Siargao Now Accepts COVID-19 Saliva Test Results

Tourists planning to visit Siargao can present negative COVID-19 saliva test results as a substitute for the usual reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as more travel restrictions are eased across the Philippines.

The provincial government of Surigao del Norte, where Siargao is located, approved a memorandum order allowing the use of COVID-19 saliva tests as substitute for the "gold standard" RT-PCR tests.

“A negative result on COVID-19 Saliva Test shall now be accepted in lieu of the negative result in reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test requirement for passengers in Surigao del Norte through Surigao City Airport and Siargao Island Airport,” Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas said in the order dated Feb. 9 but made public only Wednesday.

Saliva tests are cheaper and painless compared to the RT-PCR tests and the Philippine Red Cross has endorsed its use for a variety of purposes, including travel.

Here are the requirements for travelers planning to visit Siargao:

For tourists invited by a local resident of Surigao del Norte:

• negative RT-PCR or saliva test result taken within two days or 48 hours from the date of release of the result
• valid ID
• Surigao del Norte "e-HEALTH pass"
• travel certification issued by the mayor of the city or municipality of destination (within the province of Surigao del Norte)

For walk-in tourists:

• negative RT-PCR or saliva test result taken within two days or 48 hours from the date of release of the result
• valid ID
• Surigao del Norte "e-HEALTH pass"
• confirmed booking of accommodation for at least five days from the resort, hotel or hostel duly accredited by the Department of Tourism
• travel itinerary in Surigao del Norte
• roundtrip ticket        

Siargao, known as the Philippine surfing capital, reopened tourists to its white sand beaches last Nov. 23.

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