Safely Reopening Siargao Tourism: What to know before you go

Travel Philippines

Jan 27, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tourists can enter Siargao Island? For instance, is it only open to residents of Luzon?

Siargao is open to all tourists invited by a local resident or not invited by a local resident (Walk-in Tourist).

What do I need to secure or do before traveling to Siargao Island? Please list every requirement I should have with me before I travel to Siargao Island and if I'm required to submit a document, can I submit a scanned copy only or do I have to bring the original hard copies?

Requirements will depend on the type of tourist. Scanned or photo copies are allowed, but all requirements are to be submitted in advance prior to departure via email sdntourism@gmail.com. (EO 20-461)

For tourists invited by a local resident:

Negative Result on nasopharyngeal or saliva RT-PCR Test taken within forty-eight (48) hours or two (2) days from the date of release of the result is still required.
Valid Identification Card
Travel Certification issued by the Mayor of the City / Municipality of destination (within the Province of Surigao del Norte)

For tourists not invited by local resident of SDN (Walk-in tourist):

Negative Result on nasopharyngeal or saliva RT-PCR Test taken within forty-eight (48) hours or two (2) days from the date of release of the result is still required.
Valid Identification Card
Confirmed booking accommodation for at least two nights from the resort, hotel, or hostel duly accredited by the Department of Tourism

For Surigao del Norte mainland residents traveling to Siargao:

Negative RT-PCR or antigen test result
Valid ID with Surigao del Norte address or any proof of residency in Surigao del Norte or Travel Certification issued by the Mayor of the municipality of destination

Do I need to book through a travel agency/tour operator when traveling to Siargao Island? What if I just want to walk and relax in the area without following an itinerary or taking a tour?

No need to book via travel agency/tour operator. If you are a walk-in tourist, itineraries are advised to be DIY.

What are the steps to follow once I arrive in Siargao Island? What are the protocols of the LGU that I need to know?

The required documents shall be presented by the passengers upon arrival. Those who cannot present all of the requirements shall be deported back to the place of origin at the returning flight of the same aircraft on the same day at the cost of the concerned passenger and/or the concerned airline company.
All arriving passengers shall be transported only by public utility vehicles duly accredited by the task force of the LGU. In case of use of private vehicles, a clearance from the task force must be obtained.

Upon arriving in Siargao Island, am I supposed to get another RT-PCR test? If yes, how and where can I get this? Who will shoulder the expenses?

There is no need to get another RT-PCR test upon arrival as long as you can present a negative result on RT-PCR Test taken within forty-eight (48) hours or two (2) days from the date of release of the result.
However, all tourists must undergo antigen test after five (5) days from the date of arrival at their own cost. Those who test positive shall be subjected to further swab or saliva rt-pcr test (fees to be shouldered by tourist also).

Whether or not the LGU administers an RT-PCR test to the arriving tourist, should I still quarantine in my hotel for a number of days before going out? If yes, during the quarantine period, will the accommodation, food and other necessities be covered by the tourists or will the hotel or LGU take care of the expenses?

There is no need to quarantine upon arrival.

Should I wear a face mask with face shield wherever I go?

Yes. Face masks and face shields are basic requirements.

Am I allowed to go anywhere I want to or do I have to secure a travel pass/permit whenever I head out of the hotel or when I book a tour?

Siargao has multiple municipalities. There are municipalities that don’t allow tourists to enter. However, when going out of the hotel within the bounds of the municipality where you are staying, there is no need to secure a travel pass/permit.

Is there an emergency facility in Siargao Island in case I catch COVID-19 in the middle of my trip for some unknown reason? If yes, what is the first number that I should call for assistance?

General Luna RHU – 0936 448 5089
PNP – 0998 549 4147
AFP – 0910 816 3221
BFP – 0998 590 4303
MDRRMO RESCUE – 0930 685 7839
COAST GUARD – 0930 686 2481
METRO DOCS MEDICAL CLINIC – 0918 926 3112
SIARGAO DISTRICT HOSPITAL – 0948 900 6922
GENERAL LUNA ISLAND DOCTORS – 0917 848 4357

If I succumb to COVID-19 while I'm in Siargao Island, will I be automatically cremated there?

We regret to inform you that there is no cremation chamber on the island.

Is there an age restriction for tourists entering Siargao Island?

Tourists from NCR+ who are below 15 and above 65 years of age cannot enter the island.

Are PWDs allowed to enter Siargao Island?

Yes. PWDs are welcome on the island given that they can present all the necessary requirements upon entering.

Are those with comorbidities allowed to enter Siargao Island?

Yes, as long as they can present all the requirements.

Is there a specific number of days required for me to stay as a tourist in Siargao Island?

None

Who will shoulder the tests prior to traveling?

Since a negative RT-PCR test is required upon entry, the tourists shall shoulder all tests prior to traveling.

Is DIY travel allowed in Siargao?

DIY travel is allowed as long as you can present your accomplished travel itinerary especially if you're a walk-in tourist.

Can I book an Airbnb or does my accommodation have to be DOT accredited ALWAYS?

Only bookings from DOT accredited establishments are accepted.

How many tourists are allowed to enter Siargao Island to ensure that social distancing is followed?

There is no cap in daily arrivals. However, stringent distancing measures are imposed in each establishment.

Siargao Travel Advisory

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