Having been named one of the Philippines’ — and the world’s — most beautiful islands, Palawan is one undoubtedly of the country’s most sought-after destinations. Home to remarkable places like El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente, the province has so much to offer that a single visit couldn’t possibly be enough. This being said, those who’ve been meaning to visit will be glad to hear that the island paradise is officially ready to welcome back tourists. Keep reading to learn more about the Palawan travel requirements for a smooth travel experience.
Also read: 6 Private Islands in the Philippines You Can Rent Right Now
Palawan travel overview
At the time of writing, Bohol is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) Alert Level 2. The province started gradually reopening to tourism on 30 Oct 2021, with travel bubbles and test-before-travel policies strictly in place. Since then, all major Palawan destinations — namely El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, and Culion — have reopened to domestic tourists, with the exception of Puerto Princesa.
Who can travel to Palawan?
Palawan is presently open to both residents and domestic travellers for tourism purposes. According to the protocols recently released, El Nido and San Vicente are open to all local visitors, while Coron and Culion are only welcoming fully vaccinated tourists. (To be clear, individuals are only considered fully vaccinated once they are two weeks past receiving their final vaccine dose.)
COVID-19 health and safety protocols
While Palawan has reopened for domestic tourism, strict COVID-19 protocols must still be followed. The following as some of the guidelines that tourists must keep in mind:
- Visitors must generate a QR code via S-PaSS for contact tracing purposes.
- Tourists will have to provide the required documents (specified below, depending on your chosen destination) in order to enter Palawan.
- Hotel bookings must only be made with DOT-accredited establishments.
- Minimum health standards, such as wearing of masks, regular hand washing, and physical distancing, are to be strictly observed.
Palawan travel requirements
Travel requirements in Palawan differ, depending on the specific municipality you plan to visit.
El Nido
For fully vaccinated tourists
- Approved S-PaSS travel application
- Confirmed hotel booking with a DOT-accredited establishment
- Confirmed round-trip tickets
- Digital vaccination certificate from VaxCertPH or vaccination card
For visitors who have not yet been fully vaccinated
- Approved S-PaSS travel application
- Confirmed hotel booking with a DOT-accredited establishment
- Confirmed round-trip tickets
- Digital vaccination certificate from VaxCertPH or vaccination card
- Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before travel
Coron
The municipality of Coron is open to all fully vaccinated tourists. Minors, on the other hand, must be accompanied by fully vaccinated guardians.
Entry requirements are as follows:
- Approved S-PaSS travel application
- Confirmed hotel booking with a DOT-accredited establishment
- Confirmed tour and/or diving booking with a DOT-accredited establishment
- Valid ID
- Digital vaccination certificate from VaxCertPH or vaccination card
- Negative RT-PCR test result (QR coded with receipt) or negative saliva test result (administered by the Philippine Red Cross) taken within 72 hours before travel
Culion
Only fully vaccinated tourists may enter Culion for tourism purposes, with a strict bubble system in place. Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated visitors:
- Approved Travel coordination permit via S-PaSS
- Approved S-PaSS registration or QR code
- Negative RT-PCR test result (QR coded with receipt) or negative saliva test result (administered by the Philippine Red Cross) taken within 72 hours before travel
- Confirmed hotel booking with a DOT-accredited establishment
- Acceptance letter from EOC Culion
- Digital vaccination certificate from VaxCertPH or vaccination card
San Vicente
The municipality has reopened for domestic tourism via Point-toPoint (P2P) travel. This would include direct or “bubble flights” to San Vicente, including flights arriving at Puerto Princesa or El Nido. Those coming from the two aforementioned municipalities will have to be transported via accredited transport groups, directly from the airport to their point of destination in San Vicente.
The following are their travel requirements:
- Approved S-PaSS application
- QR-coded RT-PCR test result taken by the Philippine Red Cross within 48 hours before travel
- Antigen test on seventh day (for those staying more than seven days)
- Valid ID
- Confirmed booking at a DOT-accredited accommodation
- Confirmed round-trip tickets
- Tour itinerary
Where to stay in Palawan
Visitors are required to book stays at establishments accredited by the DOT. See some of our recommendations below:
El Nido
Coron
Culion
San Vicente
Palawan travel resources
For news and updated information regarding Palawan travel requirements, you may also visit the following links:
- Travel Philippines App Official Website
- Provincial Government of Palawan Official Facebook Page
- Information Department of Provincial Government of Palawan Official Facebook Page
- El Nido Tourism Official Website
- El Nido Tourism Official Facebook Page
- San Vicente, Palawan Government Official Website
Also read: 15 Tropical Airbnbs & Resorts in the Philippines That You Need to Visit
Planning to explore more local destinations? Check out more of our COVID-19 travel guides:
- Siargao Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
- Boracay Travel Requirements for Domestic Travellers
- Baguio Travel Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Tourists
- Camiguin Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
- Bohol Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
- La Union Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
- Batangas Travel Requirements for Domestic Travellers
- Baler Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
Featured image credit: fototrav via Canva Pro
