+ 7 h / + 6 h during our summer time

Manila

Tagalog and English

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type A, B and C sockets is required.

Banks

9.00 am–3.00 pm (Mon–Fri)

Shops

9.00/10.00 am–8.00 pm (daily)

On public holidays, banks and government offices are closed, while large supermarkets and smaller retail outlets generally remain open.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Bagong Taon)
• 25 February: EDSA Revolution Anniversary (Araw ng EDSA Rebolusyon)
• Maundy Thursday: date varies (Huwebes Santo)
• Good Friday: date varies (Biyernes Santo)
• Easter Monday: date varies (Linggo ng Pagkabuhay)
• 9 April: Day of Valour (Araw ng Kagitingan)
• 1 May: Labour Day (Araw ng mga Manggagawa)
• 12 June: Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan)
• National Heroes Day: last Monday in August (Araw ng mga Bayani)
• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (Araw ng mga Patay)
• 30 November: Bonifacio Day (Araw ni Bonifacio)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Noël)
• 30 December: Rizal Day (Araw ni Rizal)

The following documents are required to enter the Philippines:

• A valid Swiss passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from the country.
• A valid return or onward flight ticket.
• On entry, travellers are granted a free 30-day visa on arrival or visa waiver.
• Travellers must register in the “eTravel” system no later than 72 hours before arrival.
• Minors: minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents are advised to carry a travel consent form.

Last updated: May 2024

• West: a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Temperatures remain high throughout the year.
• East: rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with particularly heavy rain from November to April. Typhoons are most common from July to September.
• North: a tropical climate with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Typhoons occur frequently from July to September. Average temperatures range from 30.4°C to 32.7°C, falling to around 22.2°C at night.
• South: a tropical rainforest climate with regular rainfall throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures are around 32°C, falling to approximately 24°C at night.
• Central regions: a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November. Temperatures are slightly below the national average, with night-time temperatures of around 24°C.
• Mountain regions: a cooler and more humid climate with frequent rainfall. Higher elevations have a subtropical climate.
• Typhoon season: June to November, with an increased likelihood of tropical storms and typhoons, particularly in the eastern and northern regions.

The ideal time to visit the Philippines

• Beach holidays: December to May, when the dry season offers pleasant weather and generally calm seas.
• City breaks: suitable throughout the year, although December to February offers the best weather for sightseeing.
• Adventure and nature travel: the dry season from December to May is ideal for visiting mountain regions and national parks.
• Diving and snorkelling: March to June, when the water is generally clearest and sea conditions are particularly favourable.

• Mobile phone use in the Philippines may incur roaming charges. Before travelling, it is advisable to check roaming rates and, where necessary, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.
• We recommend purchasing a local SIM card on arrival for cheaper calls and internet access.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels and public places.

• Boracay: world-famous beaches, particularly White Beach.
• El Nido, Palawan: breathtaking limestone formations and turquoise lagoons.
• Chocolate Hills, Bohol: a unique geological formation consisting of more than 1,200 hills.
• Banaue Rice Terraces: ancient rice terraces dating back thousands of years, also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.
• Mayon Volcano, Albay: an active volcano renowned for its almost perfectly symmetrical cone.
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan: an underground river and extensive cave system.
• Coron, Palawan: beautiful diving sites and crystal-clear lakes.
• Taal Volcano, Batangas: a volcano situated in the middle of a lake.
• Siargao: a popular surfing paradise with breathtaking beaches.
• Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan: more than 100 islands and islets to explore.
• Vigan, Ilocos Sur: a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Spanish colonial architecture.
• Cebu City: historic sites such as Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño.
• Sagada: known for its hanging coffins and beautiful hiking trails.
• Moalboal, Cebu: a renowned destination for snorkelling and diving.
• Malapascua Island, Cebu: famous for diving with thresher sharks.
• Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna: impressive waterfalls accessible by boat.
• Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur: a crystal-clear blue river.
• Mount Pulag, Luzon: the highest peak on Luzon, known for its spectacular “sea of clouds” views.

Travel inspiration

Island hopping: discover the most beautiful islands of the Philippines

Filipino cuisine is diverse and distinctive, shaped by a rich cultural history and an abundance of regional specialities. Some of its culinary highlights include:

• Adobo and sinigang: adobo, a meat dish braised in vinegar and soy sauce, and sinigang, a sour tamarind-based soup, are iconic dishes that define Filipino food culture.
• Rice: a staple served with almost every meal, either as a simple side dish or in specialities such as sinangag, fried rice, and arroz caldo, a savoury rice porridge.
• Lechon: roast suckling pig, known for its crispy skin and tender meat, is a classic dish served at celebrations.
• Fish and seafood: fresh seafood is widely available, with popular dishes including kinilaw, marinated raw fish, and grilled prawns.
• Street food: popular snacks include balut, a fertilised duck egg, isaw, grilled chicken intestines, and banana cue, caramelised bananas.
• Pancit and lumpia: Chinese-influenced noodle dishes and spring rolls are staples at celebrations and family gatherings.
• Desserts and sweets: halo-halo, a refreshing mixture of crushed ice, fruit and sweetened beans, and leche flan, a caramel custard, are popular desserts.
• Coconut products: coconut is a key ingredient in many dishes, ranging from curries to desserts.
• Markets and food festivals: colourful markets and culinary festivals celebrate the diversity of Filipino cuisine and local delicacies.

These culinary highlights make Filipino cuisine an unforgettable experience, shaped by creativity, quality and tradition.

