National elections will be held on 9 May.
You should avoid all political rallies and protests in the period surrounding
the election as they may turn violent without warning (see Safety and
Security). The level of advice has not changed. We continue to advise you to
exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines. Higher levels apply in
some parts of the country.
Advice levels
Philippines overall, exercise a high degree of
caution
Eastern Mindanao , reconsider your need to travel
Central and western Mindanao, including the
Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu Archipelago and southern Sulu Sea area, do
not travel
Summary
·We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the
Philippines due to the high threat of a terrorist attack and the high level of
crime. You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times.
Monitor the media and other sources about possible new security risks.
Entry
and exit
As visa
and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine
regulations) can change at short notice, you should contact the nearest Embassy
or Consulate of the Philippines or Philippines Bureau of
Immigration website for the most up-to-date information.
Safety and security
We advise
you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high
threat of terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks, including bombings, are possible
anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. Attacks could occur
in the lead up to and following religious celebrations.
Civil unrest/political tension
National
elections will be held on 9 May. You should avoid any large gatherings,
demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public and political events in the
period surrounding the elections as they may turn violent. You should monitor
the media for information about any protests or political rallies and follow
the advice of authorities.
Crime
We advise
you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high
level of serious crime. Violent crime remains a significant problem in the
Philippines. Criminal gangs that drug and rob or assault unsuspecting tourists
are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and in
provincial resort towns.
Money and valuables
Your
passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to
use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place.
You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport online or contact
the nearest Australian Embassy,
High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Local travel
Other
local travel issues
Airline safety
The
Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual
commercial airlines or flight paths. See instead the Aviation Safety Network website for information on
aviation safety in the Philippines.
Laws
You are
subject to the local laws of Philippines, including ones that appear harsh by
Australian standards. If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government
will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you
out of trouble or out of jail. Research laws before travelling, especially for
an extended stay.
Information for dual nationals
Our Dual nationals page provides information for dual
nationals.
Health
We
strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel
insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including
medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you
for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities
are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit
you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The
Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas
or medical evacuation costs.
Where to get help
Depending
on the nature of your enquiry, your best option may be to contact your family,
friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurer.
Your travel insurer should have a 24 hour emergency number.
Level 23
Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, 1200 PHILIPPINES
Telephone: (63 2) 7578 100
Facsimile: (63 2) 7578 344
Website: www.philippines.embassy.gov.au
Additional
information
In recent
years the Philippines has experienced a number of natural disasters and severe
weather events. Travellers to the Philippines should familiarise themselves
with natural disaster and severe weather risks and monitor sources of
information on latest developments. You should have a plan outlining the action
you will take in the event of a disaster and identify the local sources of
support and advice that you can draw on in the aftermath,
Typhoons
Typhoons
usually occur in the Philippines between late May and early December and can
result in substantial loss of life. This is also the wet season when tropical
storms, flooding and landslides are common. If you are travelling during
typhoon season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist
services at your planned destination have been affected.
Earthquakes and volcanoesThe
Philippines is located on the Ring of Fire, and is subject to earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions. The Mayon, Taal and Bulusan volcanoes have a permanent
danger zone (PDZ) established around their summits by the Philippine Institute
of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Mayon volcano in Albay Province has a
PDZ of six kilometres, Bulusan volcano has four kilometre PDZ and the entire
volcanic island of Taal is a PDZ. You should avoid areas surrounding these
volcanoes.
Tsunamis The Pacific Tsunami
Warning Centre website has information on seismic activity in the
Pacific and the potential for tsunamis. All oceanic regions of the world can
experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more
frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large
earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
·Violent crime is a significant problem in the
Philippines. See Safety and security.
·Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in the
Philippines, including in Manila. You should avoid places known to be terrorist
targets. See Safety and security.
·There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern
Philippines, especially at coastal resorts and isolated coastal locations. The
threat is highest along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago.
Groups based in the Sulu Archipelago have demonstrated the capability to carry
out attacks at locations around Mindanao and in eastern Malaysia. Recent
attacks have also created concerns that these groups have the capability to
target locations frequented by tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or
Siquijor. See Safety and security.
·We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao
(including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela
Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur,
Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental) due to the very high
levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
·We advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao,
including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago and in the southern
Sulu Sea area, due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack,
violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups.
·The typhoon season normally runs from late May to
December. This is also the rainy season when tropical storms, flooding and
landslides may occur. See Additional information.
