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:
Reconsider Travel to:
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:
The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Terrorist and armed groups in the Sulu Archipelago and the Sulu Sea have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom on land and at sea, in addition to bombings and other attacks. These incidents often target foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, local government entities, and security personnel.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in the Philippines must obtain special authorization to travel to Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Marawi City in Mindanao – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Civilians face risk of death or injury from ongoing clashes between terrorist group remnants and Philippine security forces in Marawi.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in the Philippines must obtain special authorization to travel to Marawi City. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Terrorist and armed groups in Mindanao have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, in addition to bombings and other attacks. These incidents often target foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, as well as civilians, local government entities, and security forces.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in the Philippines must obtain special authorization to travel to areas outside of Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in those areas.
Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.