Philippines

You must be able to show some identification if requested by the police. If you want to keep your passport in a safe place, such as in a hotel safe, carry a printed copy of the photo page.

Violating local laws may result in a prison sentence, served in a local prison. Sentences are severe. The judicial system allows long-term detention until a court hearing takes place. Foreign nationals have been known to spend several years in prison on remand while their cases are processed.

The detention facilities and prison conditions are far below UK standards.

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has warned foreign nationals against participating in public protests and political rallies. If you participate, you may be detained and deported. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people.

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for importing and using illegal drugs are particularly severe. A conviction for possession of even a small amount of any illicit drug in the Philippines means a mandatory prison sentence.

Police and other authorities have been publicly encouraged to kill suspected drug traffickers who resist arrest.

Child abuse and rape are punished with extremely long prison sentences. Be cautious about strangers offering friendship. There have been cases where women, single or sometimes with children, have befriended single male tourists and then threatened to report rape or abuse in an apparent attempt to extort money. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person aged 17 and under.

The Philippines is generally a tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers, although overt public displays of affection may be considered a ‘grave scandal’ under the Revised Penal Code. If convicted, you could get a fine or a 6-month prison sentence.

Current legislation does not recognise same-sex marriage. Same-sex relationships are not illegal in the Philippines, but some stigma exists outside urban centres.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons happen between June and November. Follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the progress of storms on the Philippines state weather agency and the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. You can find updates on typhoon2000.ph, or follow @Typhoon2k on X.

Earthquakes are a risk in the Philippines. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. You can get more information from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

On 30 September 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, with the epicentre near Bogo City. Local authorities have reported casualties, injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure.

Power outages and disruptions to transport and communications have been reported. Aftershocks are expected and may continue over the coming days

If you are in the affected area:

• Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services.
• Be aware of the risk of aftershocks.
• Avoid damaged buildings and infrastructure.
• Monitor local media and official sources for updates.

If you are planning to travel to Cebu or nearby provinces:

• Contact your travel provider for updates.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers natural disasters.
• Stay informed via the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

There are numerous volcanoes in the Philippines, any of which can erupt without warning. Sudden steam and ash explosions may happen at any time.

The Mayon Volcano is currently at alert level 3 (increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption).

Check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes. Avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there’s increased risk of lava flows.

Get more information about volcanoes from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Entry into Taal Volcano Island and Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. See updates from PHIVOLCS.

Ash plumes can affect air quality and have an impact on health. If you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions, you might be at increased risk of triggering or worsening your symptoms. A properly fitted face mask may provide some protection.

The Philippine emergency and rescue services have a limited capacity to deal with large natural disasters.