FCO Travel Advice for - Philippines

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  • On 9 February around 100 armed men from the Sulu archipelago landed on the Malaysian eastern coast of Sabah and occupied a small village in the vicinity of the town of Lahad Datu. Malaysian security forces have surrounded the village. Since 1 March there has been a continuing exchange of fire and a number of fatalities. You are advised to avoid the area in and around Lahad Datu, monitor local media reports and comply with the advice and instructions of the police and local authorities.

  • The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to south-west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of on-going terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao for the same reasons. See Terrorism and Local Travel

  • There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. See Terrorism

  • Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year, usually between June and November. See Natural Disasters

  • All air carriers certified in the Philippines are banned from operating to/from the EU. See Air Travel

  • Around 113,282 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2012. Most visits are trouble-free. See Consular assistance statistics

  • Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
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