cdc travel advice philippines

Last Updated 14 August 2023

Travel to the Philippines

Note: etravel.gov.ph now replaces the One Health Pass and remains mandatory for all travelers, Filipino and non-Filipino alike. The Embassy would like to remind the public that this website is FREE OF CHARGE and to be vigilant in recognizing  fraudulent websites.

For International Arrivals in the Philippines: Presentation of vaccination status and vaccination certificate for COVID-19 is no longer required . All arriving international travelers are accepted regardless of their vaccination status.

For OFWs and Seafarers: The issuance of the International Certificate of Vaccination for Prophylaxis for Yellow Fever Vaccine and other vaccination depends on the requirement of the agency/company.

Travel to the United States from the Philippines

For details and updates, visit the  website  of the US Embassy in the Philippines. You can also visit the Official “Visit the USA” website at  https://www.visittheusa.com/ . 

For more information, see  CDC regulations on international travel .

Note for all travelers : Travelers transiting through other countries will need to check the travel restrictions regarding that country and are recommended to further inquire with their airline carrier of choice

In collaboration with

In compliance with Ease of Doing Business Law (R.A. 11032), an act promoting ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services.

Entry Guidelines

As per IATF Resolution No. 2 (s. 2022) on the ENTRY, QUARANTINE and TESTING Requirements of inbound travelers to the Philippines

A. FULLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

- No pre-departure COVID-19 Test requirement - Must have received the 2nd dose in a 2-dose series or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine more than fourteen (14) days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/port of embarkation.

B. UNVACCINATED or PARTIALLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

1. Travelers 15 years and older shall present a remotely supervised/laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, or other similar establishment taken 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided that, he/she has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over. 2. Travelers 15 years and older who fail to present a negative pre-departure testing shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test UPON ARRIVAL at the airport. 3. ACCOMPANIED minors below 15 years of age who are NOT VACCINATED for any reason whatsoever shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them. 4. UNACCOMPANIED minors below 15 years of age who are NOT VACCINATED for any reason whatsoever shall follow the protocols set forth in Section B (1) and (2) above. NOTE:- Any inbound traveler, whether Filipino or Foreign national, who shall test positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen test shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH.

Philippine Travel Information System

Simplify your travel with eTravel

eTravel is FREE

Download eGovPH app

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Philippines

Travel Advisory May 16, 2024

Philippines - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect changes in the country summary and information on the Sulu Archipelago, Marawi City.

Exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest,  and  kidnapping .
• Marawi City in Mindanao due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Reconsider Travel to:

• Other areas of Mindanao due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest,  and  kidnapping .

Country Summary:  Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting public areas like tourist sites, markets, and local government facilities in the Philippines.  Violent crimes are also common in the Philippines such as robbery, kidnappings, and physical assaults. Protests happen in the Philippines and could turn violent and/or result in traffic jams and road closures with limited capacity of the local government to respond.

There are stringent travel protocols and restrictions for U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility when traveling to certain areas of the country as stated below.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the Philippines.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Avoid demonstrations. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the Philippines.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist and armed groups in the Sulu Archipelago and the Sulu Sea have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom on land and at sea, in addition to bombings and other attacks. These incidents often target foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, local government entities, and security personnel.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this region is very limited. U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are required to obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Marawi City in Mindanao – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Civilians face risk of death or injury from ongoing clashes between terrorist group remnants and Philippine security forces in Marawi.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Marawi City is very limited. U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are required to obtain special authorization to travel to Marawi City.

Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Terrorist and armed groups in Mindanao have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, in addition to bombings and other attacks. These incidents often target foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, as well as civilians, local government entities, and security forces.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in large parts of Mindanao. U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are required to obtain special authorization to travel to areas outside of Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Sufficient space for an entry visa stamp.

No (for tourist travel under 30 days).

Required for travelers from countries with yellow fever.

50,000 pesos/$10,000.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy manila.

1201 Roxas Boulevard Manila, Philippines 1000 Telephone: + (63) (2) 5301-2000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (63) (2) 5301-2000  Fax: +  (63) (2) 5301-2017 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency - Cebu City Ground Level, Waterfront Hotel Salinas Drive Lahug, Cebu City Philippines 6000 Telephone:  + (63) (32) 231-1261 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila: + (63) (2) 301-2000  Fax: +(63) (32) 231-0174 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Philippines for information on U.S.-Philippines relations. 

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the website of the  Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines  in Washington, D.C., for the most current visa information.

If you remain in the Philippines beyond the “admit until” date stamped in your passport by immigration authorities, you may be subject to fines and detention by the  Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Certain foreigners must apply for an  Emigration Clearance Certificate  (ECC) from BI before they may depart the Philippines.

See the Philippine Bureau of Immigration  (BI)'s website for information about Philippine visas, exit clearances, and Alien Certificate Registration (ACR). 

See the  Philippine Retirement Authority  (PRA)'s website for information about the Special Retiree Resident Visa (SRRV).  

U.S. citizens who intend to work in the Philippines should contact the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of the Philippines. 

We advise all U.S. citizens against traveling with potentially prohibited items, such as firearms, on their person or in their checked baggage. While at the airport or traveling in country, possession of prohibited items such as live or spent ammunition or firearms, or anything resembling such items -- whether it be a souvenir, gift, or artifact – may subject the traveler to prosecution and stringent penalties by local authorities.  Learn more about how to avoid problems when traveling abroad with firearms.

Check with your airline to determine whether a particular item is allowed for transport, as well as with the appropriate authorities in the Philippines – such as the  Philippine National Police  and  Bureau of Immigration  – as well as the appropriate authorities in any transit countries.

You can find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less-sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

U.S. citizens should remain alert to the potential for explosions and bombings as part of pre-planned attacks, as well as the threat of kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

For more information, please visit our website  here .

