Philippines Customs Guide: Prohibited and Banned Items
Knowing what to bring or not is always crucial for a trip to a new country. Philippines has strict rules according to these items across cutoms. To avoid high fines, please read the following guide to avoid issues.
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2026 Mandatory Regulations: eTravel Declaration
You'd better go to the official site of etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours prior to arrival in the Philippines. This digital declaration replaces the old paper customs desclaration form. After that, please save the QR code. Customs and immigration officials will request to see it upon arrival.
This is not just a requirement for American tourists, but a mandatory regulation imposed by the Philippine government on all international travelers.
List of Banned Products in the Philippines: Red Line Items
List of Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs: This is the most important warning for U.S. visitors. Even if marijuana or CBD (cannabidiol) products (such as gummies and essential oils) are legal in your state, they are strictly prohibited from entering the Philippines.
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives: This includes gun parts, highly realistic toy guns, and even single bullets used as "talismans."
- Illegal printed materials and audiovisual materials: Media containing seditious content or deemed pornographic (films, printed materials, etc.).
- Illegal gambling equipment: Such as weighted dice, marked playing cards, or unauthorized gambling devices.
Items That Need to Be Declared When Entering the Philippines
Items to declare to enter the Philippines
Prescription Drugs
If you are carrying necessary medications, please ensure they remain in their original hospital/pharmacy packaging with the name clearly visible on the label.
- Important Note: For controlled substances (such as strong painkillers and psychotropic drugs), a notarized prescription from a doctor is required.
- Quantity: The amount you carry should be limited to your personal use during your trip.
Currency Restrictions
- Local Currency: Carrying more than 50,000 Philippine Pesos (approximately $850 USD) requires prior authorization from the Central Bank of the Philippines.
- Foreign Currency: Carrying more than $10,000 USD (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared truthfully on the eTravel form. Undeclared large sums of cash may be confiscated.
E-cigarettes (Vapes)
E-cigarettes are allowed in the Philippines, but regulations are very strict.
- Quantity: Limited to personal use only.
- Smoking ban: Smoking or the use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited in public places in the Philippines (including parks and sidewalks), and violators will face on-site fines.
Philippine Customs Requirements for Animals, Plants, and Agricultural Products
The Philippines places great importance on ecological protection and takes strict measures to prevent the invasion of alien species and viruses.
- Fresh Food: It is strictly prohibited to bring in fresh fruits, vegetables, or unprocessed meat products (such as jerky and ham) without a permit.
- Endangered Species: It is strictly prohibited to bring souvenirs made of ivory, hawksbill turtle shell, coral, etc., into or out of the country. These items are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Philippines Duty-Free Allowance and Shopping Guide
The following items are allowed duty-free entry for personal use:
- Tobacco: Up to 2 cartons of cigarettes (400 sticks) or 2 cans of tobacco.
- Alcohol: Up to 2 bottles (each not exceeding 1 liter).
- Personal belongings: New goods purchased outside the Philippines with a total value not exceeding 10,000 Philippine pesos (approximately $170 USD).
Pro-Tips for American Travelers
- Declare if unsure: If you are unsure whether a certain medication or gift is prohibited, please use the "red channel" (declaration channel). Honest declaration usually only requires paying taxes, but concealment will result in fines.
- Keep invoices: When carrying expensive cameras, computers, or jewelry, it is best to keep copies of electronic invoices to prove that these are personal belongings and not intended for resale.
- Stay informed about policy changes: Customs regulations may be slightly adjusted at any time. It is recommended to check the latest details on the Philippine Bureau of Customs website before departure.
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🔥 Find Best Hotels in Manila
Manila Hotels
5 star
Very Good486 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.14km from city center
I stayed at New Coast Hotel Manila during a business trip and had a very pleasant experience. The hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with excellent beds, making it easy to rest after a long day of work. The room was clean and well maintained, and housekeeping did a great job throughout my stay.
The staff were friendly, professional, and always willing to assist. Check-in and check-out were smooth, and the service was consistently courteous. The breakfast had a good variety of both local and international options, which was a great way to start the day.
