Philippines - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and a measles outbreak.  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, and civil unrest.
• Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Reconsider travel to:

• Other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.

Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines.  Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.  The Philippine government has declared a “State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.”

There is an outbreak of measles in the Philippines.  Philippine authorities have reported deaths in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Davao.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has additional information on the outbreak at:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/measles-philippines.    

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines:

• Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page.
• 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.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for the Philippines.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea

Terrorist and armed groups kidnap U.S. citizens on land and at sea for ransom.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to those areas.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Marawi City in Mindanao

The Philippine government has declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region.  Civilians are at risk of death or injury due to conflict between remnants of terrorist groups and Philippine security forces in Marawi.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mindanao as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Mindanao

The Philippine government has declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region.  The Philippine government also maintains a state of emergency and greater police presence in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Terrorist and armed groups continue to conduct kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting U.S. citizens, foreigners, civilians, local government institutions, and security forces.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mindanao as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.