Lifestyle
Pack Your Bags! We've Got Your Travel Checklist for Korea, SG, and More
Posted by SM SUPERMALLS on August 16, 2022
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Lifestyle
Posted by SM SUPERMALLS on August 16, 2022
The situation: It’s been a while since you last boarded an airplane and you’re ready to make up for lost time. Thankfully, a lot of our neighboring countries have recently reopened their borders to fully vaccinated tourists. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable escape, you won’t have to go that far.
But first, get your vaccines and boosters.
Countries may have eased their travel restrictions, but most still require a vaccination certificate before you can enter. You can get yours in VAXCertPH booths found at select SM Supermalls. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to complete your vaccination or get an RT-PCR test, a number of SM Supermalls have vaccination sites and testing centers as well.
Check Your Passport
Before you book that ticket, best to check if your passport is still valid. If you need to apply for a passport or renew your old one, there are several satellite offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (DFA-TOPS) located at SM Supermalls nationwide. (Check out our step-by-step guide here!)
Flight Plan
Your passport ready and valid? Then it’s time to choose a travel destination and prepare the necessary documents. Below are a few options you might want to check out. Bon voyage!
The Destination: South Korea, a.k.a. The Land of the Oppas
South Korea has always been one of the top destinations for Filipino tourists thanks to our affinity for all things K—K-Drama, K-Pop, K-Beauty, and of course, K-cuisine. And as of June 8 of this year, mandatory quarantine for tourists, regardless of vaccination history, has been lifted. Be advised that there are still special documents you’ll need to prepare and additional immigration procedures you’ll need to go through if you’re planning to visit the country. (P.S. In case you need new luggage, you can shop top brands here.)
What You’ll Need to Prepare:
Note that you can register your passport details, negative PCR test result or Rapid Antigen Test result in advance via Q-Code. If you have registered via Q-Code, you can present your pre-issued QR code instead of submitting printed documents. It’s still advisable to carry them with you, however, in case you’re asked to present them for verification purposes. For complete details of requirements, protocols, and updates, visit this link.
The Destination: Singapore (for a Crazy Rich Asians vibe!)
This visa-free destination has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to go on a shopping spree, try trendy cafés, bars, and restaurants, or visit world-class parks and theme parks. (Don’t forget to pack comfy white sneakers for all the walking!) Since April 1 of this year, Singapore has opened its borders to fully vaccinated tourists. No need to secure pre-departure or on-arrival tests and no need for mandatory quarantine either.
What You’ll Need to Prepare:
The Destination: Bangkok, Thailand (where tradition meets adventure)
Known for their rich culture, cuisine, night life, and markets, Bangkok has been a favorite tourist destination for Filipinos even way before, during pre-pandemic days. Because the Philippines is part of Thailand’s Visa Exempt Countries list, you will not need to secure one before visiting. Just this June, Thailand has eased travel restrictions further, making it easier to obtain the required Thailand Pass. Tip: Be ready for your travel OOTDs with your fave prints and styles from SM! Shop size-inclusive brands here.
What You’ll Need to Prepare:
For more details and updates, visit this link.
The Destination: Bali, Indonesia (perfect for a quiet getaway!)
If you’ve spent the past couple of years dreaming of spending days on a gorgeous beach, cold drink in hand, then a trip to Bali is just the thing. It’s a tropical island with a capital T. You can choose to stay at a fancy resort or go backpacking in trendy hostels with your friends. You can take in the natural wonders or immerse yourself in the local artistry.
As of April, Indonesia no longer implements quarantine protocols for incoming travelers. And tourists from the Philippines qualify for Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme, where you can obtain a 30-day visa if you fly directly to the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Before you go, though, make sure you’re beach-ready with our skincare cheat guide!
What You’ll Need to Prepare:
Visit an SM Supermall now to take care of any requirements you may need to visit these destinations—from passport renewal to vaccination to vaccination certificates to RT-PCR and RAT tests. Just make sure to check which SM Mall has the service you’re looking for before you visit.
For help with your travel documents and visa procurement, you can also check out travel agencies with offices located at the malls. Here are some:
You can view the complete SM Directory here for more listings.
Now go ahead and book that flight! You certainly deserve it.
Follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on travel deals, government services you can avail for your travel requirements (check out SM’s Government Express Service here), and more. Be sure to check out the mall entry guidelines and updates on mall hours here before dropping by.
