Philippines travel advicePhilippines travel adviceExercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
Extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years.
Although local authorities have demobilized some of violent extremist groups in the recent years, there's still a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in the following regions:
Bombs causing deaths, injuries, and property destruction have exploded in public areas of major centres, including the cities of:
Clashes may occur between insurgent groups and security forces.
There's a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance is limited if you get stranded in this area.
If you chose to travel in the southern Philippines despite this advisory:
There is a threat of terrorism in the southern Philippines.
In recent years, the Filippino government has intensified its fight against terrorists. Counterterrorism operations diminished the capacity of terrorist groups to operate in the Philippines. However, militants remain in the country even if attacks are less common.
Terrorist have carried out attacks, including in major cities and places visited by foreigners. Attacks are far more frequent in Western Mindanao, where government forces and rebel groups clash.
Further attacks may not be ruled out. Targets could include:
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Be particularly vigilant during the following:
Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.
There is a threat of kidnapping across the country, including in Metro Manila. In coastal areas, criminals target individuals on private boats, in marinas and resorts. They have also kidnapped cargo vessel crews.
Kidnappings are usually for ransom, targeting both local and foreign nationals perceived to have money. Criminals have killed some victims.
While in the Philippines:
Crime remains a serious concern throughout the country.
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, sexual assault, and murder, occur regularly. Gangs are active, including in Metro Manila.
The possession of guns and other weapons is common and poorly regulated. Arms trafficking is a significant problem throughout the country and criminals have attacked foreigners, even in wealthy neighborhoods.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, swarming and bag snatching, occurs, especially in urban areas.
Some criminals have drugged and robbed tourists travelling alone after an invitation to visit a tourist attraction.
Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs frequently. Illegal electronic devices are sometimes attached to ATM card readers, enabling them to record information such as the user's PIN.
Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
Internet is frequently used to initiate financial scams. Scammers often use fake profiles to target Westerners and steal from them. Once they succeed in building a virtual relationship, they ask for money for various purposes. This could include business or financial opportunities such as:
If you intend to do business in the Philippines:
Internet romance is also common. Victims of this type of scams have lost thousands of dollars. Before travelling to the Philippines to visit someone you met online:
Locals with children may befriend single male tourists and then accuse them of child abuse to extort money from them.
Report any incident of crime or scams to local police before you leave the country.
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
Demonstrations take place, including in Manila. Clashes may occur between security forces and demonstrators, especially in Mindanao and remote areas of northern Luzon.
Filipino law prohibits political activities by foreigners. Participating in demonstrations may result in being detained or deported.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.
Most of the time, lifeguards are not present to supervise swimmers. Many beaches don't offer warnings of dangerous conditions.
Water pollution is also a concern.
Diving schools and rescue services may not adhere to Canadian standards.
Road conditions vary throughout the country. Some roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained. Traffic is very heavy, especially in Metro Manila.
Driving conditions may quickly become hazardous. During the rainy season, metro centres often become impassable due to flash floods.
Many drivers don't respect traffic laws. They are reckless. They often drive at excessive speeds or way below the speed limit on highways. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Pedestrians don't have priority over cars.
Even minor road incidents can escalate quickly and lead to violent assaults.
If driving in the Philippines:
Most people travel using mopeds. Fatal scooter accidents involving tourists are common.
If renting a scooter or moped:
The safety and reliability of public transportation are poor.
Minibuses, known as jeepneys, and large buses are often old, poorly maintained, and overcrowded. Pickpocketing and armed robberies are frequent, especially in large cities such as Manila and Cebu.
Some interurban buses have also been involved in fatal accidents.
Motorcycle transportation is prevalent throughout the country, whether by habal-habal or tricycle.
Habal-habal are motorcycles with extensions, which can carry several passengers at a time. They are illegal and dangerous.
Tricycles are rather a safe option as they don't drive very fast. However, vehicles may be in poor condition. They aren't metered and can be hailed anywhere.
Although most taxi services are safe and reliable, there have been extortion incidents from taxi drivers.
To minimize your risks:
Ferry accidents occur. Some vessels are poorly maintained and overcrowded. Accidents are more prevalent during the rainy season as storms can develop quickly. As a result, local authorities may suspend ferry services on short notice when a storm signal is raised, even if the weather is clear. You could get stranded at ports for several days.
If travelling by sea:
Pirate attacks and armed robbery targeting ships occur in coastal waters. You may face an elevated threat of kidnapping in waters:
Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Philippine authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Philippines.
Different entry rules may apply.
