Travel Warnings & Advice

For the latest travel advice and warnings, contact the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Travel Advice Unit
Consular Directorate
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Old Admiralty Building
London SW1A 2PA

Telephone: 0845 850 2829
Fax: 020 7008 0155

Web: www.fco.gov.uk

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising against all travel to Mindanao due to ongoing terrorist activity. Three bombs exploded in various locations in Mindanao (General Santos City, Kidapawan City and Cotabato City) in January 2007, killing seven people and injuring at least 27 others.

They also advise against all travel to the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups.

There is also a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines; it is thought that criminal elements and terrorists plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in the southern Philippines (Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago). Boats travelling to and from dive sites and offshore islands are possible targets.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those frequented by foreigners.