With beautiful pine trees, numerous cultural attractions, delicious delicacies, and cool breezes — Baguio City is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. For many years now, it has been dubbed as the “City of Pines” and the country’s “Summer Capital.”
Even amid a pandemic, people are still making plans to visit this amazing city. However, let’s not forget that there are health protocols to be followed. The City Government of Baguio is keen on regulating the number of visitors entering the city each day. So if you are thinking about going to Baguio anytime soon, then be sure to follow the rules!
What is Visita Baguio Online Portal Registration?
The City Government of Baguio, in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board, has launched an assistance project for tourists coming into the the city. The project is called Baguio VISITA, wherein the initials stand for VISitor Information and Travel Assistance.
Baguio Visita has an online portal where all tourists who are planning to visit the city need to register and schedule their trips. Here is the link to the Baguio Visita website: https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/.
Keep on reading to learn more about this digital platform!
Visita Baguio Requirements
The first major step on the Baguio Visita portal is registration. But before you register, be sure to have a soft copy of the following documents on hand:
- Valid ID (e.g. SSS, UMID, driver’s license, passport, Voter’s ID, or other government-issued IDs;
- Recent Photo;
- Vaccination Certificate/Card (if fully vaccinated);
- Negative RT-PCR Test Result (if not vaccinated/partially vaccinated, must be conducted within 72 hours before arrival);
- Confirmed Hotel Accommodations (if staying in a hotel); and
- Contact Person’s Name, Mobile Number, and Complete Address in Baguio (if staying with a friend or relative).
Additional Notes / Reminders:
- Registration on the Baguio Visita website must be done at least one day before the date of travel.
- Minors are exempted from vaccination and test requirements, provided that they are accompanied by a vaccinated or tested adult.
- The hotel must be accredited by the City Government of Baguio. Check out this link for the list of accredited establishments in the city.
- If staying in a hotel, you need to contact the hotel in advance, for approval of your QR Coded Tourist Pass (QTP). More on this below!
Step-by-Step Guide: Register in Visita Baguio Website
Once you have all the necessary documents and information on hand, you can now start registration on the Baguio Visita website. Simply follow these steps:
- Go to the Visita Baguio sign-up page: https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/sign-up. Click “Sign Up.”
- Enter the following details: your first name, last name, email address, and password.
- On the next screen, enter your complete name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, marital status, current address, and contact details. Click, “Proceed.”
- Upload a valid, government-issued ID and your recent photo. Then, click “Proceed.”
- On the next screen, you will see the Data Privacy and Consent Agreement. Read it, then click “Confirm” to accept the terms.
- Check all the details you have entered previously. If everything is correct, click “Confirm.”
- Check your email for a verification link from Baguio Visita. Click this link, and you will be taken back to the Baguio Visita website.
- Log into your account. That’s it! Your account is verified and you are now registered on Baguio Visita.
How to Schedule a Trip to Baguio Using Visita Baguio Portal
Now that you have Baguio Visita account, the next major step is to schedule your trip. Here are the steps to scheduling a trip on the portal:
- Go to https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/ and log into your Baguio Visita account.
- On the next screen, click “Schedule a Visit.”
- Enter your travel information, including your place of origin and mode of transport. If you are using a private vehicle, enter the vehicle model, vehicle color, and plate number. Meanwhile, if you are taking public transportation, enter the name of the bus company you are taking. Then, click “Proceed.”
- On the next screen, enter your accommodation details. If you are staying in a hotel, use the Search Bar to select your hotel from the list (See NOTE). If you are staying with a friend or relative, you need to enter your contact person’s name, complete address, and contact number. Click “Proceed.”
- Next, accomplish the Health Declaration Form by answering questions about your current health status. Then, click “Submit.”
- Upload a copy of your Vaccination Card or Certificate. Next, click “Confirm.”
- Check all the information you have entered. If everything is correct, click “Proceed.” The next screen will display a confirmation message stating that your schedule will be reviewed.
NOTE: Your hotel must be accredited by the City Government of Baguio. Check out this link for the list of accredited establishments, including hotels, apartment hotels, and transient houses.
Additional Step: For Those Staying in Hotels
If you are staying in a hotel, apartment hotel, or transient house, the establishment will arrange for your Baguio Visita QTP application approval. As an additional step, simply contact the hotel and tell them that you have scheduled your trip on the Baguio Visita website, and that you are waiting for approval.
Be sure to send the hotel your name, the names of your travel companions, and travel dates… for faster processing of your QTP.
