Travel advisory: Philippines

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade today issued the following travel advisory for the Philippines.

General: Monitor developments and exercise caution.

Sulu Archipelago including Basilan: We advise against all travel.

Southern and western Mindanao: We advise against all travel.

Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Palawan and Zamboanga Peninsula (including Zamboanga City): We advise against all but essential business travel.


Following the terrorist attacks in Bali on 12 October there is a heightened threat to Western interests throughout South East Asia. There has recently been an upsurge in bombings in the Philippines and in some areas there is also a history of terrorism, insurgency, and kidnapping.

New Zealanders travelling throughout the Philippines, including Manila, should remain alert, take sensible precautions for their personal safety, be extra-vigilant in public places, try to avoid any means of public transport and only use taxis that are recommended by people you can trust or fleet vehicles that can be booked inside international airports, or those recommended by Western type hotels. Avoid places where Westerners are known to gather, such as bars and nightclubs.

In light of ongoing insurgent group activities the Ministry advises against all travel to Sulu Archipelago and southern and western Mindanao. The Ministry advises against all but essential business travel to Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North and South Catobato, Sultan Kudarat and Palawan.

As elsewhere in the world, New Zealanders in the Philippines should take prudent precautions to avoid problems. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness and keep yourself well informed of developments in the areas you plan to visit including through media reports, and accessing the travel advisory notices on this website.

Review the security where you are staying, maintain a low profile and avoid behaviour that might provoke or offend local sensitivities. Avoid crowds and public places, especially those frequented by Westerners and anywhere there is any indication that trouble is involved. Avoid travelling alone at night.

New Zealanders in the Philippines are encouraged to record their details with:

The New Zealand Embassy

23rd floor, BPI Buendia Center

Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Manila

PO Box 3228 MCPO, 1272 Makati City

Telephone: +63 2 891 5358

Facsimile: +63 2 891 5357

Email: nzmanila@nxdsl.com.ph


Please provide the following information:

* full names of individuals and accompanying dependents,
* New Zealand passport number(s),

* contact details whilst in the Philippines

* departure dates and details (where these are known), and

* contact information for a family member or friend in New Zealand.

New Zealanders travelling to or resident in the Philippines should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.