Philippines
About
| The Philippines has an abundance of natural wonders - a string of coral-fringed islands, some of the world's best diving and snorkelling conditions, wonderful landscapes and white sandy beaches shaded by multitudes of palm trees. It is the second largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands. Because of its far-flung location, the Philippines does not attract the hordes of travellers who descend on other parts of South East Asia, so it's a relatively peaceful destination for sun and sea lovers. The rich history and culture of the Filipino people, the dramatic landscapes and thriving cities fascinate the visitor. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is also its heart and soul. |
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| Capital: | Manila (MNL) |
| Currency: | Philippine Peso (PHP). USD is widely accepted. |
| Language: | Filipino. 170 local dialects and languages are also spoken. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 63 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +8 (6 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | November - February |
| Best For: | Spanish Colonial Architecture, Pristine Beaches |
| Plugs: | 220 volts (110 volts in Baguio) AC, 60Hz. 110 volts is available in most hotels. Flat and round two- and three-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities in Manila, however visitors are required to pay for these services and they can be expensive. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. If you are travelling outside Manila, healthcare facilities may be less readily available and it is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Anti-venom may not be available in more rural areas and visitors should take caution against sea snakes. |
| Customs: | Casual dress is suitable, but more conservative clothing should be worn when visiting Muslim areas (especially in Mindanao). Causing people to “lose face” is a social taboo – avoid confronting, embarrassing or offending people. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans -foreigners of Western descent are targets for terrorist activities. Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but elsewhere cash should be carried. Many people come to the Philippines to shop for designer clothing as the prices are much lower. Typhoons can occur – check the weather warnings before travel. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into the Philippines by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty: • 2 cartons of cigarettes or 2 tins of tobacco. • 2 bottles of alcohol. • Goods to the total value of US$1,000 (US$2,000 for overseas-based Filipinos and US$250 for children under 18). You may only import one of each type of non-consumable item worth over US$200. The total purchase for any calendar year may not exceed US$10,000. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Firearms and ammunition, explosives, publications inciting treason or rebellion against the government, obscene or immoral materials, and anything related to carrying out or advertising abortions (which are illegal in the Philippines) |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Philippines
1st Floor, Building B, OMK House, 238 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Tel: 012 346 0451
E-mail: pretoria.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Web: pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph
Also accredited to: Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Honorary Consulate General, Cape Town
12 Bramber Court, Ravenscraig Road, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005
Tel: (021) 4332270
E-mail: avatar@mweb.co.za
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 23; Feb 17; Mar 20; Apr 2-4, 9; May 1, 27; Jun 12; Aug 21, 31; Sep 3, 8; Nov 1-2, 7, 30; Dec 8 24-25, 30-31
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do not require a visa for tourism or business visits, for stays not exceeding 30 days.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- valid return tickets / proof of onward travel
- passport must be valid for 6 months after the departure date
SA Representative
South African Embassy, Philippines
29th Floor, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza #6819, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel: +63 2 88899597
E-mail: manila.dha@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/manila/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