Final Step: Download and Save Your QTP
Once your trip has been approved, you will receive an email message containing a link to your QR Coded Tourist Pass (QTP). Download your QTP. You can print it and/or save a copy on your mobile phone. This is very important because your QTP will be scanned once you arrive in Baguio. It will be scanned at the triage area, at the hotel, and other areas around the city.
What is Visita Baguio App and How to Access Baguio Visita Mobile App?
Check out this video tutorial which features how you can get your QTP application. This is really helpful for travelers to Baguio who want to visit Baguio as a tourist.
How to Get Visita Baguio QR Code
You can get the QR Code from Visita Baguio when you finish the application procedure. When you’re ready, complete your travel request, including a declaration of your health status and any testing options you may need – either prior to travel or when you arrive.
Your travel request will be approved and there will be an issuance of a QR-coded Tourist Pass or QTP, through your validated email address.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) only approves hotels and transient houses that meet high standards of safety and health protocols. If your request to visit is approved, you will receive a QTP or special QR code.
What is HDF Baguio Portal?
So far, we have talked about the Baguio Visita website. Aside from this portal, there is another online platform that the City Government of Baguio has been using. This is the HDF Baguio Portal, which can be found on this link: https://hdf.baguio.gov.ph/.
Basically, the term “HDF” stands for “Health Declaration Form,” which is one of the requirements for entering Baguio City. Notably, the HDF Baguio Portal caters to returning residents, employees, essential workers, students, and travelers who are simply passing through the city. All of them must register through this portal.
The HDF Baguio Portal also contains essential information, such as the list of requirements that each type of traveler must prepare. For example, a “returning resident” who is fully vaccinated should prepare: (a) QR Code issued through the HDF Baguio Portal; (b) Vaccination Certificate; and (c) a valid government-issued ID or certificate issued by the Barangay as proof of residence.
On the other hand, a returning resident who is not vaccinated/partially vaccinated must prepare: (a) QR Code issued through the HDF Baguio Portal; (b) a valid government-issued ID or certificate issued by the Barangay as proof of residence; and (c) Negative result of Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test conducted within the last 30 days.
Difference Between Visita Baguio and HDF Baguio (visita.baguio.gov.ph vs hdf.baguio.gov.ph) – Which One to Use?
The main difference Baguio Visita and HDF Baguio is the type of traveler who is planning to enter the city. Baguio Visita is for tourists who would like to visit Baguio for leisure purposes. You can visit the specific website link here – visita.baguio.gov.ph
On the other hand, HDF Baguio is for returning residents, employees, essential workers, authorized persons outside of residence (APORs), students, and travelers who are passing through the city. You can visit the website link here – hdf.baguio.gov.ph
If you are a non-resident who is going to Baguio for leisure purposes, you need to register on the Baguio Visita portal. In contrast, if you are a resident, employee, APOR, essential worker, or student, then you’ll need to register on the HDF Baguio website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about Baguio Visita and other health protocols:
1. What happens upon arrival in Baguio?
Upon arriving in Baguio, all tourists need to undergo triage. The Central Triage and Testing Center is located at the Baguio Convention Center. However, some hotels and bus terminals have their own triage systems, as well.
These triage areas typically open at 7am onwards. Tourists who display any symptoms will be tested and isolated, before being referred to health authorities for further action. This applies to all tourists, regardless of vaccination status.
2. What are the accredited hotels and accommodations in Baguio?
As cited earlier, it’s important that you book with a hotel that has been certified or accredited by authorities to operate. Check out this list to see the hotels, apartment hotels, and transient houses that are accredited in Baguio.
3. Is it possible to book 2 hotels for my trip to Baguio?
No, you can only book one (1) hotel when you schedule a trip through the Baguio Visita website. If you want to stay in a second hotel, you need to make a separate application through the website. This involves making a separate schedule for the dates you intend to stay in the second hotel.
However, this option would also mean that you need to generate another QTP, and go through triage again. So as much as possible, it would be less of a hassle to stay in just one hotel for the duration of your visit.
4. Can we schedule a trip to Baguio as a group?
Yes! You can schedule a trip to Baguio as a group, as long as you are traveling on the same dates and staying in the same accommodations. Only one of you needs to register on the Baguio Visita website; then, he/she would add the other members as “travel companions.”
Here are the steps to scheduling a trip as a group:
- Log into your account on the Baguio Visita website at https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/.
- On your dashboard, hover over the “My Travels” tab and search for the trip during which you plan to add companions. Click the 3 vertical dots beside it.
- On the pop-up menu, click “Add Companion.”
- On the “My Companions” page, you can “add a companion” one-by-one and enter their details. There is also an option to “add a vehicle” if you plan to have a second or third vehicle where your companions will be traveling in.
