Fully Vaxxed Peeps, You Can Enter Ilocos Norte Without COVID Testing

The Ilocos Norte local government has eased its border protocol for any fully vaxxed tourist entering the area. Starting last February 14, any asymptomatic fully vaxxed tourist, APOR, and the resident will no longer need to undergo COVID-19 testing at the border. The Ilocos Norte border protocol will allow minors, residents, and tourists to visit without testing, but children will need to be accompanied by their fully vaxxed guardian or parents.

An unvaccinated tourist must present a negative RT-PCR test taken 60 hours before entering the Ilocos Norte border. Tourists can also take antigen tests at the Ilocos Norte border. An unvaxxed tourist who can show valid government-issued medical clearance will be exempted from the protocol requirement.

In addition to the Ilocos Norte protocol, any fully vaxxed entering tourist or resident will also no longer be required to undergo mandatory quarantine but will only be required to conduct self-monitoring.

Ilocos Norte has 1,599 active cases as of February 14. According to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, the ease in tourist border protocol is due to the decrease in COVID-19. The province is under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to March 15.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Ilocos and Northern Luzon!