Do I need a visa for the Philippines in 2026? +
No, French citizens get 30-day visa-free entry on arrival. Requirements: passport valid at least 6 months and onward/return ticket within 30 days. Extension available at the Bureau of Immigration in 1, 2 or 6-month chunks, up to 36 cumulative months. Since September 2025, an optional e-Visa also allows a 59-day stay without on-site extension.
When to go to the Philippines? +
November to May: dry season, ideal for Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Manila. Tourist peak December-February (book 2-3 months ahead). June to October: typhoon season, inter-island flights frequently cancelled, beaches closed. Exception: Siargao's best surf season is September-November.
How many days do you need in the Philippines? +
Minimum 10 days to combine Manila + Palawan (El Nido or Coron) + one Visayan island (Bohol or Cebu). 2 weeks is ideal to add Siargao, Siquijor or Banaue. 3 weeks covers north Luzon (rice terraces), full Palawan and multiple Visayas without rushing.
How much does a Philippines trip cost? +
Backpacker: €1,500-2,000 over 14 days incl. flight. Comfort 3-4 star: €3,000-4,000. High-end honeymoon: €7,000-12,000. Paris-Manila economy flight: €700-900 low season, €1,100-1,400 high season. Domestic Cebu Pacific or AirAsia: €30-80.
How to get around between Philippine islands? +
Domestic flights are unavoidable: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia. Manila is the main hub, Cebu a secondary Visayas hub. Ferries 2GO, OceanJet between Visayas. Bangka (outrigger boat) for short tours and inter-island (El Nido-Coron 9h or 1h flight). Book ahead in high season.
Are the Philippines safe in 2026? +
Generally safe in tourist areas (Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Siargao, Boracay). France Diplomatie formally advises against western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago (kidnap risk). Pickpocket vigilance in Manila at night (stay in Makati / BGC / Bonifacio Global City). Typhoons and seismic risk are the main natural hazards.
Cash or card in the Philippines? +
Both. Card accepted in mid/high-end hotels in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, El Nido. Cash mandatory in bangkas, markets, sari-sari stores, taxis in tourist areas. ATM fees 200-500 pesos + cap often at 10,000 PHP (~€160). Withdraw before heading to remote islands (Siquijor, Camiguin).
Can you drink tap water in the Philippines? +
No. Tap water isn't potable outside hotels with filters. Stick to bottled water (40-80 PHP per 1.5L), refillable in most guesthouses (5-10 PHP). Bring a LifeStraw filter or micropur tablets for Banaue / Mt Pinatubo treks.