The location is also convenient, with shopping malls, restaurants, and convenience stores nearby. Although the surrounding area can be busy, the hotel itself felt secure and comfortable.
Overall, this is an excellent hotel for business travelers looking for comfort, good service, and a convenient location. I would definitely stay here again on my next visit to Manila.FromPLN 344
Great516 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|1.99km from city center
I requested an ocean-view room, but my English wasn't good enough to explain it properly. I was disappointed when I got a room on the opposite side of the sea. However, they put me on a high floor, and I could see the World Heritage site from my window, which was amazing! 😊
Although it felt a bit old, that added to its historical charm. It was clean everywhere, and the breakfast had a great variety and was delicious. I made some wonderful memories there.FromPLN 367
Very Good354 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.24km from city center
The hotel has a good location and is a well-established five-star hotel in the area. The surrounding environment is just average, and it's advisable to avoid going out at night. The facilities are a bit old, but it still maintains a sense of luxury. It's time for a renovation.FromPLN 357
Great196 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.27km from city center
Friendly staffs when we checked in until we checked out. Hotel facilities all nice and the breakfast has many choices. But need to visit customer/factory in the day time. Maybe next trip will choose the Sheraton Manila Bay again.FromPLN 512
Very Good80 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|4.09km from city center
I traveled to the Philippines to visit relatives. It was my mother's birthday, so we stayed in Manila. Whenever I stayed in Manila, I always stayed at the Philippine Plaza, but as soon as I found out it had closed, I started looking for a hotel. My requirements were that it be located on Roxas Boulevard, have good access to the airport and tourist attractions, and have good security. After searching and reading reviews, I decided that this hotel was ideal. I arrived early in the morning by overnight bus, but they kindly allowed me to leave my luggage before check-in and go out for breakfast. They also made arrangements to ensure a smooth check-in. I had mentioned in advance that it was my mother's birthday, and unexpectedly, a lovely birthday cake was waiting in our room. The room was clean, and the front desk staff provided wonderful service with smiles before, during, and after check-in. However, I was disappointed by the manners and attitude of some guests. Dogs were roaming freely in the restaurant and near the front desk (the website I checked said that pets were not allowed, but the hotel actually allowed them). There were also people walking down the corridors soaking wet. The most shocking thing was that, although we know it was our mistake, my mother's coat, which she had left near the front desk, went missing. It was an expensive coat that she cherished. My mother, myself, and everyone traveling with us remembered losing the coat at the hotel, so we checked with the staff multiple times, but it couldn't be found. It was almost certainly stolen inside the hotel. I don't know if they checked the security camera footage. I have stayed at famous hotels in the Philippines, such as the Philippine Plaza and the Manila Hotel, and five-star hotels in various countries, but frankly speaking, this is not a five-star hotel. Putting aside the manners and morals of the guests, it was a wonderful hotel.FromPLN 269
Business travel
Very Good1354 Reviews
City of Manila|2.18km from city center
For this price, a breakfast buffet is included. It's my usual hidden gem, a highly recommended hotel. The staff are all so kind and full of smiles! The hot pot restaurant for dinner had excellent service, but the air conditioning was too strong! You might want to bring a long-sleeved top. ♪♪FromPLN 149
Very Good2089 Reviews
City of Manila|0.39km from city center
we enjoyed their foods they have a-lot of options to choose from, we love eating at the hotels and also restaurants and we love it here! next time that we have plans here in binondo we will surely choose to stay here again in the future! our room is clean and have complete things i did bring some toothbrush and some soap tho cause i have read in the review and comments that they dont have one but they do! the hospitality they have here is the best❣️ they are nice and helpful whenever you need some help they will gladly help you right away. foods are so affordable! room smells nice and the people are all friendly ❤️ from inside hotel and also outside hotel ongpin is just min walk! all food place inside hotel and outside are recommendable! to all of the ladies in the picture you did great! you deserve a raise! ❣️💕FromPLN 89
Very Good175 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.51km from city center
Staying at City Garden Suites Manila turned out to be a great choice for exploring the historic side of Manila.
The location is very convenient — just a short distance from Rizal Park, Intramuros, and shopping areas like Robinsons Place Manila. It made moving around the city easy without long travel time.