·See Travel Smart for general advice for all
travellers.
·Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
·
organise comprehensive travel
insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not
covered by your policy
·
register your travel and contact details, so we
can contact you in an emergency
·
subscribe to this travel advice to receive free
email updates each time it's reissued
The Philippine Government strongly
enforces immigration entry and exit laws. You should ensure you have proper and
valid visas and remain aware of your visa status while in the Philippines.
Immigration authorities may require travellers to show proof of an onward or
return ticket. Although no longer a legal requirement in the Philippines, we
strongly recommend that your passport has at least six months' validity from
your planned date of return to Australia.
The Philippines allows entry for tourism
and business purposes without a visa for visits of less than 30 days. Longer
visits require a visa. Holders of an APEC business travel card can enter the
Philippines for up to 59 days. Students require a visa to attend educational
institutions in the Philippines. Contact the nearest Embassy
or Consulate of the Philippines for information on your eligibility.
Australians have been detained for having
improper visas or violating immigration laws. Offenders can expect jail
sentences, fines, and/or deportation and may also be prohibited from entering
the Philippines in the future. If you have any concerns about the status of
your Philippine visa, the correct exit conditions, or if you want to extend
your visa, you should refer to the Philippines Bureau of Immigration website.
Certain foreign nationals must apply for
an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Philippines Bureau of
Immigration before they depart the Philippines. This applies to
children born in the Philippines who are leaving the country for the first time
on a foreign passport. For more detailed information how this applies, see the Philippines Bureau of
Immigration website.
From 1 February 2015, there is no longer a
departure tax at the Manila International airport. If you are leaving the
country from Cebu Mactan airport you are required to pay a departure tax of 750
Pesos in local currency or the equivalent in US dollars.
Children under 15 years of age who are not
accompanied by a parent or coming to meet a parent or parents in the
Philippines must present a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). See the Philippines Bureau of
Immigration website for more information.
The Philippine Government has established
procedures at airports and seaports to detect potential Ebola Virus Disease
(EVD) infections in the Philippines. Screening procedures are in place at
airports. Incoming passengers are required to submit a completed EVD screening
form at airport checkpoints. The outbreak of EVD in west Africa is the most
serious in recorded history. For more information on the outbreak and regional
travel restrictions and preventative measures, see the Ebola outbreak in west Africa travel bulletin.
Terrorism
In planning your activities, consider the
kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security
provided. Possible targets include commercial and public places frequented by foreign
nationals such as transport hubs, hotels, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants,
bars, schools, markets, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and
tourist areas.
Kidnapping: There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines,
especially at coastal resorts and isolated coastal locations. The threat is
highest along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago. Groups based
in the Sulu Archipelago have demonstrated the capability to carry out attacks
at locations around Mindanao and in eastern Malaysia. Recent attacks have also
created concerns that these groups have the capability to target locations
frequented by tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor.
Information of late October 2015 indicates
that militants may be planning a kidnapping operation in North East Mindanao,
including the islands off the coast.
Yachts and other vessels in the southern
Sulu Sea and transiting between Sabah, Malaysia and Palawan are also at risk.
Groups based in the Sulu Archipelago have the capability to carry out attacks
at coastal locations around Mindanao and the Sulu Sea, including locations
frequented by tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros, and Siquijor. If
you chose to visit coastal resorts around Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor,
you should exercise caution and ensure your hotel has appropriate security
measures in place. You should avoid isolated coastal locations, especially
after dark.
Numerous locals and foreign nationals have
been kidnapped in central and western Mindanao, including in the Zamboanga
Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. In December 2011, an Australian citizen was
kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay. Other kidnappings in the Zamboanga Peninsula
and Sulu Archipelago have involved Philippine nationals and citizens of
European countries, the United States, China, Korea, Malaysia, India and Japan,
among others. Kidnap victims are sometimes held in captivity for long periods of
time before being released. Others have been killed by their captors.
On 21 September 2015, three foreign
tourists were reportedly kidnapped from a resort on Samal island, near Davao
City in Davao del Norte. In October 2015, another foreign national living in
Dipolog on the Zamboanga peninsula was kidnapped. Two German nationals were
kidnapped from their yacht in the south Sulu Sea, near Palawan Island, in late
April 2014. This incident, and other recent kidnappings of Swiss and Dutch
nationals, underscores the ongoing threat of kidnapping in tourist locations in
the Philippines.