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Student visa: required
If you need to extend your stay above the 30-day visa-free period, you must get the proper authorization from local authorities before this period ends.
The visa that immigration officials issue upon your arrival in the Philippines takes precedence over any visa you may have obtained from a Philippine embassy or consulate abroad.
If you're leaving the Philippines using a temporary passport issued inside the country, consult the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to obtain the required exit stamps.
Bureau of Immigration – Republic of the Philippines
All travelers must register their entry and exit from the country in the Philippine's eTravel System within 72 hours before travel.
Foreign nationals staying in the Philippines for longer than 59 days must register with the local authorities.
You must present yourself to a Bureau of Immigration office to register your biometrics, such as fingerprinting, and obtain a special security registration number.
Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket.
Local authorities are restricting visitors to Boracay Island.
You may need proof of accommodation in an accredited hotel to be allowed entry.
Foreign nationals travelling on a visa issued by one of the following authorities must present a travel pass to leave the country:
Travel pass – Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines
If you've been in the country for 6 months or more, you must obtain an emigration clearance certificate (ECC), also known as an exit clearance, and pay applicable fees at least 72 hours before your expected departure.
This also applies to children born in the Philippines who are leaving the country for the first time on a foreign passport.
Emigration clearance certificate – Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines
Children under 15 years travelling alone need a Waiver for Exclusion Ground to enter the Philippines.
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.
Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.
There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.
Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:
• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
Country Entry Requirement*
Recommendation
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
Risk
Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.
To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.
Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:
Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.
Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
During your trip:
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.
There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:
The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
Learn more:
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Good medical services and facilities are limited in availability, especially outside major urban areas. Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and equipment.
Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees at the time of admission. They may also require additional payments during hospitalization.
Some hospitals require patients to have a full-time caregiver. You may have to hire one if you’re travelling alone.
Emergency services are not widely available. Time response can be slow.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Some medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in Canada is illegal in the Philippines. If you bring some medicines with you, you’re responsible for determining their legality before departing. If you enter the country with drugs locally considered illegal, including prescription drugs, you may be fined or detained.
Canadian citizens have died or had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.
Before leaving for medical travel:
Air pollution can be severe in several major cities. It may affect people suffering from respiratory ailments.
During periods of high pollution:
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use, trafficking or importation, including through e-commerce, of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect life imprisonment and heavy fines.
Many drugs considered as legal in Canada are illegal in the Philippines. This includes cannabis, regardless of quantity and purpose of use, as well as some over-the-counter medicine and prescription drugs.
Penalties for pedophilia are severe. Under Philippine law, a child is defined as a person under 18.
Police may investigate any adult who is with:
The government prohibits any photography of official buildings or military installations that is intended for publication.
If you wish to marry in the Philippines, ensure that you're well informed regarding legal requirements. Visit the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines website for information on documents and procedures.
To protect the environment, local authorities restrict access to Boracay Island.
Some activities are also prohibited, including the consumption of alcohol and tobacco in public places, including White Beach.
If you plan to visit Boracay, make sure you know about the rules and regulations before leaving.
Filipino law prohibits political activities by foreigners.
Attending any protest, demonstration, or political rally as a foreign national may lead to detention and deportation.
Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Philippines.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Philippines, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
Dual citizens must obtain a certificate of recognition from Philippine authorities to ensure the legal recognition of both citizenships.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the Philippines.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Philippines by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
You can drive in the Philippines with a valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 90 days. After that period, you must apply for a local driving permit.
You should carry an international driving permit.
The currency in the Philippines is the peso (PHP).
ATMs are available in larger cities but may be scarce in rural areas. Make sure to have access to cash in local currency if you're travelling outside larger urban areas.
You may enter the Philippines with:
You need a written authorization from local authorities for greater amounts.
Climate change is affecting the Philippines. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.
The rainy or monsoon season extends from May to November, but storms can occur throughout the year. The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons per year, mostly between June and November.
Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding and mudslides are frequent following heavy rains, even in Metro Manila.
If you decide to travel to the Philippines during the rainy season:
The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences regular seismic activity.
There are several active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines, mainly on Luzon island.
Taal is one of the main active volcanoes in Batangas on Luzon Island. It continuously shows signs of a possible eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is constantly monitoring the Taal Volcano. Local authorities may raise alert levels and issue evacuation orders on short notice.
Volcanic activity may escalate suddenly. Volcanic ash clouds may cause disruptions to domestic and international flights.
If you are near active volcanoes:
The Philippines is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur regularly and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial quake.
Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in public and private buildings, including airports.
The Philippines is prone to tsunamis.
A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of a tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.
If you're staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.