Crime:  Confidence games (con games), pickpocketing, Internet scams, and credit/ATM card fraud are common. Be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially just after you arrive in country. Do not accept food, drinks, or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they appear to be legitimate. Solo travelers have been drugged and robbed by strangers after accepting an invitation to visit a tourist destination.

Kidnappings, physical assaults, murder-for-hire, and other violent crimes occur in the Philippines. Philippine government law enforcement agencies are engaged in a nationwide counter-narcotics campaign that has resulted in a sharp increase in violence between police and individuals suspected of involvement in the drug trade. As part of this campaign, law enforcement is engaged in aggressive search and buy-bust operations that could affect foreigners.

Taxis or ride-sharing applications are the recommended form of public transportation. However, taxi drivers and/or individuals using stolen taxi cabs have committed robberies. Ask the hotel, restaurant, and/or business establishment to call a reliable taxi service for you.

• Do not enter a taxi if it has already accepted another passenger.
• Request that the taxi driver use the meter to record your fare.
• Wait for another cab if the driver is unwilling to comply with these requests.
• Make a mental note of the license plate number of your taxi, or text it to someone, should there be a problem.

When driving in the city, make certain that vehicle doors are locked and windows are rolled up.

Travelers have been stopped and robbed shortly after leaving Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a taxi or private vehicle. 

One common form of credit/ATM card fraud involves an illicit electronic device attached to ATM card readers that retrieves and records information, including the PIN, from a card's magnetic strip. Refer to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) website for more  information .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in the Philippines. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/relative targeting
• Free trip/luggage
• nheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at the 911 hotline and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(63)(2) 5301-2000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:   Please check with the  Philippine Department of Tourism  before traveling. The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as diving, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided, and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others do not. If appropriate safety equipment is not available, use another provider. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . If you are planning to dive, the  Diver’s Alert Network (DAN)  provides information on diving accident management. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

The judicial process in the Philippines typically is lengthy, extending for years rather than weeks or months, and 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 in illegal drugs in the Philippines are severe.

Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

If a traveler is found to have any amount of drugs on his or her person, or nearby, when arriving or departing from the Philippines, he or she will be charged with trafficking. Trafficking is a non-bailable charge, and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. If you intend to enter the Philippines with a prescribed controlled substance (e.g., medical marijuana), obtain clearance from the Philippine government first. 

Since June 2016, Philippine authorities have conducted a public campaign against illegal drugs. This has resulted in armed confrontations between authorities and suspected drug dealers and users.

Always carry a copy of your passport in the event that you are asked about your citizenship. You may be questioned by authorities if you take pictures of certain buildings, especially government buildings or military installations. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) may consider the participation of foreigners in demonstrations or political rallies in the Philippines to be a violation of the terms of admission. Foreign nationals who participate in demonstrations, political rallies, or other activity deemed anti-government in nature may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.

In the Philippines, any adult in the company of a minor under 12 years old who is not related within the “fourth degree” may be subject to a severe penalty. U.S. citizens should be aware of this law both to avoid unlawful behavior and to protect themselves against potentially frivolous accusations.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There is no prohibition on entry into the Philippines by LGBTQI+ individuals. Transgender travelers should be aware that immigration officials may require supporting documents if the gender in the traveler’s passport does not reflect the gender expression of a transgender person. According to Philippine law, an individual’s sex must match that assigned at birth as reflected on the official birth certificate, even in cases of post-operative sex reassignment.

Same-sex relationships are not illegal in the Philippines, but they lack legal recognition. No federal law prohibits discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals. Several cities, however, have passed local ordinances protecting LGBTQI+ rights. Despite these legislative efforts, LGBTQI+ individuals continue to face discrimination and harassment.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Streets, buildings, and public transportation may lack facilities for persons with disabilities. Most public buildings are inaccessible to persons with physical disabilities or mobility impairments.  Government efforts to improve access to transportation for persons with disabilities are limited due to weak implementing regulations.

There are local stores in the Philippines for durable medical equipment (DME) and some pharmacies also carry limited medical supplies and equipment.

• For information regarding disability laws, please visit the Philippines National Council on Disability Affairs website.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in the Philippines, dial 911.

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Not all ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  For more information about TRICARE medical services overseas (a health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families), including possible vaccinations, please visit their Tricare-overseas website . 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Philippine Bureau of Customs to ensure the medication is legal in the Philippines.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals  in the Philippines. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.
• Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.  
• U.S. citizens have lodged a large number of complaints about unethical business practices, prices, and collection measures against some of the  hospitals in the Philippines. Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.  
• Be aware that some hotels or resorts may have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on medical tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in the Philippines.
• Although the Philippines has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in the Philippines, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified. 

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality:

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis
• Chikungunya
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in the Philippines.

Air Quality:

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in the Philippines. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Vehicle traffic is dense and unpredictable. The road system is frequently congested, and drivers are often undisciplined. Consider the risks of driving your own vehicle if you are not used to Philippine road conditions. Avoid driving off the national highways and other paved roads, especially at night. Be extra vigilant when crossing the street. Do not expect vehicles to stop.

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in an accident, contact the local police, and attempt to stay inside your car until the police arrive before engaging with the other driver. Do not attempt to negotiate with drivers until police arrive. Drivers often ignore or do not yield to emergency vehicles, which may delay their arrival to the scene of an accident.

Always have a valid driver’s license and relevant documents with you when driving. Please review the following notices circulated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to avoid scams and requests for bribes from apprehending officers:  List of Traffic Violations and Penalties,  No Contact Traffic Apprehension Policy,   and Procedure in Settling Traffic Violations  The MMDA also publishes guidelines on  what to do during vehicular accidents . 

