How to plan your trip to the Philippines: essential points to consider !

Documents and formalities

• A passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in the country.
• No visa is required for stays under 30 days for 157 countries, including France.
• A return ticket as proof of departure from the Philippines.
• Fill out the eTravel entry form (https://etravel.gov.ph) at least 72 hours before airport control.

From my experience, I had to complete the eTravel form twice (before, it was just a paper form filled out on the plane before arrival). The first time was quick, but the second time, during another trip, it took me nearly an hour, especially since the Wi-Fi connection on-site was poor. I strongly recommend filling it out in advance to avoid wasting time in the queue.

Budget

• Living costs are generally affordable, except for accommodations. It’s essential to anticipate expenses for internal travel (flights, ferries, tricycles = tuk-tuks), activities, and food.

  For example, during my most recent trip (December 2024/January 2025), I spent a month in the Philippines and, excluding the flight ticket, I spent €2,000. This included eating out daily without holding back and staying in mid-range hotels (3 stars).
  To reduce costs, you can opt for Airbnb accommodations to cook for yourself and limit eating out or stay in hostels.

Health

• Vaccinations: Ensure you’re up to date (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, DTCP).
• Get travel insurance! Hospitalization in the Philippines is very expensive. Having coverage for medical care or emergency evacuation is crucial.
• Basic medications: Antidiarrheal, antimalarial, paracetamol, sunscreen, and especially mosquito repellent.

Luggage

• Light clothing: Shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, flip-flops, sneakers, and a rain jacket like a k-way.
• Snorkeling gear: Mask/snorkel and water shoes if you plan to snorkel.
• Waterproof bag: Protect your belongings on boat trips (you can also buy these on the islands).

Local Transport

Transportation is often by van, tricycle, and boat. If you get seasick or carsick (drivers can be fast, and winding roads may cause nausea), don’t forget to bring medication for relief.
Download the Grab app for easier transportation in Manila and 12Go Asia to book ferries and buses. You can book on the same day or plan a bit in advance.

Optimizing your Itinerary
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, so moving between destinations requires efficient planning:

• Group nearby spots together.
• Book domestic flights in advance to save money.
• Factor in travel times—they can be long and unpredictable. Build in buffer times to your schedule.
• Use night transport to maximize your time: overnight buses to Banaue or overnight ferries between Coron and El Nido.