PHILIPPINES
The Philippines consist of some 7,100 islands - the two major ones being Luzon to the north and Mindinao to the south - in the South Pacific. Though mostly mountainous with peaks up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), the country has extensive fertile coastal and central plains and rolling uplands.
The Philippine climate is mostly hot and humid. Manila, the largest city, is located at sea level on the island of Luzon, 15 degrees north of the Equator. Three seasons are defined: the hot, dry season, from March through May, ending with violent thunderstorms and torrential rains; the rainy season from June into November, with daily rains during July, August and September; and the cool, dry season from November to February. Manila has an annual mean temperature of 80°F (27°C). The average monthly maximum temperature varies from 86-93°F (30-34°C) and the monthly minimum temperature ranges from 69-75°F (21-24°C). Average relative humidity ranges from 69% in April to 84% in August and September.
Climate in other areas:
Baguio: December-June is the dry season with daytime temperatures in the low 80s (27°C) and nighttime temperatures in the 50s and 60s (10-20°C). The rainy season runs from July to November with an average rainfall of 176 inches (450 cm) and lighter rain in October and November.
Cebu: The climate is hot and humid all year and rainfall is not as evenly distributed by season as in Manila. March through June are the hottest months. Nights are usually pleasant from August through February, and daytime highs range from 85-94°F (30-34°C).
Davao: Average annual rainfall is 80 inches (200 cm), and mean daily maximum temperature is 89°F (32°C). Mean daily minimum is 73°F (23°C).
General Cautions
Additional information regarding the following recommendations can be found in the Traveler Health Concerns section.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.
Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution; avoid freshwater lakes, streams and rivers. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
Specific Concerns
Immunizations
These recommendations are not absolute and should not be construed to apply to all travelers. A final decision regarding immunizations will be based on the traveler's medical history, proposed itinerary, duration of stay and purpose for traveling.
Cholera: Although limited in effectiveness, vaccination may be appropriate for persons living and/or working in less than sanitary conditions for more than 3 months where medical facilities are unavailable. Vaccination may also be appropriate for travelers with impaired gastric defenses who are planning an extended visit or being exposed to unsanitary conditions. Vaccination is not advised for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months old, or persons with a history of severe reaction to the vaccine.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions.
Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Japanese Encephalitis: Consider vaccination if staying a month or more during transmission periods, especially if travel includes rural areas. Also consider if staying less than 30 days during these periods and at high risk (in case of epidemic outbreak or extensive outdoor exposure in rural areas). Transmission in western Luzon, Mindoro and Negro Palowan likely occurs from April to November. It occurs throughout the year in other areas, with highest risk from April to January.
Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available.
Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available.
Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type.
Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Additional information regarding the diseases listed below can be found in the Traveler Health Concerns section.
Insect-borne illness: considered an important cause of disease in this area.
Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases are common.
Other hazards:
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for applicants for permanent resident visas as part of a general medical exam. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. Contact Philippines' embassy for details.
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
Cholera: Officially considered infected. Infection reported in these provinces: Albay, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Davao del Sur, Iloilo, Leyte, Maguindanao, Manila (capital territory), Masbate, Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Rizal, Samar, Sorsogon, South Catobato, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur.
Risk areas: Risk exists throughout the year in rural areas, except there is no risk in the provinces of Bohol, Catanduanes and Cebu, and there is no risk in metropolitan Manila. Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum is confirmed on the islands of Basilan, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro and Palawan, and in the Sulu Archipelago. WHO reports risk is greatest in areas below 600 meters and that there is low risk in the provinces of Aklan, Biliran, Camiguin, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte del Sur, Northern Samar and Sequijor.
Protective measures: CDC notes that risk is largely confined to rural areas not visited by most travelers. It advises the following regimens for travelers who will have outdoor exposure during evening and nighttime hours in rural risk areas:
The material below is reprinted verbatim from the U.S. Department of State (USDOS). Recommendations regarding preventive health measures (including immunizations), if given here, may differ from those of the CDC/ACIP presented elsewhere in this report. Health-related entry requirements, if included here, may not agree with the official version of requirements reported by WHO and presented in the Official Health Data section of this report.