Public Transportation:  Exercise caution while traveling by inter-island ferryboats or other public transportation. Avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport. There have been 19 major inter-island ferryboat accidents since 2012, two with significant loss of life. U.S. government employees are advised not to use inter-island ferry boat services unless they are the only means of transportation available. There have also been a series of bus accidents due to poor bus maintenance or driver error. While taxis are the recommended form of public transportation, there have been safety issues using taxis. Please refer to our Safety and Security section for more information.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the  Philippine Department of Tourism website , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the Philippine’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Philippine’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to the Philippines should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Philippines . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, philippines map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Get Vaccinated Before You Travel

It’s important to plan ahead to get the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit.

Protect your child and family when traveling in the United States or abroad by:

• Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip
• Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines
• Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family’s travel plans

Avoid getting sick or coming back home and spreading the disease to others.

Vaccinate at least a month before you travel

See your doctor when you start to plan your trip abroad. It’s important to do this well in advance.

• Your body needs time to build up immunity.
• You may need several weeks to get all the doses of the vaccine.
• Your primary doctor may not stock travel vaccines. Visit a travel medical clinic .
• You’ll need time to prepare for your pre-travel appointment .
• If the country you visit requires a yellow fever vaccine , only a limited number of clinics have the vaccine and will probably be some distance from where you live. You must get it at least 10 days before travel.

Find out which vaccines are recommended or required for the countries you plan to visit .

TIP : Save time by getting routine vaccines during the same doctor visit. Use the Vaccine Self-Assessment Tool and discuss the results with your doctor. It tells you which U.S. recommended vaccines you (19 years and older) or your child (birth – 18 years) might need.

Last-minute travelers

When traveling to another country be aware your doctor may not carry a travel vaccine and you may have to visit a medical clinic.

Many travel vaccines require multiple shots or take time to become fully effective. But some multiple-dose vaccines (like hepatitis A) can still give you partial protection after just one dose. Some can also be given on an “accelerated schedule,” meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time.

• Discover and learn about specific diseases that can affect you while traveling
• What to do if you get sick after traveling
• Vaccines & Immunizations

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

Tips for traveling in the Philippines right now, from people who just went

Flights to Manila may be more expensive than they were before the pandemic

Underwater photographer Erik Lucas has regularly traveled to the Philippines since 2014, using those trips to teach workshops on capturing the Pacific country’s vibrant marine life . Then the pandemic hit, and Lucas waited years to return. “The moment they announced that they were reopening without quarantine, I booked tickets,” Lucas says.

The Philippines began welcoming fully vaccinated international travelers from approved countries in February. On April 1, the archipelago will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers from all countries.

While there are covid-specific entry requirements to get to the Philippines, Lucas felt the end result was worth the additional effort, and he encourages other travelers to visit. “Absolutely go,” he says.

To prepare for your own trip, By The Way collected advice from recent visitors and travel experts on how to navigate a pandemic trip to the Philippines.

Should you travel to a Level 4 country?

Know the basic travel requirements

Fully vaccinated travelers must provide proof of immunization (your white CDC card will do) as well as A negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within 48 hours of departure to the Philippines. This timeline excludes layovers as long as travelers stay within airports.

Children under 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirement if they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent.

Visitors who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or whose vaccination status can’t be confirmed also have to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight to the Philippines, in addition to other quarantine requirements .

All travelers must register with the One Health Pass (OHP), apply for an e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC) and show that they have purchased travel insurance that includes covid-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of $35,000. Lucas used the Squaremouth platform to find the travel insurance he needed to meet the Philippines’ entry requirements.

Once you’ve arrived, there may also be specific domestic travel restrictions depending on the destination. Check to make sure if you need an additional coronavirus test before taking trips within the country .

Airports are slammed. Here are 6 ways to manage the chaos.

Keep track of travel restrictions online

As with all trips during the pandemic, it is critical to watch for updates to travel restrictions ahead of your trip.

“It changes all the time,” says Pow Belgado, who visited the Philippines in March to see her family in Manila and Batangas. She turned to the Facebook page of the Philippines’ Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). “They’re very up to date,” she says, adding that the page made understanding travel restrictions more manageable with easy-to-read graphics.

Belgado also recommends checking for news through the Philippine embassy and contacting its staff if you have any confusion. “I had a question and they emailed me back on a Sunday,” she says. “I was quite surprised.”

Hans Van Der Sande, treasurer of the casino and resort complex Okada Manila, relied on updates from the Philippine Airlines website. Its Covid-19 Travel Guide offers information for passengers flying to, from and within the Philippines.

You can also visit the official tourism website or the Department of Health ’s website.

Anticipate fewer flight options

Daniel Robbins booked his flight to the Philippines as soon as he heard about the reopening plan. Because Robbins was so early, there weren’t great flight options to get from Los Angeles to Manila; airlines are still ramping up services to the country.

“[I got] like the only [flight] available before it started getting very expensive,” he says. “I had to fly from California to Hawaii, Hawaii to Guam, Guam to Manila. It took forever.”

While planning for his 2½-week trip to Manila and Cebu, Norman Villaroman — a native of the Philippines and founder of the family travel blog Go Places With Kids — also noticed tickets were more expensive than before the pandemic.

As demand rises for flights to the Philippines, the cost of tickets should go down, and options should increase. Villaroman says travelers should make sure the flight is flexible in case they need to cancel or reschedule based on the results of a coronavirus test.

How to use vaccine passports for international travel

How to prepare for your travel day

Travelers will have to present their essential documents — such as proof of vaccination and OHP QR code — at their departure airport when checking in for their flight, again before they board and upon landing in the Philippines. They will also be asked to show their travel insurance and test results before departing.

“They check every step of the way,” Lucas says, noting that he was surprised how thoroughly they reviewed his travel insurance policy.

Robbins arrived at the airport much earlier than usual, giving himself four hours in case something went awry. Before he left home, he made sure he had multiple copies of every required document for his trip. “I didn’t want to rely on them only being on my phone,” he says.

What happens when you land

Visitors will have to show their essential travel documents when they arrive in the Philippines. The process is smooth, Belgado says, but she recommends sitting as close as you can to the front of the plane so you can be one of the first to the counters for your document review.

