Philippines Travel Information 2026

Everything you need to know before visiting the Philippines: entry requirements, health precautions, money matters, getting around, and practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Entry Requirements

• Visa: 150+ nationalities enjoy 30-day visa-free entry. Check visa requirements for your nationality.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
• Return/onward ticket: Required for visa-free entry
• eTravel: Complete the electronic arrival card (eTravel) before departure
• COVID-19: No vaccination or testing requirements as of 2026

Health & Safety

• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid recommended. See vaccination guide.
• Drinking water: Drink bottled or purified water only
• Dengue: Use insect repellent, especially during rainy season
• Emergency: Dial 911 for police/fire/ambulance
• Insurance: Strongly recommended. See travel insurance guide.

Money

• Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). See currency guide.
• ATMs: Widely available in cities. International cards accepted at BDO, BPI, Metrobank.
• Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, malls, restaurants. Cash preferred in rural areas.
• GCash: Widely used mobile wallet — consider getting one for convenience
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants (if no service charge), PHP 20-50 for porters

Getting Around

• Domestic flights: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia — connect major islands
• Ferries: 2GO Travel, Lite Ferries — inter-island transport
• Jeepneys: Iconic Philippine public transport — PHP 12-15 base fare
• Tricycles & habal-habal: Local transport on smaller roads
• Grab: Ride-hailing app available in major cities
• See detailed transport guide

Communication

• SIM cards: Globe and Smart — available at airports. Prepaid 4G/5G SIM with data from PHP 300.
• WiFi: Available at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Quality varies.
• Language: Filipino (Tagalog) is the national language. English is widely spoken.

Practical Details