Public Announcement - May 18, 2000
U.S. citizens should be aware of several security incidents that have occurred recently in the Manila metropolitan area. While the Communist New Peoples Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for a grenade attack at the National Police headquarters, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for any of the other incidents; nor is there any indication at this time that they are linked to one another.
On May 6, a bomb detonated in Luneta Park, central Manila, slightly injuring one person. On May 10, an explosive device was discovered and safely defused outside the main entrance of the National Museum. On May 11, the headquarters of a Philippine government agency in Quezon City was attacked with small arms fire and two grenades. On May 14, two rocket-propelled grenades were fired into Camp Crame, Philippine National Police headquarters, located in Quezon City. On May 16, a bomb threat was received at the residence of a U.S. Embassy employee. No device was found. On May 17, a bomb explosion inside the Glorietta Mall in Makati injured several people.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila is advising its personnel and U.S. citizens in the Philippines to remain alert to their surroundings at all times. The embassy has recommended the following specific security precautions: never approach the scene of a bombing, and do not stand by during the initial investigative phase. Do not disturb a suspicious object or package. Depart the premises immediately and notify an appropriate official, such as a police officer or building guard. In addition, immediately notify the police of any other security incidents.
U.S. citizens are also requested to report details of any security incidents to the U.S. Embassy. During working hours, call *****001, ext. 2290. After hours or on weekends, use extension 2688 or 2311. The embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila City. For further general information on travel to the Philippines, consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet for the Philippines. Information may also be obtained from the embassy Web site at www.usembassy.state.gov/manila.
This Public Announcement expires on August 18, 2000.
Public Announcement - May 5, 2000
U.S. citizens should avoid travel to the south and west of Mindanao Island, including General Santos City and Cotabato, due to increased violence in the area. U.S. citizens should also avoid travel to the islands of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Jolo located in the Sulu archipelago in the extreme southwest of the Philippines.
There have been sporadic incidents of violence in southern Mindanao Island. These incidents have included bombings in General Santos City and at the Cotabato Airport in Maguindanao Province, as well as bus hijackings on national highways in the region. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front reportedly has claimed responsibility for these actions. The General Santos City Airport and the Cotabato Airport have been temporarily closed due to security concerns.
In addition to these most recent incidents, the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group continues to hold Filipino hostages on Basilan Island. The group stated that unless its demands for the release of terrorists currently incarcerated in the U.S. are met, it would take retaliatory action against U.S. citizens throughout the Philippines in the form of kidnappings and shootings. In a separate incident, several tourists and staff at a Malaysian dive resort on the Malaysian island of Sipadan have been kidnapped and brought to the Philippine island province of Sulu. The Abu Sayyaf group has claimed responsibility for this action.
Before traveling to Mindanao Island or any of the other areas cited above, U.S. citizens should contact the American Embassy in Manila for the latest security information. Americans who are required to travel to these areas should review their security practices, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and exercise caution. They should avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile, and vary routes and times of all travel. For further general information on travel to the Philippines, consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet for the Philippines. Travelers may also wish to review the Public Announcement for Malaysia issued April 26, 2000.
This Public Announcement expires on August 4, 2000.
Public Announcement - February 24, 2000
The Philippine Government has issued a level five alert for the area around Mayon Volcano in Albay Province. This alert level means there is a hazardous eruption in progress. Occurrences of pyroclastic flows* may continue and are expected to sweep down along well-incised gullies and channels, especially the Bonga gully. Ash-fall occurrences mainly at places west, southwest, and northwest of the crater are expected due to extensive and tall eruption columns (20,000 feet above sea level) and elutriation clouds.
The Philippine Government has established an 8 kilometer (5 mile) danger zone around the volcano. The provincial Disaster Management Board reports that all residents within the danger zone have been evacuated. Three Peace Corps volunteers have been temporarily moved from the Mayon vicinity. The largest city in the vicinity is Legazpi City, which is about 10 miles from the volcano.
The U.S. Embassy urges Americans contemplating travel to the vicinity of Mayon Volcano to carefully evaluate the potential danger of such travel. Americans in the area are urged to strictly observe any Philippine Government restrictions on travel into the permanent danger zone and to pay close attention to daily status reports issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
American citizens are encouraged to inform the U.S. Embassy of any travel plans in the area. The U.S. Embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila City, telephone (63-2) *****001, fax (63-2) 522-3242. The Embassy's website is www.usia.gov/abtusia/posts/rpi/wwwh3004.html.
