I’d be lying if I say I don’t miss traveling. For the past years, traveling has become my “therapy” but with our current situation where we are facing a battle that seems to be unending, I’m forced to stay at home. Rather, I choose to stay at home.

As much as I want to encourage other people to explore the world, I still think and I hope some of you will agree that now is still not the time. For me, the safest time to travel would be the day when we already have the COVID vaccine.

SO, why am I writing about travel again? This post is for those who plan to visit the country, particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Visit, because they are just going to the Philippines for a period of time, they might go abroad again at some point.

Also, this post is for those who are stranded in some island in the Philippines who wish to go back to their place of residence and those who are authorized to travel outside of their residence for work and for other valid matters.

If you fall on any of the descriptions I mentioned, then read on.

 

Today, travel has caused quite an inconvenience to a lot of people. There are plenty of rules to follow and lots of requirements to comply with. On top of that, some of the local government units aren’t as accommodating as others.

The airports and seaports have been closed for more than two months. Just recently, some airports have started opening their gates to domestic travel. With this, I’ll be sharing some essential tips to remember and follow to make your travel experience a little less inconvenient.

CEBU PACIFIC AIR

If you are flying with Cebu Pacific Air, here’s the list of required documents to travel:

#1 If you are a Locally Stranded Individual (LSI), you need to prepare the following:

• Medical Clearance Certificate issued by the City or Municipality Health Office
• Travel Authorization by the Philippine National Police (PNP)

#2 If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you need to prepare the following:

• Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) Certificate
• Passport (with arrival stamp)
• ID with proof of residence

#3 If you are an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR), you need to prepare the following:

• Certificate of Employment or Company ID
• Medical Clearance Certificate issued by the City or Municipality Health Office
• Travel Authorization by the Philippine National Police (PNP)

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PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

If you are flying with Philippine Airlines, here’s the list of required documents to board the flight:

#1 If you are a Locally Stranded Individual (LSI), you need to prepare the following:

• Travel Pass or Authorization by the Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Medical Clearance Certificate issued by the City or Municipality Health Office

#2 If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you need to prepare the following:

• Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) Certificate and Medical Test Result
• ID as proof of residence

#3 If you are an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR), you need to prepare the following:

• Company ID or Employment Certificate

Other reminders: 

• Those who intend to travel for leisure, or below 21 years old or those 60 years old and above, or pregnant women, are not allowed on any domestic flights.

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AIRASIA

If you are flying with AirAsia, ensure these required documents before your flight:

#1 If you are a Locally Stranded Individual (LSI), you need to prepare the following:

• Travel Pass or Authorization from the Joint Task Force COVID Shield of the Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Medical Clearance Certificate issued by the City or Municipality Health Office or DOH-accredited Hospital
• Barangay Certification for people who followed proper quarantine protocol

#2 If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you need to prepare the following:

• Travel Pass or Authorization by the Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Negative RT-PCR result and Certification from the DOH- Bureau of Quarantine
• Valid Passport
• Proof of Residence

#3 If you are a Business Traveller or an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR), you need to prepare the following:

• Certificate of Employment or Company ID
• Any document from the company justifying your reason for travel

Other reminders: 

• Those who intend to travel for leisure, or below 21 years old or those 60 years old and above, or pregnant women, are not allowed on any domestic flights.

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SECURING THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

I’ve been seeing a lot of people sharing their experiences in obtaining the required documents for travel. I’ll be honest with you, it might not be that easy. If you had these documents with no sweat or even tears, then good for you.

Travel Pass/Authorization – You need to get this from the Joint Task Force COVID Shield of the Philippine National Police. This will be issued by the Municipal or City Chief of Police for travel between provinces within a region or from the Provincial Director for travel between regions.

In securing the travel pass, you will be required to present the following:

• Medical Clearance Certificate issued by the City or Municipality Health Office or DOH-accredited Hospital
• Barangay Certification that you have no COVID-19 symptoms and that you have followed the proper quarantine protocol
• Some local government units require a confirmed travel booking.

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OTHER TIPS

• These travel requirements may vary per destination. Please check the updated travel rules and regulations of your origin and destination.
• Be at the airport at least three (3) hours before your flight to have more time for the pre-departure procedures.
• Observe social or physical distancing.
• Hydrate and drink your vitamins.
• Wearing of masks is a requirement.
• Always remember, health and safety above all else.

 

Feel free to leave comments or message via e-mail if you have any questions. If you like this article and want to see and know more about my trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.