PHILIPPINES TRAVEL WARNINGCANADA GOVERNMENT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT4 June 2007 Philippines
1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHYThe Philippines (capital: Manila) is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam. The official languages are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. Tourist facilities are available in major areas. 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONSOFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. Canadians are advised against all travel to Mindanao, including the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula, unless they have critical or compelling business or family reasons. There is a threat of a terrorist attack, which could occur at anytime in this region. In the recent past there have been several bombings in a number of locations, including (but not limited to) Cotabato, Kidapawan and General Santos City causing several deaths and numerous injuries. Two more explosions occurred in Kidapawan City and Cotabato City, also causing several injuries. Kidnapping for ransom is a threat, as witnessed by a recent instance where a Western couple was abducted and released only after armed intervention. Continuing reports suggest that there is an ongoing terrorist threat to Westerners and Western interests in the Philippines. Philippine authorities have warned that there may be bomb attacks in Manila and other key cities. Visitors can expect to be subject to frequent security checks at public and private facilities, including shopping malls and public transportation. Attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in the Philippines. Canadians in the Philippines should exercise extreme caution and security awareness, especially in commercial and public establishments, in tourist areas frequented by foreigners, and on public transportation. Bombings and crime-related shootings have occurred in Mindanao, Manila and other parts of the country, and explosive devices continue to be discovered by security authorities. Legislative elections were held in the Philippines on May 14, 2007, and the counting of votes is expected to take weeks. More than 100 deaths occurred during the campaign and election-related violence is likely to continue in the following weeks. Canadians should exercise caution, follow local news reports, and avoid large public gatherings. Canadians should be vigilant and comply with all security procedures. Anything suspicious should be reported immediately to the nearest security authority. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 5 below). 3. SAFETY AND SECURITYThe decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Attacks continue to occur in Manila, the region of Mindanao, and other areas where insurgent groups are active. Bombs have exploded in shopping malls, on public transportation, at airports and port facilities, in places of worship, and in other public areas. Further explosions are possible anywhere in the country. Canadians should be alert to the danger of kidnapping in the Philippines. Although government action has reduced the frequency, there remain reports of planned kidnap-for-ransom of business people. Kidnappings have occurred throughout the country, including in Manila and several resort areas, and deaths have resulted in some cases. Canadians should be cautious when travelling to, and around, coastal areas and island resorts. Crime continues to be a serious concern, especially in Manila. Avoid displays of affluence such as jewellery. Do not carry large sums of money, and keep valuables in safekeeping facilities. Criminal gangs are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and have drugged and robbed unsuspecting tourists. Visitors should not accept offers of food, drink, or transportation from strangers, and should not leave food or drinks unattended, particularly in bars. Bystanders have been hit by stray gunfire in armed robberies and subsequent pursuit of the perpetrators. Avoid disturbances, rallies and demonstrations. Canadians should exercise caution when using public transportation, including buses and the light rail system, due to safety and security concerns. Incidents of taxi drivers using threats to extort money from passengers have been reported. Visitors should arrange to be met at airports, use hotel transportation, or use the taxi booking services in arrival halls. Use officially marked taxis only and do not share them with strangers. Ferry incidents are not uncommon in the Philippines due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Caution and common sense should be exercised when using marine transportation in the Philippines - do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau. 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTSThe following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Philippines and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 9, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs Canada's Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Philippines. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket. Canadians do not require a visa for stays up to 21 days. Canadians intending to stay for more than 21 days must apply for a visa at the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada. Alternatively, they may apply for an extension before the 21 day period expires at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation while in the country. If you will be staying in the Philippines as a registered alien, you and your dependents will need to apply for an ACR I-Card. Failure to obtain the ACR I-Card will result in fines. More information on this card and other immigration issues is available on the Philippines Bureau of Immigration Web site. The Philippine government is vigorously enforcing immigration and entry laws. For this reason, all Canadians travelling to the Philippines should ensure they have the proper and valid visa. Canadians have been