Once you have gone through immigration and coronavirus procedures at the airport, you are free to leave and begin your adventure. Just make sure you keep track of your vaccination card throughout your trip — most hotels require guests to provide proof of vaccination to enter and check in.

“Having your vaccine card is almost as important as having your passport,” Van Der Sande says.

Aside from vaccine requirements, Van Der Sande says the only other major coronavirus precaution is that masks are required in public places .

Otherwise, there aren’t many restrictions limiting a traveler’s experience in the Philippines. Bars and restaurants are open, but they may have limited capacity. Belgado says she went to the beach, malls and casinos, and “it felt normal.”

Robbins enjoyed the reduced capacity on his snorkel excursion. Although that meant customers had to wait a little longer for their turn to board a boat, people weren’t packed in together like they would be before the pandemic.

13 places vaccinated travelers can go without taking a coronavirus test

Plan your coronavirus tests to get home

As a reminder, anyone coming to the United States must get an approved test within a day of their flight.

Belgado says people staying in Manila should have no problem finding and arranging a coronavirus test, but if you’re staying in a smaller or more remote destination, plan your test with more care. While staying in Batangas, she didn’t realize the testing lab needed to send out her sample to another facility, so getting results took much longer than she expected. She had to splurge on a second test to make sure she could get the results in time.

When planning your own tests, Belgado says, ask the lab how long they will need to process a test within your travel window.

To cut the stress of finding a test locally, Villaroman packed an at-home test that is approved for U.S. travel restrictions. Should you go this route, note that tests must be approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and be taken over a video call with real-time supervision from a telehealth service. Some options include Qured’s antigen self-tests and BinaxNOW’s kit (not the over-the-counter version found at drugstores; you have to order the COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test online and make sure it includes video-call support). Detect’s coronavirus test uses the same technology as a PCR lab test and delivers results in about an hour.

“I also brought some extra at-home tests for peace of mind just so I could test myself if I had symptoms,” Villaroman says, echoing advice from many coronavirus experts .

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

Philippines set to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated international tourists

Jan 28, 2022 • 3 min read

The Philippines is reopening to vaccinated tourists without quarantine from February © Getty Images

The  Philippines has been largely cut off to foreign visitors since the start of the pandemic but that's set to change next month.

With powdery beaches, including  Boracay's  5km signature White Beach, world-class surf and dive spots, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and more than 7000 islands spread across the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines has plenty to offer tourists. But since the pandemic began in March 2020, most have been cut off or subject to strict quarantine rules.

Starting February 10, that will change when border restrictions are eased for travelers from 157 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Korea, Germany and more.

They'll be permitted to visit the Philippines without quarantine—if they are vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative for the virus.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said [the reopening] "will contribute significantly to job restoration, primarily in tourism-dependent communities, and in the reopening of businesses that have earlier shut down."

Initially, the Philippines had planned to reopen in December but that was postponed when the Super-typhoon Rai struck; wiping out resorts, restaurants and cafes in tourist destinations, particularly the popular surfing and diving spot Siargao where, per NPR, the recovery is ongoing .

COVID-19 in the Philippines

The Philippines—a nation of 110 million people—has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Asia with just 50% of the population double jabbed and a slow booster campaign rollout. Since the end of December, the country has been experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant but, according to the New York Times, health officials are reporting milder cases  and domestic restrictions are easing.

What you need to know before visiting the Philippines

Fully vaccinated returning Filipinos can travel to the Philippines without quarantine from February 1; fully vaccinated foreign travelers can visit from February 10.

Travelers from the list of 157 approved countries are permitted to visit the Philippines without a visa if their stay is under 21 days, a border policy that has been in place since before the pandemic. They're required to have a return or outbound ticket and a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

To be considered fully vaccinated, arrivals must have had at least two doses of any COVID-19  vaccine approved by the World Health Organization , or one shot of a Johnson & Johnson vaccine. An official certificate of vaccination is accepted as proof.

Arrivals also have to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to departing for the Philippines.

Unvaccinated foreign arrivals are banned from traveling to the Philippines starting February 16. Children under the age of 18 are exempt.

COVID-19 restrictions vary across destinations in the Philippines , though most resorts, restaurants, museums and tourist attractions are open with some capacity limits in place. Check the Philippines' official tourism website for the latest updates before you go

You might also like: The 12 best beaches in the Philippines The Philippines for beginners: 7 first-timer fails to avoid on your trip No more 7-day quarantine as Thailand encourages vaccinated tourists to return

Explore related stories

Water Sports

Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read

From swimming in protected waters frequented by whale sharks to spotting colorful fish over a reef, here are the world's best places to snorkel.

Feb 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 12, 2024 • 10 min read

Jan 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Oct 20, 2023 • 13 min read

Oct 20, 2023 • 8 min read

Sep 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 26, 2022 • 14 min read

Apr 1, 2022 • 5 min read

Mar 8, 2022 • 2 min read

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Philippines travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 19, 2024 12:26 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, philippines - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

Western Mindanao - Avoid all travel

• Lanao del Sur
• Lanao del Norte
• Maguindanao
• Misamis Occidental
• South Cotabato
• Sultan Kudarat
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay

Central and Eastern Mindanao - Avoid non-essential travel

• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Davao de Oro
• Davao del Norte
• Davao del Sur, excluding Davao City
• Davao Occidental
• Davao Oriental
• Misamis Oriental
• Surigao del Norte, excluding Siargao Island
• Surigao del Sur

Back to top

Mindanao island

Extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years.

Although local authorities have demobilized some of violent extremist groups in the recent years, there's still a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in the following regions:

• Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
• Zamboanga Peninsula
• Sulu archipelago

Bombs causing deaths, injuries, and property destruction have exploded in public areas of major centres, including the cities of:

• General Santos

Clashes may occur between insurgent groups and security forces.

There's a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance is limited if you get stranded in this area.

