Everyone is so impatient to go out for a good water session or enjoy a beautiful sunset and a walk on the famous boardwalk.  Siargao island has finally opened its doors, however, there are still certain conditions and some will have to wait a little extra longer.

Who can travel to Siargao island right now ? 

Currently, only residents and domestic tourists from some provinces can travel to Siargao, the Philippines has been closed to international tourists since March 2020. 
There is no indication on when exactly the country will open again its borders to international tourism. However, the House Deputy Speaker, Mikee Romero, recently proposed to open the country to international tourists from low-risk parts of the world who have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease.

I am coming from Manila, can I travel to Siargao island ?

As of now (May 19 2021), unless you’re a Surigao del Norte resident, all persons coming from Metro Manila and the Provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are not allowed to travel to the province of Surigao del Norte until further notice.
For your information, non-essential travel is still not allowed out of NAIA and Clark to Siargao flights are closed until October 30, 2021.

I am coming from Cebu, can I travel to Siargao island ?

Yes, if your flight originates from Cebu (meaning if you have a connecting flight Manila-Cebu-Siargao, this does not apply).
Travel guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) have been put into place so everyone can safely enjoy their travel.

What are the legal travel requirements to enter Siargao island?

The surf mecca of Siargao island reopened its door in november 2020, and there is no quarantine required. However, there’s a list of protocols you will need to follow before you go. Unless you’re invited by a local resident of Siargao island, here’s the list of the 5 travel requirements you’ll have to go follow.

Travel requirement to Siargao N°1 : present a negative RT-PCR test or COVID-19 Saliva Test

This test is required to be taken 48 hours before your arrival in Siargao, and you should do it only in one of the laboratories accredited by the Department of Health.  If for any reason your test was taken more than 48 hours before travelling, you will be required to take a rapid antigen swab test upon arrival at your own expense.
Worried of travelling with kids ? Don’t worry, children under 17 years old are exempt from  providing the RT-PCR test results.

Travel requirement to Siargao N°2 : show your return ticket upon arrival in Siargao island

Whether you’re coming from Manila, Davao or Cebu, please note that your flight or ferry should be within 48 hours from the time you took your RT-PCR swab or saliva test, and not from when you received your result. 
From Manila and Cebu, you will easily find direct flights with Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Davao, it’s a bit more of a mission as there’s no direct flights. If you don’t have a car, the best is to travel to Butuan City and then take a bus to Surigao City. From there, you will be able to board a direct ferry to Siargao island. The ferry journey is about 2 to 3 hours, and there’s aircon.
All flights bound for Siargao (from any point of origin in the Philippines) shall only be allowed to board passengers at a maximum of 75% of the aircraft’s seating capacity.

Travel requirement to Siargao N°3 : book a two nights stay in a DOT accommodation

Yes this is the new normal…For your first two nights, you won’t be able to stay anywhere you want to, as most of the charming and cool stays won’t have this Department of Tourism accreditation, which is given only to resorts with a minimum of 5 rooms. After these first nights, you will be able to change accommodation and choose between the most stunning and unique places Siargao has to offer.

Travel requirement to Siargao N°4 : send your travel documents to the Surigao del Norte department of tourism

Once you have your negative test result, booked your flight and accommodation, you will have to send all these travel requirements by email (sdntourism@gmail.com) to the department of Tourism of the province of Surigao del Norte.
Here’s what you should send them:

• a copy of a valid identification card or passport
• a copy of your negative RT-PCR swab or saliva test result
• a copy of your confirmed roundtrip tickets
• a copy of your reservation in a DOT-accredited accommodation

Once your travel application is approved, they will send you a confirmation by email.

Travel requirement to Siargao N°5 : get your e-HEALTH Pass and QR Code from the province of Surigao del Norte

In order to enter the province of Surigao del Norte, and by consequence, Siargao island, you will have to register for the local e-HEALTH online pass. 

Once you’ve filled up the form, click on “generate” and get your personal QR code. Save it on your phone so you can easily show it to the officials upon your arrival.

How is the new normal in Siargao island ?

You finally manage to secure all the travel requirements to Siargao island, now you’re curious about life there under the new normal ? Stay right here.

What transport should I use to go from Sayak airport to my accommodation ?

When you arrive at Sayak Airport (Siargao airport), you must be directly transported to your accommodation exclusively via their vehicles, in order to comply with health and safety guidelines.

What activities can I do in Siargao island under the new normal ? 

Everything operates under limited capacity , meaning you can go surfing, swimming and all water sports but it will operate at limited capacity. Most of the tourist spots are opened around the island so you can enjoy the famous boardwalk at sunset.

Where do I eat on Siargao island under the new normal ?

There are many places open now that have the DOT accreditation and CAO (certificate to operate), don’t worry, you will not starve! If you’re looking for the best places to have breakfast, check our top 10 breakfast spots in SIargao island.

Are the parties allowed in Siargao island under the new normal ? 

Some parties are allowed but there is an enforced curfew from 11PM to 4AM. 

We hope this article answered all your questions and doubts about the travel requirements to Siargao island l! If you still have questions, below are some links and hotlines to contact :

• The Provincial Tourism Office for clarification and/or information: 0963-890-6038 or 0927-281-8555
• http://www.surigaodelnorte.gov.ph/
• https://www.facebook.com/SDNProvincialInformationCenter/