The entry and stay of tourists on Boracay Island are governed by a multi-layered regulatory framework involving the National Government, the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the Municipal Government of Malay. In light of the 2026 updates, this memorandum outlines the mandatory legal requirements and administrative procedures for all visitors.
I. Statutory Basis and Jurisdiction
The regulations for Boracay Island are primarily enforced pursuant to Aklan Provincial Ordinances and Administrative Orders from the Department of Tourism (DOT). These regulations are designed to maintain the island's ecological carrying capacity, which is currently capped at 19,215 persons at any given time. Compliance is mandatory under local law, and failure to adhere to these protocols may result in denial of entry at the Caticlan or Kalibo ports of entry.
II. Documentary Requirements for Entry
All tourists, regardless of nationality or residency, must secure the following documentation prior to arrival at the Caticlan Jetty Port:
- Online Health Declaration Card (OHDC): Tourists must register via the official portal (
touristboracay.com). Upon successful registration, an alpha-numeric QR Code is issued. This code serves as the primary digital pass for all checkpoints. - Proof of Identification: * Foreign Nationals: A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
- Filipino Citizens: Any government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver’s License, UMID, PRC ID).
- Accredited Accommodation Voucher: Entry is strictly permitted only to those with a confirmed booking at a DOT-Accredited Establishment. The establishment must possess a valid Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO).
- eTravel Registration: For international travelers, the national eTravel QR code (registered within 72 hours of arrival in the Philippines) must be presented alongside the Boracay-specific QR code.
III. The Boracay iPass System (Digital Payments)
As of 2026, the Provincial Government has fully integrated the Boracay iPass (boracayipass.ph) to streamline the collection of statutory fees. While manual payment windows remain available at the jetty port, digital prepayment is highly encouraged to avoid administrative delays.
Mandatory Fees and Levies
The following table outlines the current financial obligations for tourists entering the island:
| Fee Type | Category | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Fee | Foreign Nationals | ₱300.00 |
| Domestic Tourists | ₱150.00 | |
| Terminal Fee | All Passengers | ₱150.00 |
| Boat/Ferry Fare | Standard Pumpboat | ₱50.00 |
Note: Residents of Aklan (Aklanons) and children aged five (5) and below are generally exempt from the Environmental and Terminal fees upon presentation of valid proof of residency or age.
IV. Environmental and Conduct Ordinances
Once entry is granted, tourists are subject to the Malay Municipal Ordinances, which are strictly enforced by the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) and local marshals.
- Anti-Littering and Plastic Bans: Single-use plastics, including straws and stirrers, are prohibited. Violators face fines starting at ₱2,500.00 for the first offense.
- Beachfront Restrictions: Smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the white beach and within the 25+5 meter no-build zone.
- Sand Castle Regulation: Building sand castles for commercial purposes or in a manner that obstructs the shoreline is regulated and often requires a permit.
- Drone Operations: The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones for photography requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Mayor's Office.
V. Health and Safety Protocols
While most 2020-era pandemic restrictions have been rescinded, the Aklan Provincial Health Office retains the right to require a negative RT-PCR or Antigen test for individuals displaying symptomatic behavior upon arrival. Tourists are advised to maintain digital copies of their vaccination records (VaxCertPH or International Yellow Book) as a secondary precaution for certain indoor venues.
Would you like me to draft a formal checklist of these requirements that you can share with other travelers?