To ensure your safety, it is strongly advised to avoid or limit travel to specific regions in the Philippines, primarily located in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, due to prevalent security risks.
Areas to Avoid or Limit Travel To
Based on current security assessments, certain areas in the Philippines are subject to specific travel advisories:
| Area | Travel Advice | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Western and Central Mindanao | Against all travel | This advice is given due to the very high likelihood of terrorist attacks. |
| Sulu Archipelago | Against all travel | Similar to Western and Central Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago is considered a high-risk area where terrorist activities are very likely. |
| Remainder of Mindanao | Against all but essential travel (with one exception) | This includes areas of Mindanao not classified as Western or Central. Travel to these parts should only be for essential purposes, such as work or urgent family matters, and non-essential tourism is discouraged. |
| - Camiguin Island | Exempt from "all but essential travel" advisory for the remainder of Mindanao | Camiguin Island is specifically excluded from the "all but essential travel" advice applicable to the rest of Mindanao. This implies it generally has a lower risk profile compared to other parts of the region, making it an exception for leisure travel within the broader Mindanao area. |
Understanding the Advisories
- "Against all travel" means you should not travel to these areas under any circumstances due to extreme danger.
- "Against all but essential travel" means that only travel deemed absolutely necessary should be undertaken. This typically excludes tourism and recreational visits, focusing instead on critical business, humanitarian work, or urgent personal matters.
These advisories are in place because terrorists are highly likely to attempt to carry out attacks in the Philippines, making certain regions particularly volatile. Always prioritize your personal safety and security when planning travel within the country.