Speaking of traveling as a group, here are some additional reminders:
- If you are staying in a hotel, you can add up to 9 companions and 2 vehicles to the group.
- If you are staying with a friend or relative, you can add up to 4 companions and 1 vehicle to the group.
- Upon approval of your trip, each member of the group will receive his/her own unique QTP.
5. What are the places that I can visit in Baguio?
There are many places to visit in Baguio! Among the must-visit attractions are Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Teacher’s Camp, Camp John Hay, The Mansion, and Baguio Cathedral. Interestingly, a leisurely walk along Session Road will also lead you to many interesting cafes, restaurants, and shops. These are just some of the popular places in Baguio… there are many more!
6. How can I travel around Baguio?
If you are not using a private vehicle, don’t worry because there are plenty of jeepneys and taxis that can take you all over the city.
7. What are the popular festivals and holidays in Baguio?
Perhaps the most popular event in Baguio is the Panagbenga Festival, a.k.a. “Flower Festival,” which takes place every February. This is a great time to visit Baguio, since you can watch street dancing and join other exciting activities.
Another important holiday in Baguio is September 1st, during which the city celebrates its City Charter Anniversary. This day is a special non-working holiday in Baguio.
Important Reminders When Visiting Baguio
Now that you know about Baguio Visita, it’s time to learn more about other important regulations in the city. Below is a list of ordinances that are being implemented in Baguio. These must be followed by residents and tourists alike:
Anti-Littering Ordinance (Ordinance 54-1988). Throwing garbage is prohibited in public spaces such as parks, streets, plazas, lakes, canals, and public buildings. It is also unlawful to spit or urinate in any of these public places.
Baguio City Coding Scheme (Ordinance 01-2003). The city implements a coding scheme for motor vehicles. Vehicles with the following “last number of license plate” is prohibited from entering a number coding zone on weekdays, 7am to 7pm: 1-2 (Monday); 3-4 (Tuesday); 5-6 (Wednesday); 7-8 (Thursday); and 9-0 (Friday).
Curfew for Minors (Ordinance 50-2009). Children below 16 years old are not allowed to roam, loiter, or play on the streets, plazas, and other public places in the city between 9pm and 4am. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you are traveling with minors!
King of the Road Ordinance (Ordinance 07-2010). All motorists are required to stop for 5 seconds before a pedestrian lane, for the safety of people who are crossing the lane.
Anti-Smoking Ordinance (Ordinance 34-2017). Using, selling, distributing, and advertising tobacco products is prohibited in public places.
Silent Night Ordinance (Ordinance 44-2018). Excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud sounds, music, or noise is prohibited within residential areas and public streets in the city.
Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance (Ordinance 49-2019). Using a mobile device (e.g. reading, watching, texting) while crossing a pedestrian lane or walking on the street is prohibited.
First-Come, First-Served Ordinance (Ordinance 122-2019). “First come, first served” police applies to instances where people are in a queue or line. Breaking up or disrupting the line through physical force, threats, or intimidation is prohibited.
On Intoxication and Drunkenness. Under the “Codified Liquor Ordinances of Baguio City,” being drunk or behaving in a drunk, rude, or indecent manner in any public place in the city is prohibited.
As you can see, the City Government of Baguio takes all of these ordinances seriously, so it’s important to be aware and follow these rules at all times!
Summary
Without a doubt, Baguio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. If you are keen on visiting this city with your family and friends, be sure to follow the health protocols, such as registering on the Baguio Visita website, scheduling your trip, and booking only with accredited accommodations. After all, these protocols have been put in place for the safety of everyone, including tourists and the residents of Baguio themselves.
Contact Information: Baguio Tourism Office
If you have any questions regarding Baguio Visita and other related concerns, you can get in touch with the Baguio Tourism Office through the following contact details:
Address: Baguio Tourism Office, Baguio Convention Center, Baguio, Benguet
Telephone: (074) 446 2009
Email: baguiovisita@gmail.com
Website: https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baguiovisita/
In addition, here are the hotlines for Baguio Visita’s customer support, which is based in Baguio Convention Center. Please take note of the specific numbers and timings:
- 074 446 2009 (7am – 11pm)
- 0966 870 1378 (7am – 3pm)
- 0956 72 9093 (3pm – 11pm)
- 0956 572 9094 (11pm – 7am)
Google Map Location
Meanwhile, here is the location of the Baguio Tourism Office (situated in Baguio Convention Center) on Google Maps, for your reference:
DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. To learn more about how to register and schedule a trip to Baguio as a tourist, please head to the official website or Facebook page of Baguio Visita. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
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