Boracay Tourist Pass set to launch in November. Here’s how to apply

Tourists were previously required to fill out entry forms at Caticlan Port and fall in line thrice before getting on a boat to Boracay.

Anyone would agree that one visit to the beautiful island of Boracay is never enough. And if you’re planning to go back and bask in its powder-white beaches, thrilling water sports, and vibrant nightlife, expect your trip to be a lot easier with the new Boracay Tourist Pass.

The one-stop online platform aims to streamline the entry of both local and foreign travelers to the world-renowned tourist destination. With the new system, those traveling to the island can easily fill out permits and pay all necessary fees online before arriving in Boracay.

The Boracay Tourist Pass is being developed by Boracay’s local government unit (LGU) in collaboration with the provincial government of Aklan, led by Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, and financial institution Pisopay.com. The company said that the project supports the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Services Delivery Act of 2018” by digitizing the travel process for tourists.

PisoPay chief operating officer Ma. Patricia Isabel Javier told Inquirer.net that the Boracay Tourist Pass is slated for launch on the first week of November 2024.

Boracay is the go-to beach destination for local and foreigners with its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and thrilling watersports. Photo: Piximike/Unsplash

How to apply for Boracay Tourist Pass

While Boracay LGU has yet to finalize the guidelines for its new online entry system, the process is similar to applying for the Philippine eTravel Pass, which was launched in December 2022 for foreign tourists and Philippine residents entering the country.

Applying for a Boracay Tourist Pass starts with digital registration where you would have to go to the online portal and provide your personal details, trip information, and other necessary data ahead of your arrival in the island.

Next is the submission of requirements, which includes a digital copy of your government-issued ID, hotel booking confirmation, and health certificates. Once the requirements have been completed, you will be directed to payment of applicable fees through PisoPay’s secure payment gateway.

These are the fees tourists must pay upon entering Boracay, as of September 2024:

  • Terminal fee: P150 for regular tourists and P120 for senior citizens, persons with disability, and students. Children 5 years old and below are free of charge.
  • Environmental fee: P150 for Philippine residents and P300 for foreigners
  • Boat fee: P50, as you will be entering the island via boat ride from Caticlan Port.

Once the requirements and payments have been completed, a QR Code will be sent to your email, which you must present at the entry points of Boracay for verification.

Prior to the launch of the Boracay Tourist Pass, tourists were required to fill out the entry form at the Caticlan Port and fall in line three times before being transported to Boracay. For every step, tourists are issued a separate receipt or stub which must be presented individually at entry points.

Boracay’s upcoming contactless system would then ensure a smooth entry process for all tourists sans the long queues and processing times. It makes things convenient by allowing you to apply for entry permits and fees online ahead of your vacation on the island. 

Promoting sustainable tourism in Boracay

Besides allowing tourists to visit the most iconic island in the country with ease, the Boracay Tourist Pass is encouraging sustainable tourism practices on the island. This comes after Boracay was closed in 2018 to undergo a six-month rehabilitation program to address the island’s problems with overcrowding and environmental degradation.

Beginning November, tourists visiting Boracay will be educated on the local government’s environmental guidelines through educational resources to be uploaded on the portal. The materials will provide information on the LGU’s continuous efforts to preserve Boracay’s beauty, protect its marine life, and manage its waste responsibly which tourists must all adhere to during their stay.

Boracay recorded 2.15 million tourists in 2023. Photo: Karl Bernal/Unsplash

In addition, the digital pass will allow local authorities to monitor the compliance of tourists to its regulations, in keeping with Boracay’s goal of preserving the island for future generations.

Proper tourist control in the revitalized island

According to government statistics, 2.15 million tourists visited Boracay in 2023; the bulk of the visitors were domestic arrivals. Meanwhile, Boracay is eyeing to attract 2.3 million visitors by the end of the year.

Boracay LGU’s launch of the digital tourist pass will enable authorities to implement a more organized system for managing the flow of tourists and preventing overbooking of accommodations. This, in addition to Boracay’s efforts toward environmental protection, will preserve the island’s natural beauty which, first and foremost, made it a premiere tourist attraction for travelers all over the globe. 

Associate Editor

The new lifestyle.