Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Ordinary U.S. passport holders are eligible for up to 30 days of visa-free tourism. Carry a return/onward ticket and complete the free eTravel arrival registration. For longer stays, U.S. State advice says obtain a visa before travel; the Philippine Embassy also describes an in-country initial 29-day extension application. Confirm the route that fits your plans before your permission expires. Passport-validity anchors differ between State and the Philippine consulate; see below. Serious regional U.S. travel warnings also apply.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• Ordinary U.S. tourist entry is visa-free for up to 30 days. State says longer trips need an advance visa; Philippine Embassy guidance also describes applying in-country for an initial 29-day extension. Confirm eligibility and apply before permission expires; extension is not automatic.
• Sources differ: U.S. State Department says six months beyond arrival with stamp space; the Philippine Los Angeles consulate's U.S. visa-free guidance says a machine-readable/e-passport valid six months beyond the planned stay with at least one blank page. Confirm the applicable rule before travel.
• Certain areas of the Philippines (Sulu Archipelago, Marawi City) have 'Do Not Travel' advisories due to extreme risk.
• Other areas of Mindanao have a 'Reconsider Travel' advisory.
• US government employees have special authorization requirements for travel within the Philippines, indicating heightened security concerns.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in high-risk areas.
• Yes — a return or onward ticket is required by the Philippine Los Angeles consulate's U.S. visa-free guidance.
• Mindanao Level 3 exceptions are specifically Davao City Central Business District and Airport; Davao del Norte Province and its main thoroughfare from Davao City; Dinagat Islands; Kopiat Island and the main thoroughfare from Davao City to Mabini and Dona Alicia; Samal Island; and Siargao Island. The former whole-Davao-City exception was too broad.
• The State advisory summary names the southern Sulu Sea, while its detailed Level 4 section names the Sulu Sea without that qualifier. Confirm the exact maritime boundary before planning travel. Marawi City is also Level 4.
• State additionally warns of terrorism/unrest in rural and remote parts of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros and Samar. These warnings are separate from employee-specific travel permissions.

Before you travel

• ✓Plan within the initial 30-day permission, or confirm the advance-visa or in-country extension route before travelling; extensions are not automatic.
• ✓Sources differ: U.S. State Department says six months beyond arrival with stamp space; the Philippine Los Angeles consulate's U.S. visa-free guidance says a machine-readable/e-passport valid six months beyond the planned stay with at least one blank page. Confirm the applicable rule before travel.
• ✓Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and for emergencies.
• ✓Review the Country Security Report for the Philippines.
• ✓Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• ✓Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information.
• ✓Purchase travel insurance, checking coverage for evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation.
• ✓Monitor local media for breaking events, especially concerning demonstrations.
• ✓Register (free) on eTravel at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival and keep the QR code ready to show before boarding.
• ✓Carry the return or onward ticket required for ordinary U.S. visa-free entry.
• ✓Use the precise Mindanao exceptions in the current advisory; the whole of Davao City is not listed as exempt from reconsider-travel advice.

Common questions