Philippines

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

Plug Type APlug Type BPlug Type 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