Southeast Asia for US travelers. The Philippines gets the most detail. Every tip links to its source.
Philippines trip planner for US travelers
A practical, step-by-step plan. Every fact links to its source. We don't list fees, schedules, or prices because they change; check the linked official sites for current details.
Step 1: Before you book
Read the State Department's Philippines page. The country is at Advisory Level 2 (exercise increased caution), with do-not-travel areas including the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City. State Dept
Enroll in STEP so the US embassy can send you alerts and reach you in an emergency. STEP
The State Department highly recommends buying travel insurance and strongly recommends coverage for medical evacuation. Most US health plans, including Medicare, don't cover care abroad. State Dept
Passport: it must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date, with space for an entry stamp. State Dept
Visa: none is required for stays of 30 days or less. Longer stays need a visa applied for before travel. State Dept · Bureau of Immigration
eTravel: register on the official portal; the site says eTravel is FREE. Avoid lookalike sites that charge fees. etravel.gov.ph
Onward ticket: the State Department page doesn't cover this, so check with your airline and the Bureau of Immigration.
Carry prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription. Marijuana and CBD products are illegal, even with a US prescription. State Dept
Check whether the Philippine travel tax applies to you. TIEZA
Step 3: Flights, US to Manila and onward
Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier; check its site for current US routes. Philippine Airlines
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has three passenger terminals. Confirm yours before connecting. Wikipedia
The State Department warns of airport taxi scams and robberies after leaving NAIA. It suggests ride-share apps and the official free shuttle between terminals. State Dept
Getting to Cauayan, Isabela:
By air: Cauayan Airport (CYZ) is a domestic airport. Wikipedia lists Manila–Cauayan service on Cebu Pacific and PAL Express; check the airlines for current schedules. Wikipedia: Cauayan Airport · Cebu Pacific
By bus: Cauayan is on the Maharlika Highway (Cagayan Valley Road), and Wikipedia lists Victory Liner among the bus companies serving the city. Check the operator for routes and times. Wikipedia: Cauayan · Victory Liner
Step 4: Money and SIM
The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Many larger places take cards, but smaller shops and taxis usually want cash. State Dept
Most ATMs accept US debit cards, but fees can exceed $5 per withdrawal and limits can be low. State Dept
Declare more than 50,000 pesos in local currency to the central bank (BSP) and more than US$10,000 to customs, on both entry and exit. State Dept
SIM cards must be registered, which can slow buying one at the airport, so the State Department recommends a travel eSIM before you leave. State Dept · eSIM option: Airalo Philippines eSIM
Outlets look like US plugs but run on 220V, so check that your devices handle it. State Dept
Step 5: Typhoon season
Most typhoons hit between July and November, but they can happen any time, bringing flooding and mudslides. State Dept
Follow PAGASA for official weather and typhoon bulletins. PAGASA
Pack and plan with that in mind: travel insurance with trip-cancellation coverage, extra time in your schedule, and your STEP enrollment for alerts. State Dept
Tap water isn't safe to drink anywhere in the Philippines; use sealed bottled water. State Dept
