Philippines travel advice

Travellers are advised against all travel to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of ongoing terrorist and insurgent activity.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

There is a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines. A Swiss national was kidnapped in Zamboanga City, Mindanao, on 5 April 2010 and was subsequently released unharmed.

Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe.

Visitors are required to show some identity if requested by police; photocopies of the relevant pages of passports are allowed.

There are periodic outbreaks of Dengue Fever (including in Manila), for which there is no vaccination or immunisation.

Tropical Storm Ketsana caused severe flooding in low lying areas of Metro Manila and Luzon on 26 September 2009. Some areas may still be affected. Further rainfall is possible in northern Philippines and travellers are advised to check the latest weather forecasts and advisories: www.typhoon2000.ph. The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November, however, typhoons can affect the country at any time.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel