Bohol tourism: How is traveling now with the easing of health protocols?

For those who are planning to travel again around the Philippines, worry no more because some of the tedious requirements and strict protocols are no longer required!

Here’s what I experienced during my Bohol adventure.

Some airlines will no longer require an antigen or a negative RT-PCR test, at least for domestic travel. In Bohol, just prepare your COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate, one valid ID, and plane tickets and you’re good to go. No need for confirmed hotel booking and travel itinerary.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) travel is also allowed now in the province.

Compared to my experience going to Davao during the height of the pandemic in November 2021, traveling is definitely easier now. But this also means you have to prepare for some indications of normalcy.

When we arrived at NAIA Terminal 2, the scene was almost like from more than two years ago, when COVID-19 was unknown—except for the mandatory wearing of masks and people who sprayed on alcohol after touching surfaces.

Throngs of travelers are waiting to board their respective planes. Photo: Piolo Veluz/GMA News

Pro-tip, process your tickets online to avoid lining up at the airport to check in manually, and be early if you have baggage to drop off.

For those who had been traveling during the implementation of strict health protocols, you might be surprised as most cabin crew had stopped wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) except for face masks.

Inside the plane, however, safety measures are still in place, such as the discharging of disinfectant mist.

Arriving at Bohol-Panglao International Airport is a breeze because the additional checking of documents, such as QR codes and negative COVID-19 tests, has been eliminated.

Members of the press, influencers, and travel agents arrive at Bohol-Panglao International Airport for DIVE 7 Bohol Familiarization Tour. Photo: Piolo Veluz/GMA News

After a good 10 minutes, I’m already outside the arrival area waiting for the staff of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VII for our familiarization tour.

For those who haven’t booked transportation in advance, no worries because there are many vehicles for hire outside the arrival area.

During our trip to the hotel, it was refreshing to see a lot of open establishments with many tourists visiting and dining in. Aside from the blow-by-blow arrival of tourists, the locals’ busy faces ready to serve and welcome are the most notable.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we were served some refreshing welcome drinks. In less than five minutes, we were done checking in.

Dinner by the beach at Bellevue Hotel, Panglao, Bohol. Photo: DOT Region 7

Our hotel opted to operate al-fresco dining with buffet services. Still, wearing of masks is required while getting food.

If you’re planning to book your first travel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easier and more comfortable to do it now without the anxiety of catching the disease. Aside from the protection from the vaccine, travel operators are more prepared now to handle tourists.

See you in Bohol, Kapuso! – RC, GMA News