You now can go to La Union without testing if...

With summer right around the corner, it will soon be the perfect time to hit the beaches like Subic, Batangas, and La Union.

Thankfully, domestic tourism is now easier after the IATF relaxed requirements for local travel. Specifically, testing is no longer needed to visit different provinces. Just look at what Baguio City did, for example. However, LGUs still have the right to implement several requirements. More importantly, not all provinces will allow visitors and non-residents entry for leisure, not yet at least. It's a similar story with La Union, well, somewhat.

As much as we want to go to the surfing capital up north, the La Union LGU is not technically open to tourists just yet. According to Executive Order No. 3 released by the province of La Union, traveling for leisure or tourism purposes “will be subject to a separate E.O”. But wait, it didn't say anywhere in the E.O. that tourists are not allowed to enter either. So what's the deal? Well, one thing for certain is those planning to visit the popular tourist destination will have to wait for further announcements from the La Union LGU.

Thankfully, residents of La Union will be allowed to entry to the province without issue, whether for work or non-official travel. Depending on where they came from, a test result will not be required. All they will need is a NAPANAM QR Code, which you can register through this link, together with a government ID indicating residence. However, for residents coming from high-risk level areas (GCQ or higher), a negative RT-PCR test result within the last three days will be required.

For non-residents, it's a bit trickier. You'll either have to visit for work/business, which requires a travel order. For non-official travel, all you need is a NAPANAM QR Code, a Government ID, and a negative RT-PCR result if the traveler is coming from a high-risk area. We're not too sure what the definition of “non-official” travel is, but it is different for those planning to hit up tourist sites, at least, according to the E.O.

Whatever the case, we'll just wait for more announcements from the La Union LGU. But for the time being, you'll have to either be a resident of LU, heading there for work or have official business in the province before being allowed entry at borders. Then again, you may want to reconsider visiting local tourist destinations now with all the new active cases going around. In the past few days alone, the Philippines averaged more than 3,000 new cases. 

Just food for thought.