The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, perfect for resting after a full day of walking around Manila. What stood out the most was the hospitality of the staff — they were friendly, accommodating, and always ready to help.
If you’re looking for a hotel that balances comfort, location, and affordability, this is definitely a good option when staying in Manila.FromPLN 128
Very Good594 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.49km from city center
everything is great except for the electric kettle we called in early kay hindi nag wowork like i had to fixed it pa (hindi kc umiilaw as soon as u plug it in so it’s not on) as as we get back it’s still the same kettle pero cge nlng staffs are kind and helpful will definitely go back next yearFromPLN 131
Very Good731 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.16km from city center
I chose this hotel to celebrate a special occasion and was genuinely looking forward to the stay. The property itself is beautiful, well-maintained, and offers the quality you would expect from a 4-star hotel. Unfortunately, the service and communication did not meet the same standard.
Before my arrival, I submitted a special request and received a response from the hotel with additional information. To avoid any confusion, I even called the hotel to clarify the details. Afterward, I modified my request through the proper channel, assuming it would be reviewed and updated in their system.
To my disappointment, the revised request was never acknowledged or acted upon. What is most frustrating is that the hotel had multiple opportunities to review and confirm the updated information, yet it appears that no one checked it. For a 4-star property, attention to guest requests and communication should be a basic expectation, especially when guests are celebrating important occasions.
While the facilities are impressive, the lack of attention to detail significantly affected our experience. A beautiful hotel alone is not enough when guest communications are overlooked. This experience left me disappointed and feeling that the hotel fell short of the level of service it advertises. I hope management takes guest requests more seriously and improves its internal communication processes, as this is an area that clearly needs attention.FromPLN 150
Family friendly
Very Good392 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.35km from city center
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Great family stay!**
We had a wonderful stay at Hotel H2O Manila! Our 3-year-old son especially enjoyed it—he was so excited watching the fish in our **Aqua Room**. 🐠❤️ The room was clean, comfortable, and the aquarium view made the experience really unique and special for him.
The staff were also very friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. They made us feel comfortable throughout our stay.
Definitely a great place for families with kids. We really enjoyed our stay and would love to come back again! 😊FromPLN 187
Very Good651 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.71km from city center
**Overall, my stay at Century Park Hotel was good.** The room was comfortable and decent, and the facilities were okay. There isn’t a lot in terms of facilities aside from the pool and bar, but everything was well enough for a comfortable stay.
The breakfast was quite good, with a decent variety of choices. It’s not the biggest selection I’ve seen, but there was enough to choose from and the quality was good.
One very minor observation I noticed was that some staff seemed a little more enthusiastic or attentive when greeting foreign guests compared to local guests. To be clear, the staff were generally nice and polite, and this did not affect my stay. It was just something I happened to notice.
Another small point was the hotel’s policy of providing only **two complimentary bottles of water per day**, with an additional charge for extra bottles. Having stayed at many hotels, this was something I found a little unusual, as complimentary bottled water is often more readily available. Again, this is only a minor point and not a major concern.
Overall, I had a pleasant stay. The hotel is comfortable, the breakfast is good, and the service is generally satisfactory. There are a few small areas that could be improved, but nothing that would significantly affect the overall experience.FromPLN 203
Very Good247 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.47km from city center
It's a 30-minute Grab ride from the airport if there's no traffic. The hotel is in a historical building, and you can really feel its grandeur in the lobby, hallways, and staircases. However, while it's near the coast, the surrounding area isn't very clean, so I wouldn't recommend walking around. A 5-minute Grab ride to Robinson Place will get you everything you need: a supermarket, a drugstore, and restaurants. The pool on the 4th floor has a great view and is easy to use as it's not crowded. The breakfast buffet is about average. Intramuros is also about a 5-minute Grab ride away.FromPLN 204
Very Good215 Reviews
City of Manila|2.26km from city center
Overall, I was satisfied with the trip. The food was delicious, but the only downside was how slow it was to come out. Nevertheless, I didn't experience any inconvenience during my travels.FromPLN 268
Very Good254 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.52km from city center
It was the coolest room I’ve stayed here ever.
