UK travel warning throughout the Philippines - April, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Safety and Security (political situation) – national elections will be held on 9 May 2016; the campaign period has traditionally led to a spike in political violence; Terrorism section (Kidnapping) – groups have the capability to target locations frequented by tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros and Siquijor; Health section – there have been elevated levels of dengue cases in 2016; you should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

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.

National elections will be held on 9 May 2016. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has warned foreigners not to participate in political rallies. Any foreign nationals taking part in these events could be subject to arrest and/or deportation.

About 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons occur from June to December. There may be flooding and landslides. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters

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

A case of locally transmitted Zika virus has been confirmed in the last two months. You should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre and discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Around 154,000 British people visited the Philippines in 2015. Most visits are trouble-free.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.