The Australian Government’s longstanding
policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The
Australian Government considers paying ransoms increases the risk of further
kidnappings. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular
threat of kidnapping, you should seek professional security advice and have
effective personal security measures in place. See our Kidnapping threat bulletin.
If, despite our very strong advice against
travel, you decide to visit central or western Mindanao, you should seek
professional security advice and have effective personal security measures in
place.
Eastern
Mindanao: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel
to eastern Mindanao (including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis
Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte,
Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental) due to
very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and
kidnapping.
Central
and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu
Archipelago and the southern Sulu Sea area: We strongly advise you not
to travel to central and western Mindanao (including the provinces of Zamboanga
del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del
Norte, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, Misamis
Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and
surrounding waters) due to the very high threat of terrorist attack,
kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups.
Armed clashes between Philippine security
forces and insurgent groups could occur without warning, particularly in
central or western Mindanao. A serious armed clash took place between militants
and the security forces on 25 January 2015 in Maguindanao. Since then there has
been an increase in the security presence in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
Recent armed clashes, bombings and
kidnappings in Zamboanga and armed clashes in Maguindanao demonstrate a
heightened threat environment in those areas. Possible targets include
locations where people gather, which may include hotels, shopping centres,
restaurants and educational and government facilities in and around Zamboanga
City. Armed clashes between rival clans and other armed groups occur frequently
in central and western Mindanao, often resulting in multiple deaths and
injuries and the displacement of local populations. Terrorist attacks are
frequent in central and western Mindanao.
The threat of kidnapping is higher in the
southern Philippines, particularly in central and western Mindanao, where
terrorists and kidnap-for-ransom gangs targeting foreign nationals can operate
across a wide area.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the
world. See our Terrorist Threat Overseas bulletin.
Militant groups operate in rural areas
throughout the Philippines and are involved in attacks on targets primarily
associated with the security forces. Armed clashes between Philippine
authorities and communist rebels regularly take place in many rural areas of
the Philippines. Several major attacks have occurred in Mindanao in 2015.
Due to the risk of violent insurgent
attack that exists in rural areas across the Philippines, you should exercise
caution when travelling and avoid, where possible, security forces facilities
and deployments.
As in many other big cities, street crime
is of concern particularly in crowded shopping malls and other public places.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and a range of scams, including those involving
credit cards and automated teller machines, are common.
Gun ownership is widespread and poorly
regulated, contributing to a higher incidence of violent crime. Gunfights
between police and criminals are common, including in parts of Manila
frequented by foreign nationals. These incidents often result in multiple
deaths and injuries, sometimes including innocent bystanders. If you witness a
confrontation between police and criminals, you should leave the area
immediately.
Taxis sourced from hotels are more reliable
than those hailed on the street.
Avoid travel on public buses, light rail
and jeepneys where possible as opportunistic crime may occur. Armed hold-ups
have occurred and in some cases have led to fatalities.
Insurgent groups operate in rural areas
throughout the Philippines and are involved in violent criminal activities.
Extortion activities involving violence occur regularly and are often aimed at
business interests, including mining projects. Similar attacks have occurred
around the Australian-controlled Tampakan mine site in South Cotabato,
Mindanao.
You should take particular care when
swimming off coastal areas. Severe undercurrents (rips) are common in coastal
areas and many foreign tourists have drowned, including in popular resort
areas. Lifeguard services are rarely available. In some locations, red flags
are displayed to warn swimmers not to enter the water and these warnings should
be taken very seriously. You should never swim after dark or after consuming
alcohol. There are reports of pollution causing illness to swimmers in coastal
resort areas. Always check with local authorities before swimming.
Sea travel in the Philippines is
hazardous. You should not travel on ferries unless no other means of travel are
available. Ferries are often overloaded, lack necessary lifesaving equipment
and are not adequately maintained. Storms can develop quickly. 142 people were
rescued and 62 people were killed when a ferry capsized approximately 300
metres off Ormoc City Port in Leyte in July 2015. At least 100 people were
rescued, and two were killed when a ferry sank off Southern Leyte in September
2014 due to mechanical failure. For further information, please refer to our Travelling
by boat page.