The Department of State also encourages American citizens considering travel to the Philippines to review the general information available in the State Department's Consular Information Sheet, available on the Internet at the U.S. Embassy's website or n the Bureau of Consular Affairs' home page at travel.state.gov.
This Public Announcement expires on May 24, 2000.
*Pyroclastic Flow: High-speed avalanche of hot ash, rock fragments, and gas that moves down the sides of a volcano during explosive eruptions or when the steep edge of a dome breaks apart and collapses. Pyroclastic flows are capable of knocking down and burning everything in their paths.
Consular Information Sheet - January 21, 2000
Country Description: The Philippines is a developing democratic republic located in South East Asia. The archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, of which 880 are inhabited. The major islands are Luzon in the north, Visayas in the center, and Mindanao in the south. Tourist facilities are available within population centers and main tourist areas. English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English.
Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa upon presentation of their U.S. passport, which must be valid for at least six months after entry, and a return ticket to the U.S. or onward ticket to another country. Upon arrival, immigration authorities will annotate the U.S. passport with an entry visa valid for 21 days. If you plan to stay longer than 21 days, you will have to apply for an extension at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. There are special requirements for the entry of unaccompanied minors. Additional information concerning entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 467-9300, www.sequel.net/rpinus/wdc, or from the Philippines Consulates General in Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.
Safety and Security: The security situation has improved in most areas of the country in recent years. Most of the country is hospitable to travel. The government has been engaged on and off in negotiations with communist and Muslim rebels. Nevertheless, rebel activity and armed banditry in certain areas of the Philippines still poses potential security concerns. New Peoples Army insurgents remain active in some mountainous and jungle areas, including parts of Mindanao and Negros Island as well as Quezon Province and the Cordillera and Bicol regions of Luzon.
In Mindanao, crime and insurgent activity may make travel hazardous to and within the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, North and South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
The threat of terrorist action by extremists, both domestic and foreign, does exist in the Philippines. There are periodic reports of plans for possible kidnapping or terrorist acts aimed at U.S. government installations, public and private institutions, and transportation carriers. Although there have been some attempts directed against U.S. interests, most of these reports have not been followed by terrorist action. Security is not a major concern at the popular tourist and diving sites.
The State Department reminds all Americans traveling or living abroad of the need to remain vigilant with regard to personal security issues. With international events such as the actions against Iraq in 1999, the August 7, 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, the August 20, 1998 air strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan, and the apprehension of persons believed to be involved in the Embassy bombings, the potential for retaliatory acts against the official American community exists worldwide. Periodically, the U.S. Embassy receives credible threats directed against USG personnel and/or facilities. The Embassy takes these threats seriously, and they can usually be countered by following some very basic personal security countermeasures, which private Americans can also follow: Do not establish a pattern in movement and travel; times and routes should be varied to the extent possible. Maintain a low profile at all times, and immediately report any unusual activity, to include possible surveillance, to the Philippine police and Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy.
Travelers are encouraged to call the U.S. Embassy for an update of the current security situation, especially if traveling outside the Manila metropolitan area.
Crime Information: As in many of the major metropolitan areas in the U.S., crime is a serious concern in Manila. As a rule of thumb, Americans are advised to exercise good judgment and remain aware of their surroundings. Reports of confidence games, pick-pocketing and credit card fraud are common. If someone offers you a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially just after you have arrived in country. Criminals have administered drugs via proffered drinks to unwitting visitors in order to facilitate robbery and assault. Tourists frequenting lower quality nightclubs are particularly at risk. It is best not to flaunt your nationality and to maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing large amounts of jewelry, and do not carry large amounts of money. Visitors should take advantage of safety deposit boxes at hotels. Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation; however, the following safeguards are important: do not enter a taxi if it already has accepted another passenger, and also request that the meter be used. If the driver is unwilling to comply with your requests, it is best to wait for another cab. All other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail system, buses and jeepneys, should be avoided for both safety and security reasons.
