Philippines Travel Risk

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

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in certain rural and remote regions of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar.

• Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly in terrorist activities and/or provide financial support.
• Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks. They have targeted public areas such as tourist sites, markets, and local government facilities in the Philippines.
• Violent crimes are common. They include robberies, kidnappings, physical assaults, and homicides.
• Protests can turn violent or result in traffic jams and road closures. Local governments have limited capacity to respond.
• The Philippines regularly experiences typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in the Philippines. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

Do Not Travel to:

• The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping.

• Marawi City in Mindanao due to the risk of terrorism and unrest.

Reconsider Travel to:

• Certain other areas of Mindanao (see below) due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago

FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao, except for:

• Camiguin Island
• Dinagat Island
• Siargao Island

This advice is due to terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups in south Philippines.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Typhoons

Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons happen between June and November. Follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the progress of storms on the Philippines state weather agency and the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. You can find updates on typhoon2000.ph, or follow @Typhoon2k on X.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Commercial options to depart the Philippines remain available, but your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Philippines

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the Philippines.

FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao, except for:

• Camiguin Island
• Dinagat Island
• Siargao Island

This advice is due to terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups in south Philippines.

Terrorist attacks occur frequently in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. While attacks primarily target Filipino security forces, certain groups operating in these regions have pledged allegiance to Daesh and have targeted religious groups. Terrorist groups may also consider westerners as legitimate targets for an attack.

There are multiple terrorist and militant groups operating in the Philippines, including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Islamic State Philippines (IS-Philippines), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Multiple terrorist groups have the intent to carry out attacks anywhere in the Philippines, including in the capital Manila. Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• shopping malls
• entertainment establishments
• public transport, including airports and the metro system
• places of worship

Previous significant incidents include:

• in December 2023, 4 people were killed and several injured in an explosion during a Catholic mass in Marawi, South Lanao Province
• in August 2020, dual explosions in Jolo Island, Sulu Province resulted in a number of deaths and injuries
• in 2019, a dual suicide attack on a military base in Indanan, Sulu Province killed 3 civilians and 3 military personnel as well as the 2 attackers, with a further 22 people injured
• in 2019, 27 people were killed and many more injured as a result of bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic cathedral on Jolo Island, Sulu Province

Terrorist kidnapping

There is a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups operating in the Philippines, including the targeting of foreign nationals in rural, urban and coastal areas throughout Mindanao especially in the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

A number of Westerners have been kidnapped in recent years, including British Nationals in 2019.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Risk level

Philippines - Exercise a high degree of caution

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

Regional risks

Western Mindanao - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following provinces of Mindanao island, due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups:

• Basilan
• Cotabato
• Lanao del Sur
• Lanao del Norte
• Maguindanao
• Misamis Occidental
• Sarangani
• South Cotabato
• Sultan Kudarat
• Sulu
• Tawi-Tawi
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay

Central and Eastern Mindanao - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following provinces of Mindanao island due to the risk of kidnapping and high levels of crime:

• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Bukidnon
• 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

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:

• Cotabato
• General Santos
• Isabela
• Jolo
• Kidapawan
• Marawi
• Zamboanga

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

菲律宾现有黄色（中风险）地区1个，其他地区均为蓝色（低风险）。具体如下：

黄色地区：棉兰老岛。外交部提醒在棉兰老岛中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。