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Before you go to Philippines: what to know

Must know

  • Register on the free eTravel system (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours before arrival; paper arrival cards are gone.
  • Most Western passports and Russia get 30 days visa-free; you need a return/onward ticket within that period or airlines may refuse boarding.
  • Indian citizens get 14 days visa-free (30 days if holding a valid US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia, Canada or Singapore visa).
  • Drug offences are punished extremely harshly; vaping is banned in most public places.
  • Typhoon season (Jun–Nov) regularly cancels ferries and domestic flights—keep buffer days.

Entry and visas

Under Executive Order 408 about 157 nationalities get 30 days visa-free, extendable at the Bureau of Immigration. Indian and (temporarily) Chinese citizens have shorter conditional visa-free stays; others need a visa or e-Visa. Everyone must complete the eTravel registration. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond the stay and you need a confirmed onward/return ticket.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Show the eTravel QR code and a confirmed onward/return ticket.
  • Officers may ask for hotel booking and proof of funds.
  • Extensions beyond 30 days are done at Bureau of Immigration offices (fees apply).

Customs

  • Declare foreign currency over USD 10,000 or Philippine pesos over PHP 50,000.
  • Firearms, drugs, and counterfeit goods are prohibited.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: etravel.gov.ph ↗, dfa.gov.ph ↗, en.wikipedia.org ↗, immigration.gov.ph ↗, evisa.gov.ph ↗, etravel.gov.ph ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, UnionPay

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

Where to exchange money

  • Licensed money changers in big malls (SM, Ayala, Robinsons) have good rates
  • Bring clean USD notes; larger notes get better rates

Where not to exchange

  • Airport counters for large amounts
  • Hotels
  • Street changers on islands (short-changing scams)

ATMs: Most local ATMs charge foreign cards about PHP 250 per withdrawal with limits of PHP 10,000–20,000; ATMs on small islands (e.g. El Nido, Siargao) often run out of cash—carry enough.

Tipping: Service charge (often 10%) is common in restaurants; if not included, 5–10% is appreciated. Small tips for drivers, porters and boat crews are customary.

  • Apple Pay is officially supported; contactless works in malls, chains and hotels in cities. Islands and small businesses are cash-based; GCash/Maya dominate locally.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard cards do not work abroad; bring cash or a card issued elsewhere.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: support.apple.com ↗, bsp.gov.ph ↗, usa.visa.com ↗, mastercard.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Drugs: very severe penalties including life imprisonment; aggressive enforcement.
  • Smoking and vaping banned in enclosed public places and public transport (fines; local ordinances can be stricter).
  • Taking shells, coral or sand from beaches and marine parks is illegal.
  • Drones need CAAP registration/permits; banned in some protected areas.
  • Firearms and ammunition: never carry bullets (even souvenirs) through airports.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Some areas of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago are under government travel warnings due to terrorism and kidnap risk.
  • Liquor bans apply around elections.
  • Overstaying is fined and can lead to blacklisting.
  • Carry ID; police checkpoints are common.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Roman Catholic about 79%, other Christian about 9%, Islam about 6% (mainly Mindanao).

Clothing: Casual is fine; in churches and mosques cover shoulders and knees. Beachwear only at the beach.

Etiquette

  • Use 'po' and 'opo' for politeness with elders; English is widely spoken.
  • Avoid public confrontation; Filipinos value smooth relations (pakikisama).
  • Respect the 'Filipino time' pace but be on time for formal events.
  • Pointing with lips is common locally—don't take offence.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: psa.gov.ph ↗, philippines.travel ↗, psa.gov.ph ↗

Climate

Tropical. Dry season Dec–May (cool and dry Dec–Feb, hot Mar–May); wet season Jun–Nov with typhoons, most often Jul–Oct in Luzon and the Visayas. Mindanao is less affected by typhoons.

Month by month
  • January: Dry and pleasant; peak season
  • February: Dry; good everywhere
  • March: Dry, warming; ideal beaches
  • April: Hot and dry; Holy Week crowds
  • May: Hottest; still mostly dry
  • June: Rains start; first typhoons
  • July: Wet; typhoon risk
  • August: Wettest; typhoon risk high
  • September: Wet; typhoon risk
  • October: Typhoon risk continues
  • November: Rains easing; late typhoons possible
  • December: Dry season starts; festive season

Best season: December to May; January–April for island hopping.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: pagasa.dost.gov.ph ↗, en.wikipedia.org ↗, pagasa.dost.gov.ph ↗

What to pack

  • Plug adapter (types A, B, C; 220V)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, rash guard
  • Dry bag for island-hopping boats
  • Insect repellent (dengue)
  • Rain jacket (Jun–Nov)
  • Enough cash for remote islands
  • Motion-sickness tablets for ferries

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Bullets or ammunition (even souvenirs)
  • Drugs, including CBD products
  • Shells or coral as souvenirs (illegal to take)

Practical

Plugs: Types A, B, C; 220V 60Hz

Water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled or refill stations.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Globe and Smart prepaid SIMs at airports (registration with passport required); eSIMs widely available. Coverage patchy on remote islands.

Apps: Grab, Angkas, GCash, Maya, Google Maps

Health: Dengue is common; use repellent. Consider hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies vaccines; Japanese encephalitis for rural stays. Leptospirosis risk after floods.

Insurance: Not required for visa-free entry; recommended with evacuation cover (remote islands, diving).

Emergency: Emergency 911

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, wwwnc.cdc.gov ↗, globe.com.ph ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.