You must have heard of the Philippines before or have descended from a Filipino family but you have never set foot on the country before. Or you could have been born here but grew up from a foreign country and it’s been a long time (probably decades) since you last smelled fried dried fish (tuyo or daing) with matching champorado.
Whether you are Filipino by blood or just an ordinary foreigner who wish to visit or stay in the Philippines but wants to know first what it’s like to be in the Philippines, perhaps this site will be able to show you a glimpse of the country.
Here are some (hopefully) helpful guides for you to see before thinking of coming to the Philippines. First of all, you should try visiting this sites: Department of Tourism or Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprize Authority. This is the Philippine Department of Tourism’s official websites that provides the necessary information about the tourism in the country or visit the EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Category 1Nationals from countries listed below are advised to secure a visa prior to entering the Philippines. The processing period for a Philippine visa is approximately ten (10) working days.
Afghanistan, Albania Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijian, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, East Timor, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgystan, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Nauru, Nigeria, Palestine, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen, Yugoslavia. People’s Republic of China, Taipei, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR passports (fall under the Chinese Nationals category)
Category 2 21-Day No Visa Requirement Listing
Nationals from countries not listed above who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, immigration officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay.
Nationals from countries not listed above who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, immigration officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used.
Language: The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, but English is widely spoken. Tagalog is the most predominant of the many dialects or local languages spoken throughout the islands.
Travel Health: No special vaccination certificates are required, except by travellers entering the Philippines from an area infected with yellow fever. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid as there are frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling; urban areas are generally considered risk-free. Dengue fever is a risk throughout the country; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided; cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Sea snakes can be highly venomous; travellers should be cautious in remote coastal waters, lakes and rivers, as anti-venom may not be readily available. Medical care is good in the major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in the remoter areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Travel Health: No special vaccination certificates are required, except by travellers entering the Philippines from an area infected with yellow fever. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid as there are frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling; urban areas are generally considered risk-free. Dengue fever is a risk throughout the country; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided; cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Sea snakes can be highly venomous; travellers should be cautious in remote coastal waters, lakes and rivers, as anti-venom may not be readily available. Medical care is good in the major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in the remoter areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: Tipping is expected for most services in the Philippines. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.
Safety Information: Safety and security should be of paramount concern to any visitor to the Philippines. It is vital to be fully informed of threats and developments regarding crime, terrorism and kidnapping before and during a visit to the islands. Vigilance is vital throughout the islands, particularly in Manila, as opportunistic crimes are motivated by circumstances of poverty. Extremist groups have a history of kidnapping foreign tourists, and terrorist bombings have occurred in Manila and Mindanao, targeting transport and public places. Recent explosions in Mindanao have killed and injured many people. Security has been increased across southern Philippines, and many foreign governments have issued warnings against travelling to Mindanao. Terrorist groups have also threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. The threat of terrorism and kidnapping is greatest in central, southern and western Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi Tawi, Jolo and the Sulu archipelago; the FCO, US Department of State and other governments advise against all travel to these areas, and care should also be taken in Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centres throughout. There is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters, and a risk of kidnappings at sea. It is believed that terrorists are continuing with plans to kidnap foreigners from the islands and coastal areas in southern Philippines, putting all boats travelling to and from offshore islands in the Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, as well as at dive sites at great risk. Safety standards on ferries are low, and rescue services are not very comprehensive. It is advisable to avoid travel off the beaten track, and to leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. The area is prone to typhoons between July and November, when flooding and landslides can occur; Typhoon Fengshen in June 2008 caused flash floods, landslides and rough seas that has lead to hundreds of deaths.
Business: Third party introductions are useful when conducting business in the Philippines and face-to-face communication is key. Emphasis is placed on building good working relations and getting to know each other. Business is conducted formally, and although punctuality is important, meetings may not begin on time. Dress should be conservative; suits and ties are the norm, although many Filipino men wear a shirt known as a barong tagalong, which is a far cooler option in the humid environment. English is widely spoken in business circles and business hours are usually from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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