As community quarantine measures all over the country relax, people have been going out, with some actually traveling for leisure. You probably see celebrities and social media influencers spending staycations in resort farms or beaches in the provinces. With the Christmas season fast approaching, you wonder if you can do the same with your loved ones.
Aside from observing health protocols, one important thing you need to remember is to secure a travel pass-through permit (TPP), a document you present to gain entry to places. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Who Needs It and When?
At the height of the pandemic, there were only selected people allowed to go outside of their homes. These are called APORs (authorized persons outside residence). Now, with the easing of stay-at-home orders, non-APORs can go out and go to unrestricted places, as long as they have the TPP.
If you’re going to an area that has eased travel limits, why is it necessary to get the pass? Well, if you’ll be passing through destinations with travel restrictions, you need to present the TPP to the authorities.
What Are the Application Requirements?
Actually, there’s no document requirement for TPP. You simply have to go to the police station and talk to law enforcement officials about your need for the pass. As of the latest report, the government is working on an online platform to make the pass easily accessible.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is building a website called S-Pass or Safe, Swift and Smart Passage, where the public can secure TPP after answering online forms. You can print your pass or save it on your gadgets. When you pass through border control checkpoints, you can simply show it to the police officers.
Is It The Same as the Travel Authority (TA)?
No, it’s not. It differs in terms of requirements and applicable areas. In TPP, you only need to go to the police station and ask for the pass. In the case of TA, you should first get a medical clearance certificate from the city government or the city municipal health office.
While the TPP is applicable when you’re passing through restricted areas, TA is necessary when going to destinations with stricter quarantine protocols. These are places under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Which Areas Are Restricted and Unrestricted?
As of the latest report, these are the places that eased travel restrictions:
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Ifugao
- Pangasinan
- Dagupan City
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Pampanga
- Angeles City
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Quezon
- Rizal
- Lucena City
- Occidental Mindoro
- Palawan
- Albay
- Camarines Sur
- Masbate
- Naga City
- Antique
- Capiz
- Iloilo City
- Bacolod City
- Cebu
- Negros Oriental
- Cebu City
- Mandaue City, Cebu
- Lapu-lapu City, Cebu
- Biliran
- Samar
- Southern Leyte
- Tacloban City
- Cagayan de Oro City
- Davao Oriental
- Davao City
- South Cotabato
- General Santos City
- Agusan del Norte
- Butuan City
- Maguindanao
- Sulu
If you don’t see the vacation destination you’re eyeing in this list, it’s likely that it still remains restricted, which means you need TA to gain entry.
Take note, however, that within these unrestricted places, there are restricted towns, where you’ll need the TPP. Given this, it’s important to keep yourself updated with news from the local government of the destination you’re planning to go to.
What Else Should I Prepare for Travel?
Aside from the travel passes, you should prepare health declaration forms, proofs of accommodation bookings, and of course, negative coronavirus tests. In general, these are the documents tourism hotspots require before accepting travelers.
Some vacation destinations have online platforms that allow easy submission of requirements. A few of them suggest tour packages, as the local government tries to manage the number of tourists in popular areas.
Here are some of the digital channels you can check out:
- Baguio – VIS.I.T.A (Visitor Information and Travel and Travel Assistance)
- Bohol – Visit Bohol
- Boracay – Tourism Boracay
- Cebu – Discover Cebu
- Ilocos Norte – Stay In
- Pangasinan – Go Pangasinan
You can also visit the official website launched by the Department of Tourism to get updates on tourism hotspots.
Remember, if you’re traveling this holiday season, make sure to have all necessary documents covered. Tune in to updates from the local government to avoid inconveniences along the way. As always, be safe. Observe health protocols and have a merry, virus-free Christmas.
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Article and Photo originally posted by Lamudi last December 4, 2020. Minor edits have been made by REBPH to cater to its own readers.
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