Philippines — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay (some exceptions are possible). All visitors must have return or onward tickets, documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient funds. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 21 days provided these criterion are met. Extensions for visas are possible and should be made with the Bureau of Immigration.
Americans
United States citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
UK Nationals
British citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days, unless passport is endorsed British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong, in which case no visa is required for a maximum stay of seven days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
Canadians
Canadians must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
Australians
Australians must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
South Africans
South Africans must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
New Zealanders
New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
Healthcare
No special vaccination certificates are required, except by travelers entering the Philippines from an area infected with yellow fever. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid as there are frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before traveling; urban areas are generally considered risk-free. Dengue fever is a risk throughout the country; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided; cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Sea snakes can be highly venomous; travelers should be cautious in remote coastal waters, lakes and rivers, as anti-venom may not be readily available. Medical care is good in the major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in the remoter areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety
Safety and security should be of paramount concern to any visitor to the Philippines. It is vital to be fully informed of threats and developments regarding crime, terrorism and kidnapping before and during a visit to the islands. Vigilance is vital throughout the islands, particularly in Manila, as opportunistic crimes are motivated by circumstances of poverty. Extremist groups have a history of kidnapping foreign tourists, and terrorist bombings have occurred in Manila and Mindanao, targeting transport and public places. Recent explosions in Mindanao have killed and injured many people. Security has been increased across southern Philippines, and many foreign governments have issued warnings against traveling to Mindanao. Terrorist groups have also threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. The threat of terrorism and kidnapping is greatest in central, southern and western Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi Tawi, Jolo and the Sulu archipelago; the FCO, US Department of State and other governments advise against all travel to these areas, and care should also be taken in Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centers throughout. There is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters, and a risk of kidnappings at sea. It is believed that terrorists are continuing with plans to kidnap foreigners from the islands and coastal areas in southern Philippines, putting all boats traveling to and from offshore islands in the Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, as well as at dive sites at great risk. Safety standards on ferries are low, and rescue services are not very comprehensive. It is advisable to avoid travel off the beaten track, and to leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. The area is prone to typhoons between July and November, when flooding and landslides can occur; Typhoon Fengshen in June 2008 caused flash floods, landslides and rough seas that has lead to hundreds of deaths.