Cuz we were 4, so needed a big room or connected room. The price of the room was reasonable & the room was flawless aside from the weakness of the water pressure in the shower. They also serve breakfast and tastes good enough even though one of my company is quite picky. But the thing you have to be aware before booking the room here is that it can be a bit noisy if there’re children at the pool.
If you guys don’t mind it, there’s no reason to not recommend this hotel for me.FromPLN 91
Hot spring
Very Good364 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.62km from city center
It has changed! It’s good hotel for sleeping or… Great location near the embassy if you need to take care of something. I’ve stayed here for several years when coming to the Philippines, but it has changed in the last year. There’s no longer a kettle included in every room; you only get a kettle in the more expensive rooms. Also, the cheaper room doesn’t include housekeeping, and I was told I would need to pay extra if I needed it. Make sure you book a room that includes these things if you need them. As I said, this place has drastically changed. Also, they no longer have HBO if that’s important to you. All of these changes have taken place since I stayed in January. They do offer in room massages now, but they implemented that over a year ago. If you been here before, you know that it’s a small room with not much space for anything other than the bed, but if you haven’t been here before, you should know the location is great for taking care of embassy matters whether it’s US, China, Philippines, etc. The room has a safe, and the doorman takes his job very seriously. The staff is very polite.FromPLN 100
Very Good548 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.35km from city center
Great location right in the heart of Binondo! There’s a 7-Eleven on the ground floor, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Binondo Church and the Eng Bee Tin flagship store.
The room was spotless, the bed was comfortable, and the shower had good water pressure. We also had a really good and restful sleep since the room was quiet and we couldn’t hear much noise from outside. Overall, we had a great stay!FromPLN 94
Good575 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.43km from city center
Maliis. Also the area is so accessible. Malapit lang sya sa Robinsons Manila. Walking distance lang. Very budget friendly din for the price of the hotel. Hot&Cold water. With Tv and sa ibaba may 7/11 and may Chinese Restaurant sa ilalim.FromPLN 79
Very Good1043 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.17km from city center
The place may look old, but it has a grand lobby entrance as well as you would feel its glory during its golden days. Location is very good, rooms and beds are spacious. Good value for money.FromPLN 106
Very Good1055 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.09km from city center
“Overall, I had a pleasant and comfortable stay at Eurotel Pedro Gil. The room was clean and comfortable, and the facilities were satisfactory. The staff were accommodating and courteous, and the location was convenient and accessible. I appreciated the good service and would consider staying here again.”FromPLN 88
Gym
97 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.97km from city center
I was so disappointed. The shower host from the bathroom was defective but in fairness it was repaired on the 2nd day midnight. And also no rubber bathroom mat (since the bathroom floor tiles is slippery) . They only produce the mat after my sister a pwd has warned them for any accident that she may incurred the front desk will be responsible. While the water heater is not 24 hours based on their post. Water heater resume on my 3rd day stay. The four treadmills at the gym are also not working it is all under maintenance.
In regards i think this hotel needs already a fully renovation.FromPLN 112
62 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.45km from city center
We booked a suite room here because we had our wedding preparations at this hotel five years ago, and we expected the same quality of service and experience. Unfortunately, it feels very different now compared to before.
Last night, there were two people sleeping in the lobby who did not appear to be hotel guests. We were wondering why they were allowed to stay there, as we understood that the lobby is intended for hotel guests.
Additionally, the towels in our room appeared old and worn out. Overall, we believe that the cleanliness and security of the hotel should be reviewed and improved.
There was also a drunk individual outside the 7-Eleven last night who was saying things to us, which made us feel scared and uncomfortable. Although the staff did ask him to leave, we still would have appreciated an apology regarding the incident.
