Risk level(s) Risk level(s) COVID-19 – Global travel advisory Effective date: March 13, 2020 Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel. More about the Global travel advisory PHILIPPINES - Exercise a high degree of caution Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to the threat of terrorism and the high level of crime. Western and Central Mindanao and southern Sulu Sea - Avoid all travel Avoid all travel to Western and Central Mindanao, including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, due to the serious threat of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, high levels of criminality, and violent clashes between the military/police and terrorist or rebel groups. This includes the provinces of: Basilan

Cotabato

Lanao del Norte

Lanao del Sur

Maguindanao

Misamis Occidental

North Cotabato

Sarangani

South Cotabato

Sultan Kudarat

Sulu

Tawi-Tawi

Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Sur

Zamboanga Sibugay Avoid all travel to the southern Sulu Sea, including the waters south of the island of Palawan, due to a threat of piracy and kidnappings. Safety and security situation Eastern Mindanao - Avoid non-essential travel Avoid non-essential travel to Eastern Mindanao due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of criminality, and violent clashes between the military/police and terrorist or rebel groups. The situation in Eastern Mindanao is relatively more stable than in Western Mindanao. This includes the provinces of: Agusan del Norte

Agusan del Sur

Bukidnon

Camiguin

Compostela Valley

Davao del Norte

Davao del Sur

Davao Occidental

Davao Oriental

Dinagat Islands

Misamis Oriental

Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur Safety and security situation

Safety and security Safety and security COVID-19 – Preventative measures and restrictions Preventative measures and restrictions are in place until further notice. They may differ from region to region. You must wear a face covering in public. In addition of the face covering, you must wear a face shield on public transportation, including airplanes, as well as in commercial establishments, such as shopping malls. Other local businesses may also require you to wear a face shield. If you violate movement restrictions or preventative measures, you could be fined and face imprisonment for endangering public health. Travel by land, air and sea is limited throughout the country. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing.

Avoid crowded areas Information on COVID-19 – Government of the Philippines

Restriction guidelines – Government of the Philippines Mindanao region The Government of Canada has a limited ability to provide consular assistance in this region. There’s a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in the Mindanao region. Bombs causing deaths and injuries have exploded in public areas of major centres, including the cities of Cotabato, General Santos, Isabela, Jolo, Kidapawan and Zamboanga. If you’re in the region despite this advisory: follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

stop at checkpoints

monitor local media

avoid crowded places

always travel with identification

remain indoors as much as possible Risk level(s) Western and Central Mindanao Clashes occur between insurgent groups and security forces. These incidents often result in deaths and property destruction. Innocent bystanders have occasionally been taken hostage. Armed conflict between government forces and militant groups has occurred. Insurgents have kidnapped several foreigners in this region. Risk level(s) State of emergency A state of emergency is in effect in the Philippines. It allows the military and police to increase patrols and security checkpoints throughout the country. Curfews can be imposed on short notice. Expect an increased security presence in public areas, especially around malls and transportation hubs. War on drugs 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. Numerous extrajudicial killings have taken place. Several thousand people believed to be associated with the drug trade have been killed. There’s a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and getting caught in the crossfire. Be aware of your surroundings

Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities Terrorism There is a threat of terrorism. Several terrorist groups are active in the Philippines. They have carried out attacks throughout the country, including in major cities. Terrorist attacks are far more frequent in Western Mindanao , where government forces and militant groups frequently clash. The Government of the Philippines maintains a public terrorism alert system. It currently assesses the threat level for the country at 3 (high), on a scale from 1 to 3. Further attacks are likely across the Philippines, including in the urban centres of Manila and Cebu. 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 Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and if attending sporting events and public celebrations. Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places

