operator, tour guide, and accommodation prior to their visit.
Meanwhile, government personnel and authorized persons outside of residence who seek to have leisure activities after their official business “shall procure at least one tour package from a local tour operator.”
The documentary travel requirements for tourists are vaccination card or digital VaxCertPH copy, an approved S-Pass, and certificate of acceptance by the provincial tourism office.
Tourists are subject to health screening and presentation of acceptance certificate and health declaration form upon arrival. Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be tested, and isolated when a positive result is yielded.
The provincial government said testing and isolation will be free for symptomatic tourists, but “their food and other supplies shall be for the account of the tourist and shall be facilitated by the tour operator.”
The observance of health protocols remain mandatory, while “mingling with locals not included in the itinerary is discouraged.” –– gb