The safety standards you might expect of
transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as diving,
may not be of the same level as in Australia. Sufficient safety equipment may
not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions
may not be observed. Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets
or seatbelts, even if others don't. If appropriate safety equipment is not
available, you should use another provider.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of the
Philippines. For more information about piracy, see our piracy bulletin. The International Maritime Bureau
issues piracy reports on its Piracy
Reporting Centre website.
For information on road safety, see our
page on road travel.
Airline safety
Please also refer to our general air
travel page for information on aviation safety and security.
Judicial process in the Philippines can be
very lengthy, with some court cases taking years to complete. During this time
authorities may place restrictions on international travel. Australians who are
accused of crimes can find themselves in financial and other difficulties while
their case is ongoing and may not be able to depart the Philippines until the
process has been concluded.
Information on what Australian consular
officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available
from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe.
Possession of even small amounts of so-called 'soft drugs' attracts mandatory
jail sentences. See our Drugs page.
It is illegal to take photographs of
official buildings for publication.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as
those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials,
terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and child sex tourism,
apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while
overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
The Philippines also has strong laws
against child sex crimes and human trafficking. A number of foreign nationals,
including Australians, have been detained and prosecuted for these offences in
the Philippines.
Information for dual nationals
It is important to consider your physical
and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider
having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart,
make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health
check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your
health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health
Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health
page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.
Medical facilities in the Philippines are
adequate in major cities but are very limited in provincial regions and remote
islands. Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well
equipped and internationally accredited. Most hospitals will require up-front
payment or guarantee of payment prior to commencing treatment, which can be
expensive. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to
a destination with the required facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation
costs are considerable.
Malaria is endemic in many provincial
regions of the Philippines but does not affect the capital Manila. Dengue fever
has been on the rise in Manila and neighbouring provinces along with outbreaks
of other mosquito-borne diseases (including Japanese encephalitis and
filariasis) in many areas particularly during the rainy season between May and
December. There is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue.
We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria where
necessary. You should take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an
insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured
clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and
other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis,
measles, meningitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks
occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink
bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in
fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia
(schistosomiasis) and leptospirosis. There are reports of pollution causing
illness to swimmers in coastal resort areas. Always check with local
authorities before swimming.
Following flooding, travellers should be
aware of the potential for outbreaks of leptospirosis and gastro-related
illnesses. You should be aware that the high risk of contracting a water-borne
disease continues after floods recede. Seek medical advice if you have a fever
or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Ciguatera poisoning from eating reef fish
can be a hazard. For more information on ciguatera poisoning see Queensland
Health's fact sheet.
Decompression chambers are located in
Manila, Cebu, Batangas, Subic and Palawan.
Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as
they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions.
Your travel insurer should have a 24 hour emergency number.
For criminal issues, contact the local
station of the Philippines National Police (PNP). The PNP's National Operations
Center (NOC) hotline is +63 721 8613. The emergency services number is 117.
If the matter relates to complaints about
tourism services or products, contact the service provider directly.
The Consular Services Charter explains what the
Australian Government can and can’t do to assist Australians overseas. For
consular assistance, see contact details below.
Australian
Embassy, Manila
Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, 1200 PHILIPPINES
Telephone: (63 2) 7578 100
Facsimile: (63 2) 7578 344
Website: www.philippines.embassy.gov.au
See the Embassy website for information about opening
hours and temporary closures that may affect service provision.
If you are travelling to the Philippines,
whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to
register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register
online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency -
whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable
to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on
+61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
Natural
disasters, severe weather and climate
Typhoons
Information is available from the
following sources:
·the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre website.
·the typhoon2000 website.
·the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council
website.
The direction and strength of typhoons can
change with little warning. Telephone and internet communications, services and
transport may be disrupted in affected areas.
In the event of an approaching typhoon,
you should identify your local shelter. Flights and ferry services in and out
of affected areas can be unsafe and could be delayed or suspended. Available
flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline or ferry operator for
the latest information. The typhoon could also affect access to sea ports in
the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe typhoon may not be
available to all who may choose to stay. You should review and follow hotel or
cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all
times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe,
waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in
Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further
information, see our severe weather page.
* Mayon volcano:* Currently, the National
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has set the alert level
of Mayon Volcano in Bicol, South Luzon, at Alert Level 1 (an eruption is
unlikely). In the event of major volcanic activity, you should follow the
advice of local authorities and monitor warnings issued by the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
If a natural disaster occurs, you should
monitor the media and other local sources of information closely and follow the
advice of local authorities.
No comments:
Post a Comment