Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays under 30 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[63] (2) 301-2000; US Embassy in Manila, 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1000; acsinfomanila@state.gov; https://ph.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
63
Local Emergency Phone
166117
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Philippines: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Currency (Code)
Philippine pesos (PHP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C
Major Languages
Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Muslim, Iglesia ni Cristo
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Chocolate Hills; Underground River Tour; Batad Rice Terraces; Historic Tour of Corregidor Island (includes Pacific War Memorial, Malinta Tunnel); Pagsanjan Falls
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, boxing, arnis (national martial art of the Philippines)
Cultural Practices
A common act of respect towards elders is 'pagmamano', which is the act of raising the back of their elders' hands to their forehead for accepting their blessings. All these values are centered around social harmony, positive relationships, and group acceptance in Filipino society.
Tipping Guidelines
Do not feel pressure to leave a tip if the service is poor. Locals often round up the taxi fare.
Souvenirs
Toy jeepney figurines; pearl jewelry and mother-of-pearl tableware; handmade bags, pouches, and bandanas; woven mats and baskets, embroidered silk traditional clothing; straw fans; handmade musical instruments; coffee
Traditional Cuisine
Adobo — chicken and/or pork marinated or braised in a sauce of garlic, peppercorns, and soy sauce and then fried in oil; traditionally served over a bed of rice
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
