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Welcome to the Philippines |
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Philippines -
Consular Information Sheet (from US State Department Website) COUNTRY
DESCRIPTION:
The Philippines is a developing democratic republic located in South
East Asia. The archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, of which
880 are inhabited. The major islands are Luzon in the north, Visayas in
the center, and Mindanao in the south. Tourist facilities are available
within population centers and main tourist areas. English is widely
spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English. ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa upon
presentation of their U.S. passport, which must be valid for at least
six months after entry, and a return ticket to the U.S. or onward ticket
to another country. Upon arrival, immigration authorities will annotate
the U.S. passport with an entry visa valid for 21 days. If you plan to
stay longer than 21 days, you will have to apply for an extension at the
Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, Magallanes Drive,
Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. There are special requirements for the
entry of unaccompanied minors. Additional information concerning entry
requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Philippines, 1600
Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202)
467-9300 or from the Philippines Consulates General in Chicago,
Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. SAFETY/SECURITY:
The security situation has improved in most areas of the country in
recent years. Most of the country is hospitable to travel. The
government has been engaged on and off in negotiations with communist
and Muslim rebels. Nevertheless, rebel activity and armed banditry in
certain areas of the Philippines still poses potential security
concerns. New Peoples Army insurgents remain active in some mountainous
and jungle areas, including parts of Mindanao and Negros Island as well
as Quezon Province and the Cordillera and Bicol regions of Luzon. In Mindanao, crime
and insurgent activity may make travel hazardous to and within the
provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte,
Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, North and South
Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. The threat of
terrorist action by extremists, both domestic and foreign, does exist in
the Philippines. There are periodic reports of plans for possible
kidnapping or terrorist acts aimed at U.S. Government installations,
public and private institutions and transportation carriers. Although
there have been some attempts directed against U.S. interests, most of
these reports have not been followed by terrorist action. Security is
not a major concern at the popular tourist and diving sites. The State Department
reminds all Americans traveling or living abroad of the need to remain
vigilant with regard to personal security issues. With international
events such as the actions against Iraq in 1999, the August 7, 1998
bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, the August
20, 1998 air strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan, and the apprehension of
persons believed to be involved in the Embassy bombings, the potential
for retaliatory acts against the official American community exists
worldwide. Periodically, the U.S. Embassy receives credible threats
directed against USG personnel and/or facilities. The Embassy takes
these threats seriously, and they can usually be countered by following
some very basic personal security countermeasures, which private
Americans can also follow: Do not establish a pattern in movement and
travel; times and routes should be varied to the extent possible.
Maintain a low profile at all times, and immediately report any unusual
activity, to include possible surveillance, to the Philippine police and
Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy. Travelers are
encouraged to call the U.S. Embassy for an update of the current
security situation, especially if traveling outside the Manila
metropolitan area. CRIME
INFORMATION:
As in many of the major metropolitan areas in the U.S., crime is a
serious concern in Manila. As a rule of thumb, Americans are advised to
exercise good judgment and remain aware of their surroundings. Reports
of confidence games, pick-pocketing and credit card fraud are common. If
someone offers you a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is.
Be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially
just after you have arrived in country. Criminals have administered
drugs via proffered drinks to unwitting visitors in order to facilitate
robbery and assault. Tourists frequenting lower quality nightclubs are
particularly at risk. It is best not to flaunt your nationality and to
maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing large amounts of jewelry, and do
not carry large amounts of money. Visitors should take advantage of
safety deposit boxes at hotels. Taxis are the recommended form of public
transportation; however, the following safeguards are important: do not
enter a taxi if it already has accepted another passenger, and also
request that the meter be used. If the driver is unwilling to comply
with your requests, it is best to wait for another cab. All other forms
of public transportation, such as the light rail system, buses and
jeepneys, should be avoided for both safety and security reasons. Visitors should also
be vigilant when using credit cards. One form of credit card fraud
involves the illicit use of an electronic device to retrieve and record
information, including the PIN, from the card’s magnetic strip. The
information is then used to make unauthorized purchases. To limit your
vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight. Major
problems have occurred at large department stores and some hotel
restaurants. The loss or theft
abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police
and to the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the Consular Agency in Cebu. U.S.
citizens can refer to the Department of State pamphlet, A
Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free
journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of
documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via
the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL
FACILITIES:
Adequate medical care is available in major cities but is limited in
rural and more remote areas. Serious medical problems requiring
hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost
thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment for health services. MEDICAL
INSURANCE:
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical
services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require
medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own
insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas,
including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be
reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies
also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of
remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies
abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the
Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. OTHER HEALTH
INFORMATION:
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for
international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax
1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY
AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
Travel within the archipelago is possible by boat, plane, bus, or car.