apprehended 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. Children under 15, unaccompanied by a parent or coming to meet a parent or parents in the Philippines, must present the following documents to the Bureau of Immigration (unless there are legal impediments) upon arrival in the Philippines: (a) Affidavit of Request, Consent, and Guarantee signed by a parent or legally appointed guardian of the child, naming the person who will be accompanying the child to the Philippines and with whom the child will reside in the country; (b) birth certificate of the child; and (c) clear photocopy of the data page of the child's passport. The Office of the Commissioner will hold the child's passport until a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) is secured and the fee is paid. The current fee for the WEG is 3,120 Philippines pesos. The WEG will be issued at the airport on the same day, provided all the requirements have been met. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in admission status being cancelled and names being included on the Bureau's blacklist. If the child has a valid visa issued by the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, the requirements for the WEG would have been met already and this would not apply. Tourist Visa: Required (for stays over 21 days)
Business Visa: Required (for stays over 21 days)
Student Visa: Required
Working Visa: Required Effective February 1, 2007, an Airport Users Charge of 750 pesos (payable in local currency or U.S. dollars, in cash only) is required upon departure from the international airport in Manila. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROADYou can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses: Philippines - MANILA, Embassy of Canada
Address: 6th, 7th, and 8th Floors, RCBC Plaza Tower 2, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Manila
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2168, Makati City 1220, 1261 Makati, Philippines - MANILA
Tel.: 63 (2) 857-9000, 857-9001
Toll Free: 1-800-1-110-0226
Fax: 63 (2) 843-1082
E-Mail: manil@international.gc.ca, manil-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.manila.gc.ca Philippines - CEBU, Consulate of Canada
Address: 45-L Andres Abellana Street, Cebu City 6000
Tel.: 63 (32) 256-3320
Toll Free: 1-800-1-110-0226
Fax: 63 (32) 255-3068
E-Mail: canada-consulate-cebu@mozcom.com For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Manila and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 1-110-0226. 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMSYou are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. The penalty for drug offences is very strict. Convicted offenders face life imprisonment for certain drug-related crimes. Life in prison is often imposed for rape. Pedophiliac activity is also severely punished. Conviction for "swindling" or "bad debts" can result in sentences of up to 20 years. 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCYDriving conditions are poor. Roads are crowded and drivers are undisciplined. Avoid travel outside urban areas and tourist centres after dark. Stay on national highways and paved roads. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The currency is the Philippine peso. Credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments. Credit card fraud is common. Users should pay careful attention when their cards are being handled by others during payment processing. Only U.S. dollar traveller's cheques can be exchanged in banks, hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in larger cities. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency. 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATEThe Philippines is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Manila (see below) in the event of an emergency. Volcanic activity at the Mount Mayon Volcano in Albay Province, south east Luzon has decreased (alert level 1). A Permanent Danger Zone of six kilometres is in place around the summit of the volcano. On May 20, 2007, the alert status of the Bulusan volcano, located in the province of Sorsogon on the island of Luzon was raised to Alert level 2. The alert status strictly restricts entry within four (4) kilometres, called the "Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ)," of the summit area, because sudden explosions may occur. Canadians in the area should pay careful attention to all warnings issued, avoid restricted areas and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an eruption. You should avoid the areas surrounding both volcanoes, as sudden explosions may occur. Updated information on volcanoes in the Philippines is available from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Web site at http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/ . The monsoon season extends from November to April in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Typhoons also occur usually between June and October. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAMThe Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATIONGood medical care is available in Manila, Cebu and Baguio. Medical care is limited in rural and more remote areas. Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees at the time of admission. Over-the-counter medicines are available in the Philippines. Travellers who wish to bring their own may do so, but only in quantities sufficient for the duration of their stay. All drugs, including non-prescription drugs such as vitamins and aspirin, should be kept in their original containers. Travellers carrying prescription drugs should bring a letter from their physician stating the condition for which they are receiving treatment and the dosage. The amount of prescription drugs brought into the country should be sufficient for the duration of their stay. Those travelling onward to another country are advised that a separate quantity of prescription drugs should be sealed and declared again before departing the country. | 
