Pack_Your_Bags_Weve_Got_Your_Travel_Checklist_for_Korea_SG_and_More

 

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

01_South_Korea

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:

  • A valid Philippine passport
  • South Korean tourist visa
  • Round-trip tickets
  • A negative PCR test result from any DOH-accredited laboratory issued within 48 hours prior to departure date or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result issued within 24 hours prior to departure from any DOH-accredited laboratory. Tip: You can get your tests done at the mall: Keralty Clinics and the Kaiser Medical Center offer tests in partnership with DOH-accredited laboratories (see branches here).
  • Foreigner Registration Card

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!)

02_Singapore

 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:

  • A valid Philippine passport
  • Round-trip tickets
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate issued by the Philippine Department of Health (check out this link: VaxCertPH)
  • SG Arrival Card, completed up to three days before your arrival in Singapore
  • e-Pass or electronic Visit Pass
  • The TraceTogether mobile app for contact tracing and to show proof of vaccination

 

The Destination: Bangkok, Thailand (where tradition meets adventure) 

03_Bangkok

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:

  • A valid Philippine passport
  • Round-trip tickets
  • An approved Thailand Pass (You will be given a Thailand Pass QR Code once approved)
    • Requirements for fully vaccinated travelers registering for the Thailand Pass:
      • Your passport profile page
      • Flight itinerary to confirm the arrival date
      • Vaccination Certificate issued by the Philippine Department of Health showing two full doses of vaccination
      • Proof of medical iInsurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000 USD
    • Requirements for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers registering for the Thailand Pass:
      • Your passport profile page
      • Flight itinerary to confirm the arrival date
      • RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test results issued at least 72 hours before arrival 
      • Proof of medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000 USD
  • TM8 – Health declaration form
  • TM6 – the blue card they give you on the plane

For more details and updates, visit this link.

 

The Destination: Bali, Indonesia (perfect for a quiet getaway!)

04_Bali

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:

  • A valid Philippine passport
  • Round-trip tickets
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate issued by the Philippine Department of Health (check out this link: VaxCertPH)
  • IDR 500,000 fee for Visa on Arrival 
  • The PeduliLindungi mobile app for contact-tracing purposes
    • e-HAC (electronic Health Alert Card) form
  • Negative RT-PCR test results issued at least 48 hours before arrival
  • Proof of COVID-19 insurance

 

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:

  • Attic Tours - SM Megamall, SM City Davao, SM Southmall (click here for more branches)
  • SMB Travel and Tours - SM City North EDSA
  • Grand Hope Travel-  SM City Cebu

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 FacebookInstagram, 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.