Philippines travel advice

Travel Summary

• There is sustained community transmission of Swine Flu (H1N1) in the Philippines. The Philippine Department of Health has a swine flu website at www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1 which contains information about the latest situation and government response. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The government has introduced mandatory Swine Flu screening at airports. All arriving passengers must complete a health declaration checklist and undergo thermal scanning. If these steps raise concerns secondary screening will be carried out by medical personnel. Passengers suspected of having Swine Flu will be referred to desginated hospitals for testing. They are likely to be asked to observe responsible home confinement unless there are medical reasons for hospital admission. If you are suspected or confirmed with Swine Flu you may experience difficulties travelling until you are given medical clearance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to south west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of ongoing terrorist and insurgent activity. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao. There have been terrorist attacks against civilian targets in Mindanao: in the past two years these have included roads, buses and shopping malls. Since 10 August 2008 there have been clashes between insurgent groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte provinces of Mindanao. There have been reports of civilian fatalities and thousands of people remain displaced. See the Terrorism and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There are also ongoing clashes between the military and insurgent groups in the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. See the Terrorism and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. On 13 November 2007, a bomb exploded at Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November however typhoons can affect the country at any time. Over twenty tropical cyclones hitting the country each year. This is also the rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur. Tropical depressions and cyclones typically bring strong winds and rain to the Visayas and Luzon regions, and particular care should be taken when travelling to Northern Luzon and the Bicol, Samar and Leyte regions. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more information.
  
  
• Around 70,000 British tourists visit the Philippines every year (Source: Philippines Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in the Philippines in 2007 were: replacing lost or stolen passports; arrests or detentions, mainly for visa overstays; and dealing with deaths, mostly from natural causes.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. In particular you should be aware that your insurance company may not extend cover to areas to which the FCO advises against travel. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

On 13 November 2007, a bomb exploded in the car park of Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. Among those killed was a member of Congress.

We advise against all travel to south west Mindanao covering the following areas, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM, including the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) plus the eastern provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao. This is because of ongoing terrorist activity there have been a number of terrorist attacks against civilian targets, most recently in December 2008. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.

You should also be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air. Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. On 27 February 2004, over 100 passengers were killed following a fire caused by a bomb on board a Super ferry travelling between Manila and the Central Philippines.

There is also a threat from kidnapping in Philippines. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

The Philippine government is taking action against the terrorist and kidnapping threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports.

Elsewhere in the region, Westerners were killed and injured following terrorist attacks in Indonesia; in Bali (October 2002 and October 2005) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004).

For further information read Terrorism Abroad. We also advise that you check the Embassy website: Philippines: British Embassy Manila.

Political Situation

Philippines Country Profile

You should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people. There is often a rise in tensions and political unrest around Public Holidays, political events and important anniversaries.

Crime

Criminal gangs sometimes use terrorist tactics, such as kidnapping and explosions. Explosions attributed to criminal organisations have caused fatalities.

There is a high incidence of street crime and robberies, which often increases during the holiday season. Sensible precautions include: arranging to be met at the airport or using hotel transfer services; using a driver or taxis from a reputable source and avoiding displays of cash or jewellery. Even well lit and busy city areas cannot be assumed to be safe. You should beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery: criminals intent on robbery may lace these to render the victim unconscious.

There is a threat from kidnapping for ransom in Philippines. You should be particularly vigilant when travelling on public transport. Armed hold-ups have occurred on jeepneys and buses in the Philippines, and have in some cases resulted in fatalities. The roadworthiness of some of these vehicles is also a concern.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Local Travel

Include safety measures in all your travel plans. Seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Safety standards on taxis, buses and boats can be low.

You should take particular care during the rainy season when flash floods and landslides can occur.

Mindanao

We advise against all travel to south west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago covering the following areas Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), including the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, plus the western provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, because of ongoing terrorist and insurgent activity. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao.

