Practical Information For Travelers Visiting The Philippines

Visa, arrival card, mandatory documents – there are quite a few things to know about entering a country, and the Philippines is no different. So to help you plan your trip and enjoy a stress-free vacation, here’s a quick guide and some practical information to know before you leave for the The Pearl of the Orient Seas (aka the country’s nickname).

Save it for later!

Entry requirements

As with any country you visit, chances are you’ll need at least an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if a visa is not required. In the Philippines, most temporary visitors, whatever their country of origin, don’t need a tourist visa for up to 30 days but they need to register with the eTravel application.

Here’s the list of visa-free entry countries if you want to check whether you need a specific visa or not.

What is the eTravel application?

The eTravel system replaces the arrival card that you usually have to fill in on the plane or before going through immigration. To facilitate entry and reduce waiting time, the government of the Philippines has implemented a downloadable application to collect the personal data of passengers arriving in and departing from the country.

What information do I need to provide in the application?

First of all, as with all entry requirements, you need to remember that the expiry date of your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of the entry into the Philippines. You may also need to book a return flight to proove that you’re leaving the country.

Regarding the information you’ll need, as with any official document, you’ll have to provide an email adress, a password, your identity, passport number, date of issue, expiry date, date of birth, nationality, address and mobile number. In addition, data relating to your trip, such as your means of arrival/departure in the country, whether by air or sea, date of arrival/departure, flight/ship information and hotel address.

The application is easy to use, practical and intuitive. There’s even information on tourism and the country’s attractions.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the procedure!

Once you’ve downloaded the application, you first need to create an account, enter you mobile number and choose a password:

When you’ve entered these details, you’ll be taken to the homepage where, after verifying your account by email, you can register for your eTravel with your trip details:

After you’ve completed everything, you’ll receive a QR code that you’ll need before boarding your flight! Take a screenshot or print it out and keep it safe!

When should I apply for my eTravel?

It’s recommended that you register with the eTravel system as soon as possible, or 72 hours before your arrival, as it’s not possible to apply any earlier.

Who has to complete the eTravel form?

Everyone, regardless of their travel purposes! Exceptions include foreign diplomats and their delegations as well as officials of a foreign government and their delegations, for example.

Cost

The eTravel is free, you can just create an account and follow the instructions. Always beware of fraudulent sites that will try to charge you.

Here’s the only official website to remember: eTravel information system!

Money

The Philippine Peso (PHP) is the official currency of the country. As an indication, $1 is currently equivalent to 57 PHP.

Regarding the tipping culture in the Philippines, it’s not customary but will be appreciated, especially if you receive good service (which will probably be the case, given the friendliness and hospitality of the Filipino people).

Language

With over 100 dialects and languages in the Philippines, you’ll often hear people speaking a variation of the same language. But don’t worry, as the country’s two official languages are actually Filipino and English. So if the latter is your mother tongue, you’ll be just fine, but if it’s not, get out your flash cards and start cramming right away.

Don’t forget to learn a few local words that will impress the locals but also show them how much you respect their culture and country.

SIM card

Although you’ll often find WiFi zones in every malls and hotel in the Philippines, if you’re planning to get off the beaten track and visit more remote areas, your best option is to buy a SIM card.

The two best telephone network operators are Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, both of which offer great data plans at an affordable price.

You can buy one at an airport counter, but also in most convenience stores. Don’t forget to bring your passport with you as you’ll need it to register your SIM card.

Health

Some vaccines are recommended for the Philippines, but as always, don’t forget to consult your doctor and the CDC website for travel advices on current health issues in the country you’re visiting.

Another very important aspect of your vacation is to take out travel insurance so that you’re protected in the event of an accident and can travel worry-free.

Click here for my post on the importance of travel insurance and my tips for choosing the right one!

Things you should avoid doing in the Philippines

Of course, planning a little and getting to know the country’s culture before visiting is always essential, if only to avoid causing trouble or being disrespectful.

Here are a few tips to follow when traveling in the country:

• Don’t bring up the subject of religion: the Philippines being predominantly Catholic, this can be a sensitive subject, especially if you’re an atheist, so to avoid upsetting your elders, it’s better to avoid it altogether.

• Be respectful of your elders (and everyone else for that matter): respect is a big part of Filipino culture, but it’s even truer when it comes to your elders. There’s even a traditional way of showing this respect, called Mano Po, where a younger person takes the hand of an elder and raises it to his/her forehead, thus honoring the wisdom and experience of their elders.

• Don’t drink tap water: definitely not safe to drink, at least not until it’s been boiled!

• Don’t cause unjust vexation or risk imprisonment.

Environmental Fee

More often than not, you’ll come across an environmental fee that you’ll have to pay to see a dive site, enter an island like Coron, El Nido… but while you may think it’s unfair to spend a small part of your budget on these fees, they’re not for nothing.

In reality, they’re used to clean up the various beautiful sites you visit, rehabilitate corals and much more. Plus, don’t forget that the Philippines is far from the richest country you’ll ever travel to, so what’s a $1 to enjoy and admire pristine beaches and natural wonders?!?

Click here for my travel guides to Coron and El Nido!

That’s it for the practical information you’ll need on your trip to the Philippines! If you need more advice or have any other tips, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments!