Ilocos Norte Reopens to Luzon Tourists On 15th October

Ilocos Norte reopens to tourists from Luzon

Seven months into quarantine, most of us are probably itching to take a break from home for some quick adventure outdoors.

While the virus is still around, it doesn’t hurt to start planning our adventures in the north, as the Department of Tourism will reopen various Ilocos Norte attractions to tourists coming from Luzon beginning 15th October.

Luzon tourists can enjoy various attractions in the northern province again

Image adapted from: Department of Tourism

Visitors from Luzon can now cure their cabin fever in Ilocos Norte, known for its variety of attractions. This includes the Paoay and La Paz Sand Dunes where you can enjoy a thrilling ride on 4×4 Jeeps, the Burgos and Bangui wind farms where you can marvel at wind turbines, and Paoay Church, known for its baroque architecture.

Windmills and ponies in Bangui
Image credit: Aninah Ong/Wikimedia Commons

“We’re elated with the decision of Governor Manotoc to finally welcome visitors from Luzon to Ilocos Norte, even those coming from areas that are still under general community quarantine (GCQ),” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Paoay Church
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Visitors should follow health and safety guidelines

Image credit: Ilocos Norte Tourism

To begin the gradual reopening, authorities have announced health and safety guidelines. Only 50 tourists will be allowed per day for now, and you can only plan your stay with accredited travel agencies and book any of 208 accredited accommodation facilities.

“As of today, the DOT has issued certificates of authority to a total of 208 hotels and resorts in Ilocos Norte. Through our Regional Office, these establishments will be regularly checked for compliance with health and safety standards,” Puyat explained.

Visitors to Ilocos Norte may get to see views such as this, from the Patapat Viaduct
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Visitors must also take a RT-PCR test that yields a negative result 48 hours before their visit. “Remember, test before travel. A negative RT-PCR result is required within 48 hours before entry to the region. We urge travelers to stay at home from the time you undergo the required RT-PCR test up until the schedule of travel as a precaution,” Puyat said.

Once you tested negative, pre-register your travel at ilocosnorte.ph. Request a SafePass Entry account at request.safp.as, through the SafePass Portal, or on Facebook Messenger. SafePass will serve as your digital logbook while you’re visiting for contact tracing purposes. You can visit or message Ilocos Norte Tourism’s Facebook page for more information.

Ilocos Norte reopens to Luzon visitors

We can now take a breath of fresh air in Ilocos Norte, one of the best places in the Philippines to escape to – far from the capital and filled with panoramic views of nature and architecture.

Just be a responsible tourist if you have to travel while COVID-19 is still around – plan your trip accordingly and keep all social distancing guidelines in mind.

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Cover image adapted from: Department of Tourism, Aninah Ong/Wikimedia Commons