Comply with all security procedures and remain aware of your surroundings at all times Kidnapping Be alert to the danger of kidnapping. Kidnapping of foreigners does happen. Victims have suffered extremely harsh treatment for prolonged periods, and several foreigners have been executed by their captors, including 2 Canadians. The threat of kidnapping is particularly high in Western Mindanao and surrounding areas, but could also occur in locations outside the region, especially in coastal areas. Boaters in waters around Mindanao and in the Sulu Sea, as well as visitors to southern Palawan Island, southern Negros Island or Siquijor Island, may face an elevated threat of kidnapping. If you’re travelling to any of these areas: maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times

report any suspicious behaviour to security forces

follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

ensure that your hotel or resort has adequate security measures in place Crime Violent crime The possession of guns and other weapons is common and poorly regulated. Violent crime such as armed robbery, sexual assault and murder occur regularly. Foreigners have been targeted in some attacks. Targeted violent incidents may increase around elections. Petty crime Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs, especially in urban areas. Avoid showing signs of affluence

Avoid carrying large sums of money

Keep valuables in safekeeping facilities

Keep backpacks and bags away from traffic, as motorcyclists may grab bags from pedestrians, sometimes causing injury

Beware of friendly strangers offering to take you around town or on an excursion Spiked food and drinks Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Scams Money Be wary of a variety of scams involving, for example, money counting (exchange), fake taxi meters and email requests for funds. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. 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 Children Locals with children may befriend single male tourists and then accuse them of child abuse to extort money from them. Romantic relationships Before travelling to the Philippines to visit someone with whom you’ve developed a romantic relationship, especially on the Internet: inform yourself about the country’s customs and laws on conjugal relations and marriage

be certain to retain possession of your return plane ticket, money and passport Report any incident of crime or scams to local police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, before you leave the country. More about overseas fraud Demonstrations Demonstrations may occur. 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 Road safety Road conditions are poor throughout the country. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained and traffic is congested. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws. Drivers are extremely aggressive and/or reckless, and often drive at excessive speeds. Accidents causing deaths are common. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season. Even minor road incidents can escalate quickly and lead to violent assaults. Be extremely cautious if involved in a dispute with a motorist. Whenever possible, stay on national highways and paved roads

Avoid travel outside urban areas and tourist centres after dark Public transportation Taxis Taxi drivers may use threats to extort money from passengers. To minimize your risks: only use hotel transportation, official metered airport taxis or a reliable taxi service

never share taxis with strangers

only enter metered taxis and insist the meter be turned on

ask that windows be rolled up and doors locked

record the taxi’s licence plate

report incidents to the local police

be aware of taxi drivers who may be under the influence of drugs and alcohol Jeepney, bus, and rail systems Exercise extreme caution if using public transportation, including jeepneys (type of small bus), buses and the light rail system. The safety and reliability of public transportation is often poor, and pickpocketing and armed robberies are frequent. Provincial buses Provincial buses are often overcrowded and poorly maintained. They have been involved in fatal accidents. Ferry boats Ferry accidents occur due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy. Air travel We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. General information about foreign domestic airlines Swimming Coastal waters can be dangerous. Strong currents and undertow are common. Take posted warnings about swimming conditions seriously. Familiarize yourself with the beach flagging system. Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions. Lifeguards may not be present to supervise swimmers. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities. Scuba diving Diving schools and rescue services may not adhere to Canadian standards. Use only reputable dive companies

Verify the location of the closest decompression chamber with your dive company Piracy Pirate attacks and armed robbery targeting ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Entry/exit requirements Entry/exit requirements COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions for their territory. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel. Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions related to this situation. Restrictions imposed could include: Entry bans, particularly for non-residents

Exit bans

Quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost

Health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance

Border closures

Airport closures

Flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations

Suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans. Monitor the media for the latest information

Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans

Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada – Global Affairs Canada 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 foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada. A valid return ticket is generally required, except in the case of permanent residents and specific visa holders. Travel Requirements- Philippine Bureau of Immigration Passport 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 for the duration of your stay. Passport for official travel Different entry rules may apply. Official travel 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 diplomatic mission for your destination. Useful links Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Canadian passports Visas 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 Canadians don’t need a tourist or business visa for stays of up to 30 days. To extend your stay, apply at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration before the 30-day period expires. The visa that immigration officials issue upon your arrival in the Philippines takes precedence over any visa that 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. Philippine Bureau of Immigration Registration Foreign nationals staying in the Philippines for longer than 59 days must register with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s Alien Registration Program. You must present yourself to a Bureau of Immigration office to register your biometrics (such as fingerprinting) and to obtain a special security registration number. Philippine Bureau of Immigration 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, at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration 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. Philippine Bureau of Immigration Departure fee Upon departure from Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu, international travellers must pay an airport user fee (either in local currency or the equivalent in US dollars, in cash only) of 850 Philippine pesos. Airport user fees vary for domestic travellers. Medical screening You may be subject to a body temperature check when entering the Philippines. This may result in isolation and treatment. Yellow fever - Yellow fever Children and travel Learn about travel with children.

Laws and culture Laws & culture You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Boracay Familiarize yourself with Boracay's rules and regulations before you visit. Identification Foreigners must carry identification at all times. A photocopy of the identification page of your passport is acceptable. Drugs Penalties for possession, use, trafficking or importation, including through e-commerce, of illegal drugs are severe. Many drugs considered as legal in Canada are illegal in the Philippines. This includes cannabis, in any form and quantity, as well as some over-the-counter medicine and prescription drugs, regardless of quantity and purpose of use. Convicted offenders can expect life imprisonment and heavy fines. Foreign nationals are often held in detention without the possibility of bail and there can be lengthy delays before and during the trial. Alcohol, drugs and travel

Cannabis and international travel Pedophilia 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 establishment, vehicle or other secluded location, and is suspected of having the intention to sexually exploit the child Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime - Government of Canada Other severe penalties Some crimes carry penalties that are harsher than in Canada. For examples: a conviction for sexual assault can result in life imprisonment

a conviction for “swindling” or “bad debts” can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years

mentioning a bomb in public areas is punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine, or both Other illegal or restricted activities Demonstrations Attending any protest, demonstration or political rally may lead to detention and deportation. Photography The government prohibits any photography of official buildings or military installations that is intended for publication. Prescription medication You may bring your own medicines, but only in quantities sufficient for the duration of your stay. If you’re carrying prescription drugs, bring a letter from your physician stating the dosage and your relevant medical condition. If you’re travelling onward to another country, you should seal and declare a separate quantity of prescription drugs before departing the Philippines. Getting married If you plan to get married in the Philippines, ensure that you’re well informed regarding Philippine legal requirements. Consult the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines for more information. Embassy of Canada to the Philippines 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. General information for travellers with dual citizenship Dual citizens must obtain a certificate of recognition from Philippine authorities to ensure the legal recognition of both citizenships. Driving You should carry an international driving permit. More about the International Driving Permit You should apply for a local driving permit if you wish to drive in the Philippines for more than 90 days following your arrival. Money The currency in the Philippines is the peso (PHP). ATMs are available in larger cities. Upon arrival and departure at the airport, declare to Bureau of Customs officers any local cash greater than PHP 50,000, and any foreign currency amount greater than US$10,000 (or other currency equivalent).

Natural disasters and climate Natural disasters & climate Typhoons and monsoons The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to December, 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 Manila. Be careful when moving around cities during extreme weather conditions. If you decide to travel to the Philippines during the typhoon/monsoon 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

Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities Useful links Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons - Government of Canada

Philippine Weather Services & Warnings - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards - University of the Philippines Seismic and volcanic activity The Philippines is located in an active seismic zone and is at risk of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in public and private buildings. There are a number of active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines. Volcanic activity may escalate with little or no notice. Flight disruptions are possible. Avoid restricted areas and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an eruption. Useful links Earthquakes - What to Do? - Government of Canada

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology - Department of Science and Technology

Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards - University of the Philippines