A valid passport is required for entry to the Philippines. Generally, foreign visitors from countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines are allowed to enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided their passports are valid for at least 6 months and they hold return tickets. When staying for more than 21 days, a Tourist Visa, which is valid for 59 days, is necessary. Permits and visas can be obtained from Philippine Embassies and Consulates.

The following are allowed to enter the country without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days: holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports, holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports, holders of Macau SAR passports. Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (tel. nos. (632) 834-37O7/ (632) 834-4810) Department of Foreign Affairs or log on to www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/visa.htm.

The Philippines is fortunate to be free from epidemics. The country remains free from bird flu and foot-and-mouth diseases.

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from an infected area.

To facilitate customs examination, visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before disembarking. Visitors are allowed to bring in the following items duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes and jewelry; two bottles of wine or liquor of not more than one liter each; and, 400 sticks of cigarette or two tins of tobacco.

Visitors carrying more than US$3,000 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter at the customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Keep all exchange receipts for record purposes. Departing passengers may not bring out more than P1,000 in local currency.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international gateway of the country. It is seven (7) kilometers south of Manila and southwest of Makati City's Central Business District. It has three (3) terminals that serve Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area. Manila is also served by the Manila Domestic Airport which is one kilometer from NAIA.

NAIA has adequate traveler facilities: duty-free shopping centers, souvenir shops, tourist information counters, hotel and travel agency counters, car rental services, banks, postal service, a medical clinic, a pharmacy, chapels, salon, sauna, massage services and flag-down taxis.

Airport fees of P750 (about US$11) for international flights and P100 - P200 for domestic flights (paid in Phil charged upon departure.

Unit of currency is the Philippine peso, divided into 100 centavos. Bills are in : 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. Coins come in 10, 25 centavo and 1, 5, 10 peso denominations.

Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can be easily exchange authorized foreign exchange dealers. Remember to transact only with banks and licensed foreign exchange receipts of transactions.

Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. IV private companies hold office on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping malls, department are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores . Banks a 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

Department of Tourism – NCR
Tel No. 526-6114 / 524-6566

Tourist Information Center
Tel. No. 524-2384 / 525-2000

Tourist Security Division (24hrs.)
Tel. No. 524-1728/ 524-1660

Bureau of Immigration
Tel no. 527-3278

Department of Tourism Truckline
Tel No. 523-8411 (office hours and weekdays only)

Duty Free Philippines
Tel No. 894-4222

Airport Reception Unit – NAIA (24hrs.)
Tel. No. 832-2964/ 551-0698/ 852-2191

Bureau of Customs
Tel. No. 879-5185/ 527-4573

Philippine Postal Office
Tel No. 527-8327/ 527-40085

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Authority
Tel No. 877-1109
Public affairs office: locals 3520/3521

Philippine Tourism Authority – Travel Tax Office
Tel. No. 525-3029/ 524-7141 local 103

Police Office, National Capital Region -838-0251
Police Assistance – 117
Bureau of Fire Protection - 117
Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigades, Inc. -522-2222