Visitors should also be vigilant when using credit cards. One form of credit card fraud involves the illicit use of an electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the PIN, from the card's magnetic strip. The information is then used to make unauthorized purchases. To limit your vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight. Major problems have occurred at large department stores and some hotel restaurants.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the Consular Agency in Cebu. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, via the Internet at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in major cities but is limited in rural and more remote areas. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Medical Insurance: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax at (202) 647-3000.
Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at www.cdc.gov.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Travel within the archipelago is possible by boat, plane, bus, or car. Few tourists rent a car to drive, as the road system is crowded and drivers are undisciplined. Driving off the national highways and paved roads is particularly dangerous, especially at night. To avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport, caution is urged in planning travel by older, inter-island ferryboats or other public conveyances. The information below concerning the Philippines is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
For specific information concerning Philippine driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Philippines Department of Tourism via www.tourism.gov.ph.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Philippines civil aviation authority as Category 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of the Philippines' air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873 or visit the FAA Internet home page at www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Department of Defense at 1-618-256-4801.
Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Philippine laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties are strict for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Capital punishment is possible for certain drug-related crimes. Swindling and "bad debts" are also serious criminal offenses in the Philippines. The Philippine Government has very strict laws regarding the possession of firearms by foreigners, and several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for bringing firearms into the country. Americans who are arrested overseas should immediately ask to speak to a U.S. Embassy representative.
Special Circumstances: Marriage in the Philippines: Any foreigner who wishes to marry in the Philippines is required by the Philippine Government to obtain from his/her embassy a "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" before filing an application for a marriage license. The Government also accepts an "Affidavit in lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage." A U.S. citizen may execute this affidavit at the American Embassy in Manila on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, or at the Consular Agency in Cebu. The American must present his/her U.S. passport, and there is a fee of U.S. $55 for executing the affidavit. Philippine authorities will not accept any substitute document initiated in the United States.
Execution of the affidavit is a notarial act by the U.S. consular officer and, as such, the consular officer is authorized by Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 92.9b, to refuse to perform the service if the document in connection with which the notarial act is requested will be used for a purpose patently unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best interests of the United States. Entering into a marriage contract with an alien strictly for the purpose of immigration to the United States for that individual is considered an unlawful act. Section 4221 of Title 22 United States Code provides penalties for individuals who commit perjury in an affidavit taken by a consular officer.
Additional Requirement for U.S. Military Personnel: U.S. military personnel should contact their personnel office regarding DOD joint service regulations.
The Marriage Application Process: Once an American citizen has obtained from the Embassy an "Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage," he/she can file an application for a marriage license at the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar in the town or city where one of the parties is a resident. The U.S. citizen applicant will need to present: (a) the affidavit, (b) divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) required to verify civil status and legal capacity to contract marriage, (c) U.S. passport, and (d) documentation regarding parental consent or advice, if applicable (Marriage applicants aged 18 to 21 must have written parental consent. Those aged 22 to 24 must have received parental advice). Philippine law prohibits marriage for individuals under the age of 18. A judge, a minister or other person authorized by the Government of the Philippines can perform the marriage.
Marriage to a U.S. citizen confers neither citizenship nor an automatic eligibility for entry to the United States. An immigrant visa is required for a foreign spouse to live in the United States. Questions about filing an immigrant visa petition to bring a foreign spouse to the United States should be directed to the nearest office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the State Department's Visa Office (202) 663-1225 or, while in the Philippines, to the U.S. Embassy immigrant visa unit in Manila.
Disaster Preparedness: The Philippines is a volcano-, typhoon- and earthquake-prone country. During the rainy season (May to November) there are typhoons and flash floods. Flooding can cause road delays and cut off bridges. Typhoons in the vicinity of the Philippines can interrupt air and sea links within the country. Volcanic activity is frequent, and periodically the Government of the Philippines announces alerts for specific volcanoes. Earthquakes can also occur throughout the country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.fema.gov.
Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, refer to our Internet site at travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.
Embassy and Consular Agency Location and Registration: U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Philippines are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila City, telephone (63-2) *****001. The Consular American Citizen Services fax number is (63-2) 522-3242 and the ACS web page is www.usia.gov/abtusia/posts/rpi/wwwh3004.html.
The U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu provides limited services for U.S. citizens. The Consular Agency address is Third Floor, PCI Bank, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, telephone (63-32) 231-1261.