If you chose to travel in the southern Philippines despite this advisory:

• remain indoors as much as possible
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid crowded places
• always travel with identification
• expect an increased security presence in public areas, especially around malls and transportation hubs
• stop at security checkpoints
• monitor local media
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

There is a threat of terrorism in the southern Philippines.

In recent years, the Filippino government has intensified its fight against terrorists. Counterterrorism operations diminished the capacity of terrorist groups to operate in the Philippines. However, militants remain in the country even if attacks are less common.

Terrorist have carried out attacks, including in major cities and places visited by foreigners. Attacks are far more frequent in Western Mindanao, where government forces and rebel groups clash.

Further attacks may not be ruled out. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including military and police installations
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist destinations, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during the following:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

There is a threat of kidnapping across the country, including in Metro Manila. In coastal areas, criminals target individuals on private boats, in marinas and resorts. They have also kidnapped cargo vessel crews.

Kidnappings are usually for ransom, targeting both local and foreign nationals perceived to have money. Criminals have killed some victims.

While in the Philippines:

• maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times
• stay in reputable accommodation with adequate security measures
• report any suspicious behaviour to security forces
• if you are abducted, comply with the kidnappers' demands and do not resist

Crime remains a serious concern throughout the country.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, sexual assault, and murder, occur regularly. Gangs are active, including in Metro Manila.

The possession of guns and other weapons is common and poorly regulated. Arms trafficking is a significant problem throughout the country and criminals have attacked foreigners, even in wealthy neighborhoods.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• If threatened by robbers, don't resist

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, swarming and bag snatching, occurs, especially in urban areas.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Be careful in crowded shopping malls and other public places
• Avoid carrying large sums of money
• Keep valuables in safe place
• Keep backpacks and bags away from traffic, as motorcyclists may grab them from pedestrians, sometimes causing injury
• Beware of friendly strangers offering to take you around town or on an excursion

Spiked food and drinks

Some criminals have drugged and robbed tourists travelling alone after an invitation to visit a tourist attraction.

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs frequently. Illegal electronic devices are sometimes attached to ATM card readers, enabling them to record information such as the user's PIN.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Online financial scams

Internet is frequently used to initiate financial scams. Scammers often use fake profiles to target Westerners and steal from them. Once they succeed in building a virtual relationship, they ask for money for various purposes. This could include business or financial opportunities such as:

• money transfers
• lucrative sales
• gold purchase
• inheritance notices
• bank overpayments

If you intend to do business in the Philippines:

• ensure that any business opportunity is legitimate before leaving
• don't travel to the Philippines with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a fraud

Internet romance

Internet romance is also common. Victims of this type of scams have lost thousands of dollars. Before travelling to the Philippines to visit someone you met online:

• keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam
• inform yourself about the country's customs and laws on conjugal relations and marriage
• be sure to retain possession of your return plane ticket, money, and passport

Child abuse

Locals with children may befriend single male tourists and then accuse them of child abuse to extort money from them.

Report any incident of crime or scams to local police before you leave the country.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place, including in Manila. Clashes may occur between security forces and demonstrators, especially in Mindanao and remote areas of northern Luzon.

Filipino law prohibits political activities by foreigners. Participating in demonstrations may result in being detained or deported.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Most of the time, lifeguards are not present to supervise swimmers. Many beaches don't offer warnings of dangerous conditions.

Water pollution is also a concern.

• Seek local advice before swimming
• Avoid swimming if red flags are flown

Scuba diving

Diving schools and rescue services may not adhere to Canadian standards.

• Use only reputable dive companies
• Make sure the company offers proper safety equipment

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road conditions.

Road conditions vary throughout the country. Some roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained. Traffic is very heavy, especially in Metro Manila.

Driving conditions may quickly become hazardous. During the rainy season, metro centres often become impassable due to flash floods.

Driving habits

Many drivers don't respect traffic laws. They are reckless. They often drive at excessive speeds or way below the speed limit on highways. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Pedestrians don't have priority over cars.

Even minor road incidents can escalate quickly and lead to violent assaults.

If driving in the Philippines:

• avoid travel outside urban areas or tourist centres after dark
• stay on national highways and paved roads
• avoid any confrontation

Most people travel using mopeds. Fatal scooter accidents involving tourists are common.

If renting a scooter or moped:

• be vigilant while driving
• avoid renting from operators who don't provide a helmet with the rental
• avoid driving on roads in disrepair

Public transportation

The safety and reliability of public transportation are poor.

Minibuses, known as jeepneys, and large buses are often old, poorly maintained, and overcrowded. Pickpocketing and armed robberies are frequent, especially in large cities such as Manila and Cebu.

Some interurban buses have also been involved in fatal accidents.

Motorcycles

Motorcycle transportation is prevalent throughout the country, whether by habal-habal or tricycle.

Habal-habal are motorcycles with extensions, which can carry several passengers at a time. They are illegal and dangerous.

Tricycles are rather a safe option as they don't drive very fast. However, vehicles may be in poor condition. They aren't metered and can be hailed anywhere.

• Don't use habal-habal
• Avoid using tricycles at night on country roads
• Agree on a fare with the tricycle driver before departing to avoid scams

Although most taxi services are safe and reliable, there have been extortion incidents from taxi drivers.

To minimize your risks:

• avoid hailing a taxi on the street
• only enter metered taxis from a reliable company and insist the meter be turned on
• prefer hotel transportation, official airport taxis, or a ridesharing app
• never share taxis with strangers
• ask for the windows being rolled up and doors locked at all times
• never hand your phone to the driver to allow them to see the map
• record the taxi's licence plate and provide the information to a relative/friend

Ferry accidents occur. Some vessels are poorly maintained and overcrowded. Accidents are more prevalent during the rainy season as storms can develop quickly. As a result, local authorities may suspend ferry services on short notice when a storm signal is raised, even if the weather is clear. You could get stranded at ports for several days.

