Philippines Travel Tips: Entry Requirements, When to Go, and More

Settembre 29, 2023 · 4 min read

From its paradisiacal beaches to its rich culture, the Philippines offers travelers much to explore and discover. But before embarking on this trip, there are some things you’ll want to know, such as:

When is the best time to go to The Philippines?
Travel tips for a smooth trip to the Philippines
The Philippines’ entry requirements

In this post, we’ve got all these things covered. Let’s get started!

When is the best time to go to the Philippines?

There are many things to take into consideration when traveling to The Philippines. But before anything else, you should define when to go.

Summertime in The Philippines is from March to May. This is obviously the favorite season for tourists and, hence, the most expensive time of year.

Another great time to visit the Philippines is during festivals. The major Philippines’ festivals are:

The Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals take place in Cebu on the third and fourth Sundays of January, respectively. In these festivities, people honor the Santo Niño, or Holy Child. The Dinagyang is particularly celebrated with street dance competitions and abundant food and drinks.
Panagbenga Festival, in February, is a festival that pays tribute to the city’s flower industry. During this month, you’ll find giant floats decorated with flowers parading through the streets.
Masskara Festival, on the third week of October, in Bacolod. During this festival, you can see dancers wearing colorful masks parading around town.

And when not to go to The Philippines? Well, since the country is within the typhoon belt, it experiences around nineteen typhoons each year. Therefore, it’s best to avoid traveling to the Philippines from July to October, when thunderstorms and torrential rain are most frequent.

However, regardless of the season, the further south you go, the more humid the weather gets, and rain showers are likely. So, be prepared for torrential downpours and:

Bring comfortable shoes to walk in the mud
Stick to umbrellas, since raincoats can be far too hot and sticky for the Philippines’ weather
Consider getting waterproof backpack covers

Philippine Travel Tips

Now that you know when it’s the best time to visit this beautiful archipelago, let’s go over some Philippine travel tips to make the most of your trip.

We advise you to:

Check for ATMs before heading to the islands so you don’t run out of cash. You need Philippine pesos in cash available for daily transactions, but you may only find ATMs in the big cities.
Don’t drink water in the Philippines. Since there’s poor sanitation and water quality, it can make you sick.
Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET frequently to protect yourself from the Zika virus. Plus, whenever possible, sleep in mosquito nets for added protection.
Pack lightly and save some time to hop islands
In case of delays or cancellations of transportation, ask for signed proof from an official. This way, if you have to get on a later connecting flight, you don’t have to pay a penalty fee.
When traveling by plane, ferry, bus, and especially when at the airport, bring warm clothing with you. Some people find the air conditioning a little too intense.
Purchase a SIM card or a mobile WiFi hotspot because the internet in The Philippines is unreliable. Boracay and Manila have the best connection, unlike El Nido and the other small islands, where it is very poor. This is especially important if you work remotely and travel.
If you’re low on budget or time, book everything in advance. The earlier you get your tickets, the more affordable the plane and ferry will be. Plus, the busiest routes frequently sell out fast.
Prices can vary greatly from one agency to another, so do your research before booking a tour.
Bring comfortable water shoes for walking in shallow beach waters, and protect your feet from pesky sea urchins.
If you’re visiting high-altitude areas such as Banuaue, you should know that temperatures drop significantly, so you’ll want to bring a jacket.
Invest in a waterproof diving bag to keep your belongings safe from water when going on tours and boat trips.
Bring a universal travel adapter for charging your electronic devices.

The Philippines’ Entry Requirements

The Philippines’ entry requirements for US citizens are the same as for all travelers across the globe. To enter the country, you must:

Have a passport that will be valid for at least six months after leaving the Philippines.
Register and complete the eTravel Portal (replacing the former One Health Pass) within 72 hours of arrival, or at the very least upon arrival.
Have a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination.

On the other hand, the Philippines’ travel restrictions regarding COVID are simple. You must either present: