The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, each with its own set of scenery and activities to suit any traveller\’s tastes. Some beaches are ideal for sunbathing, diving, boating, kayaking, surfing, or even kiteboarding. More inland, there is rock climbing and a plethora of zip lines to be discovered. Travellers will be able to admire the Spanish-Filipino architecture, ancient structures, and friendly people in the cities.
Check this travel advice to the Philippines from the United Kingdom\’s current entry restrictions and criteria before you travel. These are subject to change with little notice. Keep an eye on the GOV.UK website for the most recent developments and remain in touch with your travel provider (GOV.UK).
Coronavirus
The Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has issued Alert Levels 1 and 2 for the following places, effective from 16th to 30th of April 2022. If you are considering a trip to the Philippines from the United Kingdom, visit the Coronavirus section to learn everything you need to know about coronavirus. During the COVID-19 epidemic, it is more crucial than ever to obtain travel insurance and ensure that it offers adequate coverage. Consult the FCDO\’s advice on overseas travel insurance.
The Philippine government has implemented measures to limit the spread of coronavirus that vary across the country. Many communities still have community quarantine regulations in effect. Check with the Inter-Agency Task Force and your local government unit for the most up-to-date information on the limitations in your area. Only fully vaccinated people are allowed to travel on Metro Manila\’s public transit.
If you want to take public transportation, make sure you have your immunisation documentation with you and are prepared to present it to the drivers or public transportation officials. You should regularly watch local government announcements to understand the most recent limitations and rules in your area, as well as their influence on your ability to travel and access important services. Check your local authority\’s criteria for any journey outside of your house, even to the airport, such as barangay clearance, a health certificate, or travel authorisation. You should visit the Department of Health website for further information on quarantine rules and regulations.
Terrorism
Over 200,000 British nationals are projected to have visited the Philippines in 2018. Most visits are trouble-free. Terrorists are quite likely to attempt an assault on the Philippines. Terrorists have the intent and capability to conduct attacks everywhere in the country, including the capital Manila and tourist destinations like airports, retail malls, public transportation, especially the metro system, and places of worship. You should be always on high alert and report anything suspicious to the police. Keep an eye on media coverage and obey local authorities\’ orders. The remainder of the country is still under a \”state of national emergency due to unlawful violence\” (GOV.UK).
Terrorist and armed groups in the Philippines are still planning kidnappings, bombings, and other assaults. They may launch surprise attacks on tourist destinations, markets, shopping malls, and local government sites. The Philippines has proclaimed a State of National Emergency Due to Lawless Violence in Mindanao. Due to the terrorist activities and confrontations between military and rebel groups, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommends not to travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. The FCDO warns against all but necessary travel to the rest of Mindanao is open, except Camiguin, Dinagat, and Siargao Islands.
In Marawi, civilians are in danger of death or injury because of battles between remnants of terrorist organizations and Philippine security forces. The Philippine government has declared a state of emergency and increased police presence in the Cotabato City region, as well as in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
Natural Disaster
The Philippines is an earthquake-prone region with multiple volcanoes. Every year, the nation is hit by 20 typhoons, most of which strike between June and December. Philippine’s ferry and passenger boat network has a dismal record when it comes to marine safety. When travelling by inter-island ferry, you should be cautious and avoid overloaded boats. Accidents are more common during the rainy season, which lasts from June to December, when storms may form swiftly.
Crimes
Confidence games (con games), pickpocketing, Internet frauds, and credit/ATM card fraud are common. Do not accept food, drinks, or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they are legitimate. Solo travellers have been drugged and robbed by strangers after accepting an invitation to visit a tourist destination. Ask the hotel, restaurant, and/or business establishment to call a reliable taxi service for you (Philippines International Travel Information).
Local Law
If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals charged with a crime can be held in indefinite pre-trial detention as their case makes its way through the judicial system. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the Philippines are severe. (Philippines International Travel Information)
Available Support
If you are overseas and require emergency assistance from the United Kingdom government, call the nearest British embassy, consulate, or high commission. Consular help is extremely restricted in areas of the Philippines where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel and limited in areas where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. This travel advice to the Philippines from the United Kingdom will provide you with an overview of the dos and don’ts of the present travel situation to the Philippines.
If you want to cancel or alter a planned vacation, you should contact your travel provider. You and your travel provider are responsible for refunds and cancellations. Travel businesses make their judgments regarding whether or not to provide refunds to clients. Many of them rely on our travel advice to help them make these judgments, but we do not tell travel businesses when they may or may not provide refunds to their clients.