• Greetings: greet people politely with a smile and a slight nod. Handshakes are also common, particularly in more formal situations. Say “Magandang araw” (“Good day”) or “Magandang gabi” (“Good evening”).
• Saying please and thank you: politeness is highly valued in the Philippines. Use “Salamat” (“Thank you”) and “Pakiusap” (“Please”) to express gratitude and courtesy.
• Clothing: dress respectfully and appropriately. More formal clothing is often expected in urban areas and on special occasions. Shoulders and knees should be covered at religious sites.
• Dining etiquette: take time to enjoy the meal and conversation. It is polite to try a little of each dish offered. Use cutlery or, where customary, eat with your hands. The expression “Kain tayo” (“Let’s eat”) is used as an invitation to begin the meal.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public areas. Follow local regulations and smoke only in designated smoking zones.
• Tipping: tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the bill is appropriate if no service charge has been added. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate a small tip.

• Tap water should not be drunk directly. Travellers should also avoid ice cubes that may have been made from tap water.
• No compulsory vaccinations are required for entry.
• Ensure that adults and children are up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended in the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.
• Before travelling to the Philippines, it is advisable to update or complete certain vaccinations. These include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, diphtheria, rabies, particularly for longer stays or close contact with animals, and Japanese encephalitis for travel to rural areas or extended stays.
• Diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya and Zika virus may be transmitted by mosquitoes. Travellers are strongly advised to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito nets.
• Diarrhoeal illnesses are widespread in the Philippines. To reduce the risk, drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or insufficiently cooked food. Particular attention should be paid to hygienic food preparation and storage.

• Medical care in the Philippines varies considerably. In larger cities such as Manila and Cebu, there are hospitals and clinics that meet international standards. In rural areas, however, medical services may be limited. Most doctors speak English.
• Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers emergency repatriation.
• A wide range of medicines is available from pharmacies. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry a well-stocked travel medical kit and protect it from high temperatures while travelling.
• A medical certificate written in English is required to bring prescription medication into the country.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in some regions of the Philippines, both on land and at sea. Avoid high-risk areas and always follow the instructions of the local authorities.
• Avoid demonstrations, as they may quickly turn violent.
• Exercise particular caution in nightlife districts. Drugs and drink-spiking substances may be added to food or beverages and used to facilitate robbery or excessive charges. Travellers should also be cautious when using taxis or dealing with tour guides offering their services on the street.
• In large cities and popular tourist areas, remain alert to pickpockets and fraudsters.
• Further information about the current security situation is available on the website of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Last updated: May 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car hire.
• However, travellers are advised to obtain an international driving permit before departure.
• The minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the car hire company.

• Long-distance trains: the railway network in the Philippines is limited, and long-distance trains play only a minor role in public transport. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) operates a small number of routes, mainly serving the capital region.
• Regional trains: regional rail services are also available only to a limited extent.
• Buses: buses are a widely used means of transport for long-distance travel between cities and provinces. Numerous private bus companies operate a variety of routes. Buses are often well equipped and provide a comfortable way to travel.
• Ferries and boats: because the Philippines consists of numerous islands, ferries and boats are an important form of transport. There are many inter-island ferry connections operated by major companies such as 2GO Travel, OceanJet and SuperCat. These ferries are often well equipped and offer different classes of accommodation. Smaller boats and bangkas, traditional Filipino boats, connect smaller islands and remote areas.
• Metro: Manila has a limited urban rail system comprising the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) networks. These lines provide a fast way to travel within the city, although they can become very crowded during peak hours.
• Jeepneys: jeepneys are small, spacious minibuses known for their colourful and eye-catching decorations. They are the most popular and widely used form of public transport in the Philippines. Drivers follow fixed routes through cities and suburbs, and passengers can board or leave the vehicle at various points along the route.
• Apps: several useful public transport apps are available in the Philippines. These include Google Maps for general route planning, Sakay.ph for public transport in Metro Manila and Grab for taxis and ride-hailing services.

Air travel plays a central role in transport between the islands of the Philippines. Numerous domestic airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, Cebgo, AirSwift, Sunlight Air, Royal Air Philippines and AirAsia Philippines, operate connections between the main cities and tourist destinations. Airports are located in most larger cities and tourist regions, allowing for fast and convenient travel.

The main and largest airports in the Philippines include:

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (MNL): the country’s main airport and principal hub for international flights to the Philippines.
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB): Cebu is an important transport hub for the central Philippines and a popular starting point for tourists.
• Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao (DVO): Davao is the gateway to the southern region of Mindanao and an important economic centre.
• Clark International Airport (CRK): Clark provides an alternative to Manila’s busy airport and is easily accessible from the northern provinces of Luzon.
• Iloilo International Airport (ILO): Iloilo is a growing hub in the Western Visayas and is known for its cultural and historical attractions.
• Kalibo International Airport (KLO): Kalibo is a popular gateway to the island of Boracay, one of the best-known tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Travellers from Switzerland generally need to plan for a stopover in cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai or Doha when travelling to the Philippines.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 911
• Tourist Police: 524 16 60 or 524 17 28

24/F BDO Equitable Tower
8751 Paseo de Roxas
1226 Makati

Tel. +63 2 845 45 45
Email: manila@eda.admin.ch

• The country is located in an active earthquake zone.
• Violations of drug laws, even involving small quantities of 5 grams or more, may result in life imprisonment. The police strictly prosecute drug-related offences throughout the country.
• Always carry your passport or a copy of it, including the entry stamp, so that you can identify yourself during security checks.
• Do not insult public officials. Rude behaviour, particularly at airports, may result in entry bans, fines or imprisonment.
• Piracy is widespread in Philippine waters.