If you intend to travel to the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental you should use air or sea routes as we advise against all travel to neighbouring provinces.

There have been terrorist attacks against civilian targets in Mindanao. There is also criminal activity in Mindanao, including kidnapping and explosions. The most recent fatal attack was in Jolo on 7 July 2009, when an explosion in the main commercial area killed two people and injured at least 17 others.

Other recent significant explosions include:

• On 5 June 2009, in Cotabato City, an explosion at a food stand near the Cathedral killed six people and critically injured eight others.
• On 3 April 2009, in Isabella City, Basilan, and explosion in the central plaza near a fast food restaurant killed two people and injured eight others.
• On 18 December 2008 in Iligan City, when two explosions in separate department stores killed two people and reportedly injured over 30 more.
• On 1 September 2008, an explosion at the bus terminal in Digos killed six people and injured a further 30.
  

There are ongoing clashes between the military and insurgent groups in the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. Since 10 August 2008 there have also been clashes between insurgent groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte provinces of Mindanao. There have been reports of civilian fatalities and thousands of people have been displaced.

Extortion and kidnap for ransom gangs, that have targeted public transport with armed hold-ups and explosions, operate in Mindanao. In particular, there have been attacks on buses in and around Digos. We advise extreme caution in Digos and against using public transport throughout Mindanao. We also advise extreme caution in Cagavan de Oro, where there is an ongoing threat of terrorist attack that could occur at any time or any place.

There is also a threat of kidnapping in south west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. Foreign tourists have been targeted before, particularly in coastal areas. Most recently, on 13 February 2009 when a Sri Lankan national was kidnapped by armed men in Basilan and on 15 January 2009 when three members of the International Red Cross, including two foreign nationals were kidnapped on the southern Filipino island of Sulu. All three hostages have now been released. Previous incidents include an Italian national kidnapped on 10 June 2007 in Zamboanga Sibugay province and a group of four people, including two foreign nationals, kidnapped on 31 May 2007 near Pikit, Mindanao by an armed group. In both cases they were subsequently released unharmed.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Air Travel

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has assessed that the Philippines Air Transportation Office is not in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standards for the oversight of the Philippines' air carrier operations. For further information please see the FAA website at http://www.faa.gov/safety.

If leaving the country by air you must pay the departure tax (750 Pesos) in cash and in local currency.

You should re-confirm domestic flights not less than 72 hours before departure. Check your international airline's policy on re-confirmation when you make your booking.

Sea Travel

Inter-island travel by small boats can be dangerous as storms appear quickly. In 2008 there were three significant accidents. In December a passenger cargo ferry capsized off the northern coast killing at least 46 and in November a passenger ferry capsized near Masbate killing over 40. In June a large passenger ferry travelling from Manila to Cebu capsized killing over 700.

There have been two serious incidents in 2008 where passenger ferries have capsized in strong winds killing many of those on board.

In addition to the threat from terrorism (see above) there is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters.

You should be aware that maritime rescue services in the Philippines may not be as comprehensive as they might be in the UK.

For more general information see River/Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

You should not get involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe.

You are required to show some identity if requested by the police. You are allowed to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of passports. You should store the originals in a safe place to avoid loss or theft. You should leave details of travel plans, passport, credit cards with friends and family in the UK and enter next of kin details into your passport.

Philippine law on paedophile activity is severe, and strictly enforced. Severe penalties can be passed in child abuse or rape cases. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person under the age of 18. Entrapment may also occur where strangers with children have befriended single male tourists; allegations of abuse are then made in an attempt to extort money.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 21 days, while a tourist visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy will allow an initial 59 day stay. These periods may be extended, before they expire and for a fee, at the offices of the Bureau of Immigration. The Philippine Embassy in London is located at 6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG; (Tel: 020 7451 1800).

Passport validity

Entry to the Philippines may be refused if your passport has less than six months validity or if you do not have an onward or return air ticket. Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and can lead to detention pending payment of outstanding fees and fines and voluntary deportation at your own expense.

