What You Need to Know Before Heading to Ilocos Norte

Tourists from Metro Manila, currently under Alert Level 4, can enter popular tourist destination Ilocos Norte with requirements and restrictions in place, the Department of Tourism said Saturday.

Popular stops like Laoag, Pagudpud, and San Juan are accepting visitors starting Sept. 24. Minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks, face shields, observing social distancing, and frequent disinfection will still be in place.

Who can enter Ilocos Norte?

Only those aged 18 to 65 years old coming from Alert Level 4 areas will be allowed to enter. Minors and senior citizens, those with health risks, and pregnant women are prohibited from entering.

All individuals coming from GCQ or MGCQ areas regardless of age will be allowed to enter.

Only point-to-point travel is allowed for tourists from Alert Level 4 areas. This means extra stopovers from your house, to the airport, to the lodging facility in Ilocos Norte are prohibited. Same goes for the trip from Ilocos Norte to Metro Manila.

Tourists from GCQ and MGCQ areas and teritorries under Alert Levesl 1 to 3 can choose to travel point-to-point for their safety, but will be allowed stopovers.

Intrazonal and interzonal leisure travel is prohibited in Alert Level 5 areas, the DOT reminded.

Here's what you need to enter Ilocos Norte:

1. Registration at Ilocos Norte's website
   • this requires a valid ID
   • confirmed booking from DOT-accredited accommodation or travel agency
2. QR Code from Safepass
3. Negative COVID-19 test
   • Tourists from Metro Manila (Alert Level 4)
     • RT-PCR and saliva test taken within 72 hours upon arrival
     • Rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival
     • Rapid antigen test upon arrival
   • Tourists from GCQ, MGCQ, Alert Levels 1-3
     • Rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival
     • Rapid antigen test upon arrival

For more information, visit Ilocos Norte's website or visit the Department of Tourism Facebook page.

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This story originally appeared on Reportr.world.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.