Island paradise, made simple
Palawan’s limestone lagoons, Boracay’s powder-white sand, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and world-class diving off Cebu — the Philippines is made for island hopping. English is widely spoken and the welcome is famously warm, making it ideal for honeymoons, families and visits to friends and relatives.
Where to go
Hidden lagoons, limestone cliffs and some of Asia’s best island-hopping boat trips.
White Beach, famous sunsets and easy, laid-back resort living.
The Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers and the beaches of Panglao Island.
Colonial history, waterfalls and diving, with easy flights across the islands.
Historic Intramuros, great shopping and the main gateway for international flights.
Culture and customs
Filipinos are famously friendly and hospitable, and a smile and a little courtesy are warmly returned.
Carry ID. You must be able to show identification if police ask. If your passport is in the hotel safe, carry a printed copy of the photo page.
Keep affection low-key. Overt public displays of affection can cause offence and may be treated as a scandal under local law.
Stay away from protests. Immigration has warned foreigners against joining protests and rallies; those who take part may be detained and deported.
Use “po” for respect. Adding “po” to your words is a polite way to show respect, especially to older people.
Laws to know. Drug penalties are very severe — even a small amount of any illegal drug means a mandatory prison sentence.
How far is Philippines from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
Philippines, month by month
Hover overTap a month for average day and night temperatures and rainy days.
Long-term averages from national weather services (Manila). Actual weather varies year to year.
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding Philippines packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your Philippines trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Visa and passport help from our documents team
- One team to message before, during and after
Read the full official entry requirements
See the official GOV.UK entry requirements for Philippines.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Updated automatically from GOV.UK travel advice.
Travelling to Philippines — quick answers
Can’t see your question? Send us a message or WhatsApp us.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines with a British passport?
Not for a short trip. You can visit without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days, and most visitors are expected to have proof of return or onward travel. You must also register on the official eTravel system (free) within the 72 hours before you arrive and show the QR code — some airlines may refuse boarding without it. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive.
How long is the flight from the UK to the Philippines?
There are no nonstop flights from the UK. Most travellers connect in a Gulf hub such as Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, in Istanbul, or in an Asian hub such as Singapore or Hong Kong, with a total journey of about 16 to 18 hours. Cebu has direct links to several Asian hubs, and the islands are linked by short domestic flights.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The dry season runs from December to May: December to February is cooler and March to May is hot, with May the warmest month. The rainy season runs from June to November, when most typhoons occur.
Are there any areas the UK government advises against?
The FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, and against all but essential travel to the rest of Mindanao, except Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao islands. The popular holiday areas — Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu and Manila — are outside these areas. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice, including volcano and typhoon updates, and make sure your insurance covers your plans.
Can Travel Style book my whole Philippines trip?
Yes. We’re IATA accredited, so we issue flights ourselves and can add internal flights, island transfers, hotels and tours in one booking — with one team to message before, during and after your trip.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and official travel health advice before you travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry, health and travel requirements that apply to you before you travel. See our terms and conditions.