Philippines First-Timer Checklist
The essentials for a first trip from the US, with every item linked to its source. Rules change; confirm before you fly. Last checked: Oct 17, 2026. Printable version →
Entry and documents
- Passport valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date, with space for an entry stamp. State Dept
- US citizens don't need a visa for stays of 30 days or less; longer stays need a visa applied for before travel. Extensions go through the Bureau of Immigration. State Dept · Bureau of Immigration
- Register on eTravel using only the official site, which says eTravel is FREE. Lookalike sites charge fees. etravel.gov.ph
- Onward or return ticket: the State Dept page doesn't cover this, so check with your airline.
- Check whether the Philippine travel tax applies to you. TIEZA
- Read the State Dept advisory (Level 2, with do-not-travel areas) and enroll in STEP. State Dept · STEP
Health and insurance
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation; most US plans, including Medicare, don't cover care abroad. State Dept
- CDC vaccine check. CDC
- Medications in original packaging plus the prescription. Marijuana and CBD are illegal. State Dept
- Drink sealed bottled water, not tap water. State Dept
Phone and data
- SIM cards must be registered, so the State Dept suggests a travel eSIM before you leave the US. State Dept · eSIM option: Airalo Philippines eSIM
- Outlets look like US plugs but run on 220V, so check your chargers. State Dept
Money
- ATMs take most US debit cards, but fees can exceed $5 per withdrawal and limits can be low; smaller shops and taxis usually want cash. Carry pesos before heading to islands. State Dept
- Declare more than 50,000 pesos to BSP or more than US$10,000 to customs on entry and exit. State Dept
- Tell your bank you're traveling, and bring a backup card.
Typhoon season
- Most typhoons hit between July and November, but they can happen any time. Boats and flights are cancelled in bad weather, so leave buffer days and follow PAGASA. State Dept
- Choose flexible bookings and insurance with trip-cancellation cover.
Planning the full trip? See the PH Trip Planner and Visas & Entry.
