Beach lovers in the Philippines and around the world are eagerly awaiting the reopening of Boracay to leisure travel. After all, the pandemic rocked the world at a time when the island paradise sees the most number of tourists, denying many of their annual summer escapes. Boracay will undoubtedly reopen at some point, but don’t expect things to return to the way they were pre-pandemic. It is safe to say that there will be quite a few changes to the way the island will operate, ushering a “new normal” for Boracay. Given this, those who plan to visit Boracay when travel restrictions are lifted should expect the following:

More requirements to be presented before entering the island

Following the closure of Boracay for clean-up, the local government imposed a variety of requirements that travelers must present before being allowed to make their way onto the island. As such, travelers will likely have to present a few additional documents once Boracay reopens, including a recent health clearance form. Other additional requirements may also be imposed by the local government, so make sure to check any announcements before making your way to Boracay.

Social distancing will be still be enforced throughout the island

Social distancing is still an effective measure for preventing the spread of pathogens, so you should expect that it will be enforced by local authorities, Boracay hotels, and businesses. There is also a good chance that certain activities will be made unavailable if social distancing cannot be practiced, so you may need to adjust your itinerary accordingly. Fortunately, there are still many beach activities you can enjoy yet still follow social distancing protocols.

Cashless transactions will be the preferred way to pay

Many businesses in the Philippines have begun to adopt cashless payment methods in recent months as a safer alternative to cash transactions. There is no doubt that many businesses and hotels in Boracay will prioritize this as well. G-cash and PayMaya are two of the most popular local cashless payment methods available. However, some establishments may also accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and others, so be sure to check.