If travelling by sea:

• use only a reliable company
• don't board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• make sure you have access to a life jacket
• plan for extra time, especially during the rainy season

Pirate attacks and armed robbery targeting ships occur in coastal waters. You may face an elevated threat of kidnapping in waters:

• around Mindanao
• in the Sulu Sea
• in the Celebes Sea
• south of Palawan Island
• south of Negros Island
• around Siquijor Island

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Philippine authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Philippines.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Student visa: required

If you need to extend your stay above the 30-day visa-free period, you must get the proper authorization from local authorities before this period ends.

The visa that immigration officials issue upon your arrival in the Philippines takes precedence over any visa you may have obtained from a Philippine embassy or consulate abroad.

If you're leaving the Philippines using a temporary passport issued inside the country, consult the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to obtain the required exit stamps.

Bureau of Immigration – Republic of the Philippines

Registration

All travelers must register their entry and exit from the country in the Philippine's eTravel System within 72 hours before travel.

Foreign nationals staying in the Philippines for longer than 59 days must register with the local authorities.

You must present yourself to a Bureau of Immigration office to register your biometrics, such as fingerprinting, and obtain a special security registration number.

• Philippine E-Travel System – Republic of the Philippines
• Bureau of Immigration offices – Republic of the Philippines

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket.

Boracay Island

Local authorities are restricting visitors to Boracay Island.

You may need proof of accommodation in an accredited hotel to be allowed entry.

Exit requirements

Travel pass.

Foreign nationals travelling on a visa issued by one of the following authorities must present a travel pass to leave the country:

• the Department of Justice
• the Board of Investments
• the Philippine Retirement Authority
• the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
• the economic zones

Travel pass – Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines

Emigration clearance certificate

If you've been in the country for 6 months or more, you must obtain an emigration clearance certificate (ECC), also known as an exit clearance, and pay applicable fees at least 72 hours before your expected departure.

This also applies to children born in the Philippines who are leaving the country for the first time on a foreign passport.

Emigration clearance certificate – Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines

• Children and travel

Children under 15 years travelling alone need a Waiver for Exclusion Ground to enter the Philippines.

• Waiver for Exclusion Ground – Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good medical services and facilities are limited in availability, especially outside major urban areas. Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and equipment.

Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.  Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees at the time of admission. They may also require additional payments during hospitalization. 

Some hospitals require patients to have a full-time caregiver. You may have to hire one if you’re travelling alone.

Emergency services are not widely available. Time response can be slow.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in Canada is illegal in the Philippines. If you bring some medicines with you, you’re responsible for determining their legality before departing. If you enter the country with drugs locally considered illegal, including prescription drugs, you may be fined or detained.

• Make sure your medicines are legal in the Philippines before departure
• Bring your own medicines, but only in quantities sufficient for the duration of your stay
• Seal and declare a separate quantity of prescription drugs before departing the Philippines if you’re travelling onward to another country
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions as well as a letter from your physician stating the dosage and your relevant medical condition
• Pack your medicines in your carry-on luggage

Medical tourism

Canadian citizens have died or had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel:

• make sure you have done your research
• use reputable health-care providers only

Receiving medical care outside Canada

Air pollution

Air pollution can be severe in several major cities. It may affect people suffering from respiratory ailments.  

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• follow the instructions of local authorities

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use, trafficking or importation, including through e-commerce, of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect life imprisonment and heavy fines.

Many drugs considered as legal in Canada are illegal in the Philippines. This includes cannabis, regardless of quantity and purpose of use, as well as some over-the-counter medicine and prescription drugs.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people's packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Child sex tourism

Penalties for pedophilia are severe. Under Philippine law, a child is defined as a person under 18.

Police may investigate any adult who is with:

• an unrelated child 12 years of age or younger, or 10 years or more his/her junior
• an unrelated child under age 18 inside the room of a house, hotel, or other similar establishments, vehicle, or other secluded location, and is suspected of having the intention to exploit the child sexually

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

Photography

The government prohibits any photography of official buildings or military installations that is intended for publication.

If you wish to marry in the Philippines, ensure that you're well informed regarding legal requirements. Visit the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines website for information on documents and procedures.

• Embassy of Canada to the Philippines
• Marriage overseas factsheet

To protect the environment, local authorities restrict access to Boracay Island.

Some activities are also prohibited, including  the consumption of alcohol and tobacco in public places, including White Beach.

If you plan to visit Boracay, make sure you know about the rules and regulations before leaving.

Filipino law prohibits political activities by foreigners.

Attending any protest, demonstration, or political rally as a foreign national may lead to detention and deportation.

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it's lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Philippines.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Philippines, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Dual citizens must obtain a certificate of recognition from Philippine authorities to ensure the legal recognition of both citizenships.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the Philippines.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Philippines by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the Philippines to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You can drive in the Philippines with a valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 90 days. After that period, you must apply for a local driving permit.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in the Philippines is the peso (PHP).

ATMs are available in larger cities but may be scarce in rural areas. Make sure to have access to cash in local currency if you're travelling outside larger urban areas.

You may enter the Philippines with:

• up to PHP 50,000
• up to US$10,000 or other currency equivalent

You need a written authorization from local authorities for greater amounts.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting the Philippines. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Typhoons and monsoons

The rainy or monsoon season extends from May to November, but storms can occur throughout the year. The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons per year, mostly between June and November.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding and mudslides are frequent following heavy rains, even in Metro Manila.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines during the rainy season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Philippine Weather Services and Warnings – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
• Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards – University of the Philippines

Seismic activity

The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences regular seismic activity.

There are several active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines, mainly on Luzon island.

Taal is one of the main active volcanoes in Batangas on Luzon Island. It continuously shows signs of a possible eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is constantly monitoring the Taal Volcano. Local authorities may raise alert levels and issue evacuation orders on short notice.

Volcanic activity may escalate suddenly. Volcanic ash clouds may cause disruptions to domestic and international flights.

