Philippines Travel Checklist: Top Preparations for a Smooth and Unforgettable Adventure!

 

Check the validity of your passport and obtain the necessary visas or travel permits.

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay in the Philippines. If your passport expires soon, renew it before traveling to the Philippines to avoid immigration problems.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries can enter the Philippines for tourism purposes without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, some nationalities may require a visa or travel permit.

It is important to check the visa requirements for your country before traveling to the Philippines. You can check the visa requirements on the official website of the Philippine Immigration Office or check with a travel agency or embassy.

Other travel permits: In addition to the visa, there are some areas in the Philippines that require special travel permits, such as certain areas in Mindanao. If you plan to visit these areas, you will need to obtain the necessary permits from the Philippine National Police or the Department of Tourism.

Passport: All foreigners entering the Philippines must have a valid passport. It is recommended that you always carry a copy of your passport with you and keep the original in a safe place.

If you plan to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you may need to apply for a visa extension. You can check the visa requirements on the official website of the Philippine Immigration Office or check with a travel agency or embassy.

Visa extension: If you plan to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Office. The visa extension process can take several days and requires the payment of a fee. It is important to request the extension before the current visa expires to avoid problems with immigration.

 

Get vaccinated or consult a health professional about the necessary precautions

Vaccinations: Before traveling to the Philippines, it is important to make sure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Also, some vaccinations may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the length of your stay in the Philippines.

For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers to the Philippines be vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid fever, and may also recommend vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis in function of the traveler’s activities and destinations.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist to determine which vaccinations are required before traveling to the Philippines.

If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can enter the Philippines. You will need to present proof of your vaccination status, such as the vaccination card or certificate.

You will also need to register and complete the e-travel form on this website: https://etravel.gov.ph/ within 72 hours before your arrival or upon your arrival at the latest.

 

Wear appropriate clothing and equipment

Weather: The Philippines is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate. The weather varies throughout the year and by region. The rainy season is usually from June to November, while the dry season is from December to May.

Some regions may experience typhoons during the rainy season, so it is important to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Clothing: Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for hot weather. It is recommended to wear comfortable and versatile clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts and sandals. However, some regions may be more conservative and require modest clothing, so it’s important to research local customs and dress codes before packing.

In the Philippines, nudism, topless or thongs in public places is not well seen.

Luggage: Depending on your itinerary, you may need to bring certain equipment for activities such as hiking, snorkelling, or scuba diving.

It is important that you research the activities and places you plan to visit to determine what equipment you may need before traveling to the Philippines. Also, it is recommended to bring a waterproof bag to protect your belongings during water activities or unexpected rain.

 

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid transaction problems.

Avoid transaction problems: When traveling abroad, banks and credit card companies can flag transactions as suspicious or fraudulent, especially if they are made in a foreign country.

This can cause your card to be blocked or frozen, which can cause inconvenience and frustration during your trip. If you let your bank and credit card companies know before you travel to the Philippines, they will be able to take note of your travel plans and avoid blocking legitimate transactions.

Check Accepted Cards: It’s also important to check with your bank and credit card companies that your cards work in the Philippines. Some cards may not be accepted, and it is best to be prepared with alternative payment options if necessary.

Set travel notifications: Many banks and credit card companies offer online or mobile banking services where you can set travel notifications. This allows you to specify the dates and locations of your travel plans, which can help you prevent any problems with transactions during your trip.

Emergency assistance: If you notify your bank or credit card issuer of your travel plans, they will also be able to provide emergency assistance if necessary.

This includes assistance if the card is lost or stolen, and access to emergency cash if necessary.

It is recommended to notify the bank and card issuer at least a few days before traveling to the Philippines so that they have time to take note of the plans. This simple step can help you avoid any transaction issues and give you peace of mind during your trip to the Philippines.

Carry plenty of cash or ensure access to ATMs, as some areas may not accept credit cards or have limited banking services.

Limited Credit Card Acceptance: Although credit cards are widely accepted in most urban areas of the Philippines, in some remote or rural areas credit card acceptance may be limited.

It is important to come prepared with enough cash to cover expenses in these areas.

Limited banking services: In some areas, especially smaller cities or islands, there may be limited banking or ATM services. This can make it difficult to withdraw cash or access banking services.

It is important to plan ahead and ensure access to cash, either by carrying enough money or by researching the location and availability of ATMs.

Currency exchange: If you plan to take cash, one of the best exchanges you will find at the Manila airport itself, also in the pawnshops “Pawnshops”. Avoid using tourist ATMs because they have unfavorable exchange rates and high commissions, always use ATMs that are in the same bank.

Emergency Situations: In emergency situations, such as natural disasters or power outages, ATMs and credit card machines may not be available.

It is important to have cash available in these situations to cover expenses such as transportation and accommodation.