Philippines

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping . Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest . Reconsider Travel to: Other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping . Country Summary: Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting public areas like tourist sites, markets, and local government facilities in the Philippines. Violent crimes are also common in the Philippines such as robbery, kidnappings, and physical assaults. Protests happen in the Philippines and could turn violent and/or result in traffic jams and road closures with limited capacity of the local government to respond. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in the Philippines must obtain special authorization to travel to certain areas of the country as stated below. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Philippines. If you decide to travel to the Philippines: Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. Avoid demonstrations. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for the Philippines. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea – Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to th