If you are near active volcanoes:

• monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media
• pay careful attention to all warnings issued
• follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice

Earthquakes

The Philippines is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur regularly and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial quake.

Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in public and private buildings, including airports.

The Philippines is prone to tsunamis.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of a tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.

If you're staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

• Hazard Hunter – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology – Department of Science and Technology
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes   – U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, in Manila, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Section 1 - Perspectives : Why Guidelines Differ
• Section 1 - Improving the Quality of Travel Medicine Through Education & Training

Maps & Travel Medicine

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Marielle (Ellie) Glynn, Jesse Blanton, R. Ryan Lash

For well over 50 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has used maps to help communicate geographically nuanced information about travel-related disease risks and associated health and safety recommendations. The earliest editions of CDC Yellow Book, a slim pamphlet entitled Immunization Information for International Travel , included reprints of maps produced by the World Health Organization showing areas of risk for malaria ( Figure 1-01 ) and yellow fever ( Figure 1-02 ). Although the number and variety of maps in the CDC Yellow Book have grown over the past 11 editions, from 7 in 2000 to 58 in 2020 ( Figure 1-03 ), most still focus on identifying areas of risk for these same 2 diseases. Over time, as malaria prophylaxis and yellow fever vaccine recommendations for many destinations have become increasingly geographically specific, we have included additional country-specific reference maps in CDC Yellow Book (see Sec. 2, Ch. 5, Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country ).

A well-designed map speaks for itself, even when depicting complex features of a disease. Public health maps must accurately reflect the subject matter expert’s judgment on best available evidence and clinical practices. CDC Yellow Book maps are subject to multiple constraints, including the spatial and temporal precision of reported disease surveillance data, variation in how data are reported, and the availability of corresponding environmental and demographic data. Decisions also must be made about whether including a map provides additional clarity. For some health risks, a table or textual description is adequate. When vaccination or prophylaxis recommendations apply to an entire country, for example, a map might be unnecessary. Conversely, when risk or recommendations vary based on geographic boundaries that are difficult to describe in words, maps can enhance risk communication, orienting the viewer more quickly and efficiently than a table or text.

Figure 1-01. Reprint of malaria map from Health Information for International Travel 1974 (CDC 1974)

View Larger Figure

For many years, CDC Yellow Book included World Health Organization global malaria maps, which generally followed the above design style. Small size and lack of labels made these maps difficult to interpret for specific travel itineraries.

Figure 1-02. Reprint of yellow fever endemic zones map from Health Information for International Travel 1977 (CDC 1977)

These World Health Organization maps highlight various ways that boundaries of vectorborne diseases (e.g., yellow fever) can be demarcated. Compare these maps to the most current yellow fever vaccine recommendations in this edition of CDC Yellow Book (see Section 5.2.26, Yellow Fever ).

Figure 1-03. Number of maps included in CDC Yellow Book (YB) print editions, 2000–2024 1,2

Over the past 11 editions, the number of CDC YB maps has increased by approximately 10-fold. Many new country-specific malaria and yellow fever risk maps aid in the interpretation of prophylaxis and vaccination recommendations.

1 YB2022 not published due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

2 Created to supplement written information that appeared in the YB chapter, Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country, reference maps showed cities and provinces of selected countries. It was left to the reader to review these maps along with the written information in the chapter to determine where travelers could be at risk for yellow fever virus and/or malaria transmission. Starting in 2014, YB began replacing reference maps with disease-specific maps depicting risk areas for yellow fever virus and malaria transmission. The last reference map (China) appeared in YB2020.

In addition to providing vaccination and prophylaxis recommendations, other categories of CDC Yellow Book maps include destination maps, disease distribution maps, and risk maps. The destination maps in Section 10, Popular Itineraries , are included to provide information about the locations of national parks, game preserves, cities, and culturally significant gathering places. These maps serve as visual references to help clinicians understand their patients’ travel plans. Disease distribution maps found throughout Section 5, Travel-Associated Infections & Diseases , show the global or regional presence or burden of the diseases described. Disease mapping varies, however. In some cases, a disease prevalence map could be most useful to a clinician; in other instances, risk maps, depicting both disease distribution and other relevant factors (e.g., elevation or access to preventative measures) can help health care providers make specific recommendations. Diseases with complex geographic variation in both prevalence and preventative measures also might have corresponding prophylaxis recommendation maps.

All the static maps from the print edition of CDC Yellow Book are available on the Travelers’ Health website but advances in online mapping technology have created opportunities to deliver travel health information in novel ways. In March 2017, for example, CDC’s Travelers’ Health Branch launched a mapping application to aid in the communication of international Zika travel recommendations. This application allows users to search an interactive map; clicking on a destination opens a text box that provides travel health information for the specific location. CDC created a similar map for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Efforts are under way to create interactive maps for the online version of CDC Yellow Book that will elucidate the geographic health risks associated with international travel, beyond malaria and yellow fever.

Bibliography

Center for Disease Control. Health information for international travel 1974: Supplement to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1974;23(54):1–80.

Center for Disease Control. Health information for international travel 1977: Supplement to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1977;26(55).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC health information for international travel, 2008 edition. Arguin PM, Kozarsky PE, Reed C, editors. Atlanta: Elsevier Mosby; 2007.

Jentes ES, Poumerol G, Gershman MD, Hill DR, Lemarchand J, Lewis R, et al. The revised global yellow fever risk map and recommendations for vaccination, 2010: consensus of the Informal WHO Working Group on Geographic Risk for Yellow Fever. Lancet Infect Dis. 2011;11(8):622–32. Jentes ES, Lash RR, Johansson MA, Sharp TM, Henry R, Brady OJ, et al. Evidence-based risk assessment and communication: a new global dengue-risk map for travelers and clinicians. J Travel Med. 2016;23(6):taw062.

