Updated to reflect changes in the country summary and information on the Sulu Archipelago, Marawi City.
Exercise increased caution to the Philippines due tocrime, 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 tocrime, terrorism, civil unrest,andkidnapping.
- Marawi City in Mindanao due toterrorismandcivil unrest.
Reconsider Travel to:
- Other areas of Mindanao due tocrime, terrorism, civil unrest,andkidnapping.
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.
There are stringent travel protocols and restrictions for U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility when traveling to certain areas of the country as stated below.
Read thecountry information pagefor 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 theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State onFacebookandTwitter/X.
- Review theCountry Security Reportfor the Philippines.
- Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review theTraveler’s Checklist.
The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea – Level 4: Do Not Travel
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.
The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this region is very limited. U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are required to obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.
Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas.
Marawi City in Mindanao – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Civilians face risk of death or injury from ongoing clashes between terrorist group remnants and Philippine security forces in Marawi.
The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Marawi City is very limited. U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are required to obtain special authorization to travel to Marawi City.
Visit our website forTravel 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.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in large parts of Mindanao. U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy’s (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are required to obtain special authorization to travel to areas outside of Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands.
Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas.
