Philippines Travel Checklist

Everything to do before you fly. Check items off as you go — your progress saves automatically.

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4+ Weeks Before (Documents & Planning)

7 items

Check passport expiration — must be valid 6+ months beyond your stay

Book flights

Search flights on Expedia →

Book first 2–3 nights accommodation

Find hotels on Expedia →

Get travel insurance

Get covered with SafetyWing →

Complete your free eTravel registration within 72 hours before your arrival in or departure from the Philippines, as applicable. Have your QR code ready before boarding. Use only the official website, etravel.gov.ph (the portal's FAQ lists arriving passengers and crew and departing Filipino passengers; checked October 31, 2026)

Go to eTravel.gov.ph →

Check if you need visas for other countries on your route

Read our Expat & Visa Guide →

Print or save copies of hotel confirmations, flight itinerary, and travel insurance policy

2–3 Weeks Before (Money & Banking)

5 items

Set up a debit/credit card with low foreign transaction fees or ATM-fee reimbursement

Consider a Wise card for spending and transfers

Check whether your bank/card issuer recommends a travel notice

Check current PHP/USD exchange rate

Bring $200–300 USD cash as emergency backup

1 Week Before (Tech & Connectivity)

5 items

Get a Yesim eSIM for Philippines data

Get your eSIM from Yesim →

Download offline Google Maps for your destinations

Download Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber)

Save local emergency numbers: 911 and/or 117 (Philippine National Police hotline, depending on area). For U.S. travelers: U.S. Embassy Manila: (+63) 2 5301-2000

Charge power bank and all devices

Packing Essentials

8 items

Passport + 2 photocopies (one in luggage, one digital)

Power adapter — Philippines commonly uses Type A, B, and C outlets at 220V/60Hz. Check that your devices are dual-voltage. Bring a universal adapter if visiting other SE Asia countries.

Reef-safe sunscreen

See our recommended gear →

Mosquito repellent

Buy on Amazon →

Rain jacket or packable umbrella

Waterproof phone case

Prescription medications + copies of prescriptions

Check the customs limits on medicines and cash →

See full packing list

Full packing list →

Day Before Departure

6 items

Complete eTravel form if not done yet

Go to eTravel.gov.ph →

Screenshot or print boarding passes

Pack carry-on: meds, adapter, change of clothes, snacks, entertainment

Confirm airport transfer or transportation

Set auto-reply on work email

Double-check passport is in your carry-on (not checked luggage!)

At the Airport / On Arrival

5 items

Have your eTravel QR code ready before boarding and at immigration

Have proof of return/onward flight ready (Philippines may ask for this)

Activate eSIM when you land

Withdraw PHP from ATM — only enough for arrival transport and essentials (airport rates may not be the best)

Get taxi/Grab to your first hotel

Philippines Travel Checklist

4+ Weeks Before (Documents & Planning)

2–3 Weeks Before (Money & Banking)

1 Week Before (Tech & Connectivity)

Packing Essentials

Day Before Departure

At the Airport / On Arrival

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