Lash RR., Walker AT, Lee CV, LaRocque R, Rao SR. Ryan ET, et al. Enabling clinicians to easily find location-based travel health recommendations—is innovation needed? J Travel Med. 2018;25(1):tay035.

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Bring photo ID to vote Check what photo ID you'll need to vote in person in the General Election on 4 July.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Philippines

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago

FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.

Northern and eastern Mindanao

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao, excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands, due to the threat of terrorism.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Health officials tell US doctors to be alert for dengue as cases ramp up worldwide

FILE - This 2003 photo provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a female Aedes albopictus mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a human host. Dengue, a tropical illness caused by a virus, is spread by Aedes mosquitos, a type of warm weather insect that is expanding its geographic reach because of climate change, experts say. (James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP, File)

• Copy Link copied

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday warned doctors to be alert for dengue cases as the tropical disease breaks international records.

The virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been surging worldwide, helped by climate change. In barely six months, countries in the Americas have already broken calendar-year records for dengue cases.

The World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency in March.

Dengue remains less common in the continental United States, but in the 50 states so far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year. Most were infections that travelers got abroad, and officials note there is no evidence of a current outbreak. But they also warn that local mosquitos pose a threat.

In its health alert Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised doctors to know the symptoms, ask questions about where patients recently traveled and consider ordering dengue tests when appropriate.

Dengue (pronounced DEHN'-gay) is caused by a virus spread by a type of warm weather mosquito that is expanding its geographic reach because of climate change, experts say.

Many infected people don’t get sick, but some experience headache, fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can involve cause serious bleeding, shock and death.

Repeated infections can be especially dangerous.

There are four types of dengue virus, simply known as 1, 2, 3 and 4. When someone is first infected, their body builds antibodies against that type for life. If they get infected with another type of dengue, the antibodies from the first infection may fail to neutralize the second type — and actually can help the virus enter immune cells and replicate.

That’s a concern in Puerto Rico, which for the last two decades has been widely exposed to type 1. Last month, the island reported its first dengue death of the year.

“We’re currently seeing is increases in the cases due to dengue 2 and dengue 3, for which the population has very little immunity,” said Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, the Puerto-Rico-based chief of the CDC’s dengue branch.

There is no widely available medicine for treating dengue infections.

Vaccines have been tricky. U.S. officials in 2021 recommended one vaccine, made by Sanofi. The three-dose vaccine is built to protect against all four dengue types and is recommended only for children ages 9 to 16 who have laboratory evidence of an earlier dengue infection and who live in an area — like Puerto Rico — where dengue is common.

Given those restrictions and other issues, it hasn’t been widely used. As of late last month, only about 140 children had been vaccinated in Puerto Rico since shots became available there in 2022, and Sanofi Pasteur has told the CDC it is going to stop making the vaccine.

A different vaccine made by the Tokyo-based pharmaceutical company Takeda is not currently licensed in the U.S. Others are in development.

Across the world, more than 6.6 million infections were reported by about 80 countries last year. In the first four months of this year, 7.9 million cases and 4,000 deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization. It’s been particularly intense in the Americas, including in Brazil and Peru .

In the United States, the numbers have been far more modest — about 3,000 cases last year in U.S. states and territories. But it was the worst in a decade, and included more infections that occurred locally, courtesy of native mosquitoes. Most were in Puerto Rico, but about 180 were in three U.S. states — Florida, Texas and California.

So far this year, there have been nearly 1,500 locally-acquired U.S. cases, nearly all of them in Puerto Rico.

Most cases in the continental U.S. continue to be people who were infected while traveling internationally.

It’s “a traveler’s nightmare” and a growing international concern, said Dr. Lulu Bravo, who studies pediatric tropical diseases at the University of the Philippines Manila and who has worked with Takeda on its vaccine.

“When you have an outbreak in a country, tourists might not want to come,” Bravo said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

Products and Services

• A Book: Endemic - A Post-Pandemic Playbook
• Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store
• A Book: Future Care
• Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
• COVID-19 and vitamin D
• Convalescent plasma therapy
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
• Herd immunity and respiratory illness
• COVID-19 and pets
• COVID-19 and your mental health
• COVID-19 antibody testing
• COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu
• Long-term effects of COVID-19
• COVID-19 tests
• COVID-19 drugs: Are there any that work?
• COVID-19 in babies and children
• Coronavirus infection by race
• COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
• COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
• COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 variant
• COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences
• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
• Debunking coronavirus myths
• Different COVID-19 vaccines
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Fever: First aid
• Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
• Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home
• Honey: An effective cough remedy?
• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?
• How to measure your respiratory rate
• How to take your pulse
• How to take your temperature
• How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?
• Is hydroxychloroquine a treatment for COVID-19?
• Loss of smell
• Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pregnancy and COVID-19
• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19
• Sex and COVID-19
• Shortness of breath
• Thermometers: Understand the options
• Treating COVID-19 at home
• Unusual symptoms of coronavirus
• Vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic
• Watery eyes

Related Information

• Coronavirus: What is it and how can I protect myself?
• COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts
• COVID-19 , cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals
• Delta Stays
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• Ways to Redeem Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles
• Travel with Miles
• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

Hurricane Beryl-The Caribbean Islands

The forecasted path of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean Islands may impact travel to/from/through the destination(s) listed below. Check flight status frequently for up-to-the-minute information about your flight plans, or get updates sent directly to your mobile device or by email with  On-Time Flight Notification.  

Future Travel Rebooking Options:

• A fare difference may apply when the waiver is class to class restrictive and the original booking class is not maintained in the rebooked itinerary.
• When rebooked travel occurs after July 10, 2024, a difference in fare may apply.
• If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance.  Applicable fare difference may apply for new travel dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity.

Conditions and Restrictions

Eligibility only for customers with an Original Ticket Issue Date on or before July 2, 2024. Changes to origins and destinations may result in an increase in fare. Any difference in fare between your original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of booking.

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Combatting Modern Slavery (PDF)

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked