Philippines Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	No/1	Yes
Australian	Yes	No/1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No/1	Yes
USA	Yes	No/1	Yes
Other EU	Yes	1/2	Yes

Passport Note
Immigration Officers at ports of entry may admit those with passports only valid for at least 60 days after intended length of stay, at their discretion. If there is an embassy in the Phillippines of passenger's nationality, entry is allowed if the passport is valid for less than six months.

Passports
Passports valid for a minimum of six months beyond intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above providing they are:
(a) 1. bona fide foreign tourists (including business travelers) for stays of less than 21 days and holding passports valid for a minimum of six months beyond period of stay, and return or onward tickets (except nationals of 2. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia who do require a visa even if staying less than seven days);
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours provided holding onward or return documentation (some nationals are required to leave by the same or first connecting aircraft; enquire at embassy for details).

Visa Note
(a) All tourists wishing to stay longer than 21 days need a visa. (b) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Types of Visa and Cost
Nationals of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia: £30.

Validity
For nationals of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia, maximum stay of 30 days.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info.

Working Days Required
Seven working days.

Warning
Travelers are advised against all travel to Mindanao because of ongoing terrorist activity. On 10 January 2007, three bombs exploded in various locations in Mindanao (General Santos City, Kidapawan City and Cotabato City), killing seven people and injuring at least 27 others.

Travelers are also advised against all travel to the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups.

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 and against civilian targets in public places including those frequented by foreigners.

There is a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines. It is believed that terrorists and criminal elements plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in the southern Philippines - ie Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. Kidnappings from other parts of the Philippines cannot be discounted. Boats traveling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are possible targets.

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.

The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November.

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 organisaions 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

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	No	1
Cholera	2	No
Typhoid and Polio	3	1
Malaria	4	N/A

Health Care
There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK and health insurance is, therefore, essential. Approximately three-quarters of the hospitals are private.

Note
1
A yellow fever or typhus vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas. A certificate is also required by those arriving from small pox or plague infected areas.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Philippines, unless travelers arrive from infected areas. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

4
Malaria risk exists throughout the year in areas below 600m (1969ft), except in the Provinces of Aklan, Bilaran, Bohol, Camiguin, Catanduanes, Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloila, Leyte, Manila, Masbate, North Samar and Sequijor. No risk is considered to exist in urban areas or in the plains. The malignant falciparum strain is present and is reported to be resistant to chloroquine.

Note
Although there have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Philippines during the recent series of outbreaks, the World Health Organization has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region. If you are traveling to The Philippines you should consult your usual healthcare provider for travel medical advice before departure. The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low provided that live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where there is contact with domestic, caged or wild birds are avoided. Ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.


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