Few tourists rent a car to drive, as the road system is crowded and
drivers are undisciplined. Driving off the national highways and paved
roads is particularly dangerous, especially at night. To avoid
overcrowded or unsafe transport, caution is urged in planning travel by
older, inter-island ferryboats or other public conveyances. The
information below concerning the Philippines is provided for general
reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location
or circumstance. Safety of Public
Transportation: Poor For specific
information concerning Philippine driver’s permits, vehicle
inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Philippines
Department of Tourism via http://www.tourism.gov.ph. AVIATION SAFETY
OVERSIGHT:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the
Government of the Philippines civil aviation authority as Category 1 -
in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight
of the Philippines’ air carrier operations. For further information,
travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S.
at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign
air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact the Department of Defense at
1-618-229-4801. CRIMINAL
PENALTIES:
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that
country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections
available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the
law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.
Persons violating Philippine laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled,
arrested or imprisoned. Penalties are strict for possession, use, or
trafficking in illegal drugs. Convicted offenders can expect long jail
sentences and fines. Capital punishment is possible for certain
drug-related crimes. Swindling and "bad debts" are also
serious criminal offenses in the Philippines. The Philippine Government
has very strict laws regarding the possession of firearms by foreigners
and several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for
bringing firearms into the country. Americans who are arrested overseas
should immediately ask to speak to a U.S. Embassy representative. SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES: MARRIAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES: Any foreigner who wishes to marry in the Philippines is
required by the Philippine Government to obtain from his/her Embassy a
"Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" before
filing an application for a marriage license. The Government also
accepts an "Affidavit in lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to
Contract Marriage." A U.S. citizen may execute this affidavit at
the American Embassy in Manila on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, or at
the Consular Agency in Cebu. The American must present his/her U.S.
passport, and there is a fee of U.S. $55.00 for executing the affidavit.
Philippine authorities will not accept any substitute document initiated
in the United States. Execution of the
affidavit is a notarial act by the U.S. consular officer and, as such,
the consular officer is authorized by Title 22 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Section 92.9b, to refuse to perform the service if the
document in connection with which the notarial act is requested will be
used for a purpose patently unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best
interests of the United States. Entering into a marriage contract with
an alien strictly for the purpose of immigration to the United States
for that individual is considered an unlawful act. Section 4221 of Title
22 United States Code provides penalties for individuals who commit
perjury in an affidavit taken by a consular officer. ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENT FOR U.S. MILITARY PERSONEL: U.S. military personnel should contact their personnel office regarding
DOD joint service regulations. THE MARRIAGE
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Once an American citizen has obtained from the Embassy an
"Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract
Marriage," he/she can file an application for a marriage license at
the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar in the town or city where
one of the parties is a resident. The U.S. citizen applicant will need
to present: (a) the affidavit, (b) divorce decree(s) or death
certificate(s) required to verify civil status and legal capacity to
contract marriage, (c) U.S. passport, and (d) documentation regarding
parental consent or advice, if applicable. (Marriage applicants aged 18
to 21 must have written parental consent. Those aged 22 to 24 must have
received parental advice.) Philippine law prohibits marriage for
individuals under the age of 18. A judge, a minister or other person
authorized by the Government of the Philippines can perform the
marriage. Marriage to a U.S.
citizen confers neither citizenship nor an automatic eligibility for
entry to the United States. An immigrant visa is required for a foreign
spouse to live in the United States. Questions about filing an immigrant
visa petition to bring a foreign spouse to the United States should be
directed to the nearest office of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service, the State Department’s Visa Office (202) 663-1225 or, while
in the Philippines, to the U.S. Embassy immigrant visa unit in Manila. DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS:
The Philippines is a volcano-, typhoon- and earthquake-prone country.
During the rainy season (May to November) there are typhoons and flash
floods. Flooding can cause road delays and cut off bridges. Typhoons in
the vicinity of the Philippines can interrupt air and sea links within
the country. Volcanic activity is frequent, and periodically the
Government of the Philippines announces alerts for specific volcanoes.
Earthquakes can also occur throughout the country. General information
about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from
the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov. CHILDREN’S
ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children and international
parental child abduction, refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000. REGISTRATION/EMBASSY
AND CONSULAR AGENCY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Philippines are encouraged to
register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila,
located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila City; tel. (63-2) 523-1001. The
Consular American Citizen Services fax number is (63-2) 522-3242 and the
ACS web page is http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwh3004.html. The U.S. Consular
Agency in Cebu provides limited services for U.S. citizens. The Consular
Agency address is: Third Floor, PCI Bank, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu
City; tel. (63-32) 231-1261. *************** This replaces the
Consular Information Sheet dated September 14, 1999 to add information
on Marriage in the Philippines and Disaster Preparedness, to revise the
sections on Safety/Security, Medical Insurance, Other Health
Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Children’s
Issues, and to remove Y2K Information. Consular
Information Sheets and Travel Warnings
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