The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) released new guidelines for the uniformity of travel protocols in all LGUs. Despite the city being under MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine – being the least ) the uniformity being mandated, Cebu City still implemented its old requirements. Here are the travel requirements in Cebu City from March 1-31, 2021:

ROF (Returning Overseas Filipino)

• Negative RT-PCR Test
• Quarantine Certification issued by DOH (Department of Health)-BOQ (Bureau of Quarantine)
• Valid Identification Card

LSI (Locally Stranded Individuals)

• Letter of Coordination from their Barangay of residence in Cebu City
• Negative RT-PCR Test (3 days prior to departure)

APOR (Authorized Person Outside Residence)

Public APOR

• Government Agency ID
• Purpose of Travel – for APORs with IATF and EOC ID Pass

Private APOR

• Negative RT-PCR Test (3 days prior to departure)
• Work/Travel Order from the company indicating purpose of travel
• Certificate of Employment
• Company ID
• Round trip Ticket/Travel Details
• Travel Itinerary for the duration of stay in Cebu City or for the first 10 days, whichever is shorter
• Confirmed booking of Accommodation in Cebu City
• Authority to Enter (ATE) if available – if none, advise to apply

TOURISM/NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVELS

• Negative RT-PCR Test (3 days prior to departure)
• Travel Itinerary for the duration of stay in Cebu City or for the first 10 days, whichever is shorter
• Confirmed booking of Accommodation in Cebu City
• Round trip Ticket/Travel Details
• Authority to enter Cebu City form

IMPORTANT REMINDER: No person shall be allowed entry into the City without presenting an Authority to Enter (ATE). Such ATE shall be issued upon the submission/upload of the following documents to the Cebu City Government Portal at www.mics.cebucity.gov.ph/inboundapplication.

NOTES:

Exemptions from the Letter of Coordination and Quarantine/PCR Swab Test Requirements:

• Transiting pax in Manila provided they will show proof of port of origin (e.g. boarding pass, ticket)
• Originating pax from Cebu City who are classified as APOR (Cebu City based worker/employer who will have a short visit to Manila)
• Passengers under the classification above who cannot provide a Letter of Coordination will be accepted upon check-in, and will need to call or coordinate with their barangays before boarding.
• Upon arrival in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, passengers without a Letter of Coordination will need to approach the kiosk of the Cebu City LGU for validation and confirmation of acceptance.

Given the strict travel requirements in Cebu City and its neighboring cities, some passengers are forced to declare a place of destination in the province of Cebu (except Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City) since they are now open for visitors. They do this to avoid any hassle of falling into long lines in the airport and the inconvenience of paying too much for the RT-PCR test.