Overall, we were disappointed with this experience, especially since we chose this hotel based on the positive memories and standards we experienced during our wedding preparations five years ago.FromPLN 101
Very Good190 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.13km from city center
Took a Grab from T3 at the airport for 292 PHP and arrived in about 30 minutes. Check-in was smooth, and I was promptly shown to my room. The room was meticulously cleaned and felt very tidy. The staff were polite and friendly. There were two guards at the hotel entrance strictly checking people entering and exiting, so safety was not an issue. The surrounding area is great, with restaurants, Robinson's Mall, and the LRT station all within walking distance. I had a no-breakfast plan, but there's a 24-hour Jollibee and McDonald's within walking distance, so I ate there instead.FromPLN 145
Very Good292 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.66km from city center
Staff are helpful. Always smiling.
Before we are trying to look for a better hotel establishment while staying in Manila Lotus Hotel, but then we just realize that the hotel staff are friendly and hospitable so that is why we choose to stay longer.FromPLN 97
Very Good206 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
all goods. we always stay here that ia why we are now comfortable. But sometimes the staff are not accommodating well they are not friendly even just putting smile in there faceFromPLN 105
Swimming pool
Very Good1129 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.89km from city center
Linens and towels was very old, I have to ask the receptionist to have someone change my duvet as it smells really bad. There's also small cockroaches in the room. And the most disappointing part is there's no hot water at all! The good thing is that it was located in the center of the city. There's a lot of restaurants near the hotel and just a few minutes walk to robinson mall. Staff was flexible and friendly.FromPLN 71
Good177 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.38km from city center
Our stay at this hotel was overall average. There are few areas that need improvement. The carpet was not clean, which made the space feel less comfortable and not maintained as expected. Cleanliness is very important to guest.
Additionally, the breakfast buffet did not offer many choices. The selection was quiet limited.
I hope the management can improve these areas to provide better experience for future guests.FromPLN 145
Very Good75 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.52km from city center
Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is honestly my go-to hotel. I’ve stayed here many times, and they never disappoint. The rooms are always clean and cozy, the staff are super accommodating, and the place feels safe and quiet. It’s perfect for both quick stays and longer visits. Definitely one of my favorites!FromPLN 178
64 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.99km from city center
The staff were extremely accommodating,helpful and friendly which was great. They offered a morning breakfast which was really appetising! Another big plus was the spacious room which made our stay very comfortable. Just the bed mattress was old and didn’t offer much support (had problems sleeping and experienced back pain) as well the location wasn’t ideal for my partner and I who enjoy roaming around on foot. Didnt feel safe and was very dirty outside. Another positive, it’s a stone throw away from the large Robinson’s Mall which was great too!FromPLN 74
41 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.42km from city center
Exceeded my expectations. The room is clean and big. We had the basics plus a small tv and a fridge. Floor is carpeted but it surprisingly doesn’t have the usual bad smell. You could tell that the room was well-maintained. Wifi is acceptable but not that reliable for video conference. Since the hotel is really old, you can’t see “modern” things in the room. And that’s okay. All the staff are friendly and never missed to greet us. Parking infront of the hotel felt safer. Overall, Hotel Miramar is a catch! I would recommend it to my friends and family.FromPLN 89
Breakfast
Very Good538 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.5km from city center
The hotel is located in Malate where there's plenty of dining and drinking establishments. The room given to me was quiet and the bed comfortable. However, I noticed that I can still here noises outside.
Overall a pleasant stay.FromPLN 99
455 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.44km from city center
I had a wonderful stay at Stay Malate! The place was clean, comfortable, and had a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the location was convenient for getting around. Overall, it was a pleasant and relaxing experience. I would definitely recommend Stay Malate to anyone looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay!FromPLN 25
Very Good334 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.12km from city center
Good room and toilet size. It's clean and things works. But room has smoking smell, probably seeped in from the corridor. No amenities to talk about. Cafe is simple and breakfast for cost consciousFromPLN 112
Good119 Reviews
City of Manila|0.76km from city center
We had a pleasure of staying at Manila Grand Opera Hotel and was thoroughly impressed. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. My room was spotless and beautifully clean,comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The hotel's location was perfect for exploring the city, and I especially enjoyed the delicious breakfast spread each morning. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting in Manila and will definitely be back!”FromPLN 106
0 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.75km from city center
There was also a convenience store nearby. There was a window in the guide, but unfortunately there was no window. It seems that Trip.com's confirmation mistake. Price seems to be cheap.FromPLN 481
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