Travelling with children

Parents of children travelling unaccompanied to the Philippines must file an "affidavit of support" with the nearest Philippines Embassy or Bureau of Immigration.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some case, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Philippine Embassy in London.

Health

The extent of medical care varies across the Philippines, and may not meet the standards of care in the UK. Although sufficient in major cities, medical care is limited in more remote areas. You should be aware that medical treatment can be very expensive.

Dengue and malaria occur in the Philippines. An increase in the number of dengue cases has been reported in 2008, including in Metro Manila. These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. There are no vaccinations against these diseases but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. You should visit your GP to discuss malaria prevention tablets.

In 2008 water-borne diseases, including typhoid and cholera, were reported throughout the Philippines. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to the Philippines you should seek immediate medical attention.

Leptospirosis occurs in the Philippines, caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water contaminated by animal urine.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 8,200 adults aged 15 or over in the Philippines were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Philippines and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see the Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

Swine Flu

There is sustained community transmission of Swine Flu (H1N1) in the Philippines. The Philippine Department of Health has a swine flu website at www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1 which contains information about the latest situation and government response. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The Philippines has recently relaxed its testing for Swine Flu in view of the large number of cases, but is still screening all arrivals. All arriving passengers must complete a health declaration checklist and undergo thermal scanning. If these steps raise concerns secondary screening will be carried out by medical personnel. Passengers suspected of having Swine Flu will be referred to designated hospitals for testing. They are likely to be asked to observe responsible home confinement unless there are medical reasons for hospital admission. If you are suspected or confirmed with Swine Flu you may experience difficulties travelling until you are given medical clearance.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Philippines during the current series of outbreaks. But the World Health Organisation has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian & Pandemic Influenza.

Natural disasters

Typhoons

The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November however typhoons can affect the country at any time. Over twenty tropical cyclones hit the country each year. This is also the rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur. Tropical depressions and cyclones typically bring strong winds and rain to the Visayas and Luzon regions, and particular care should be taken when travelling to Northern Luzon and the Bicol, Samar and Leyte regions.

During the typhoon season you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities. You can also access www.typhoon2000.ph for updates. Please also see Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.

Volcanoes

There are numerous volcanoes in Philippines, any of which can erupt without warning. Sudden steam and ash explosions may occur at any time. Since July 2007 both Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon Province and Kanloan volcano in Negros Oriental Province have shown increased volcanic activity. Mayon volcano in Albay Province, south east Luzon, also continues to show signs of volcanic activity. The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Legazpi City has banned all human activity within a six kilometre permanent danger zone of Mayon volcano as a precautionary measure after it spewed ashes up to 200 metres above its crater on 10 August. This ban remains in place.

The capacity of the Philippineemergency and rescue services to deal with large natural disasters islimited. You are advised to exercise caution, check news reports andfollow local advice before travelling to volcanic areas. Moreinformation can be found on the PHIVOLCS website: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.

Earthquakes

The Philippines is in an earthquake zone. The last significant earthquake to affect the Philippines was on July 16 1990 in Central Luzon when over 1100 people were killed.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. In particular you should be aware that your insurance company may not extend cover to areas to which the FCO advises against travel. You should have insurance cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage. See the Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see How We Can Help.

Language

English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English.

Registering with the British Embassy

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Residents and longer-term visitors should register with the British Embassy and renew this annually to help keep information up-to-date.

Money

ATMs are available in Manila and other major cities. Some machines accept major international credit or debit cards. Retail outlets in urban areas usually accept payment by international credit card, though often add a service charge. Banks do not always accept travellers' cheques, but it will help if you can show your receipt of purchase for the cheques. Cash, in Pounds sterling or US dollars, can be exchanged for Philippine pesos in banks, hotels and some retail outlets. Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not generally accepted. Buying foreign currency in the Philippines can be difficult.

Do's and Don'ts in the Philippines