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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52958 booked
🔥 Find Best Hotels in Manila
Manila Hotels
5 star
Very Good493 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.14km from city center
The place is very accessible and convenient since it is near almost everything. Most of the staff were kind, hospitable, and accommodating, which we appreciated.
However, during our check-in, the receptionist on duty lacked proper assistance and explanation. While we were carrying our belongings and trying to figure out where the elevator was, she was busy talking and laughing with her co-worker. We were not informed properly about how to bring our things to the room, so the experience felt unprofessional at that moment.
Thankfully, one of the security guards noticed that we needed help and kindly assisted us with our cart and belongings. We truly appreciated his kindness and the hospitality shown by the other staff members.From£66
Great555 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|1.99km from city center
The Manila Hotel has an old but elegant and luxurious style. Marble and stone finishing, tall ceilings and a grand piano at the back with a musician playing pleasant music greets you as you walk through the entrance.
Lacking points from my personal experience:
1. The carpet floors need to be replaced. I had to change rooms because the first room I got had an unpleasant smell to it (they quickly changed my room after I went to the reception, so it wasn't terrible) and although I didn't notice until the end of my stay, the new room's carpet was frayed at the edges.
2. The night mode of the lights (many switches) completely cuts power to the power outlets. I didn't know and ended up waking up to a phone and power bank with a dying battery and needing to stay in the hotel a couple of hours until they finished charging. Maybe just a warning in the future?
The good parts:
1. The service! People are SO accommodating, pleasant and efficient. Reception staff, waiters, bell boys and basically everyone greets you with a smile and tries to solve any problems with utmost focus and cordiality.
2. Traditional pride. Traditional fashion exhibition at the front was a great touch to my visit. The whole place (restaurants, pools, spa, rooms, etc) add to the experience. I could have stayed in the hotel and felt like I hadn't missed Manila's charm.
3. Excellent location. I realised early on that I could literally see every single thing from my ”1 day tour of Manila” from my hotel room. Nothing says great location like this.From£73
Great317 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.24km from city center
I had a pleasant stay at this hotel and appreciated its consistency over time. I previously stayed here in 2018 and 2019, and I observed that the overall quality remains stable. The facilities and ambiance are still well maintained, which reflects good management. The service quality is also consistent. The staff are professional, responsive, and attentive to guest needs. The breakfast experience was a highlight. The food quality is good, and there is a decent variety of options available.
Overall, this hotel continues to deliver reliable service and a comfortable stay.
It is a good choice for travelers who value consistency and quality.From£62
Great206 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.27km from city center
Exciting elevator ride because of the glass walls, we can see the city and Manila Bay. Very clean room and bathroom. I like the magnifying mirror the most. First time to experience buffet breakfast with waiting time to be seated and food trays going empty before they could be refilled — in short too many guests! Food was okay, although few choices for Filipino cuisine.From£90
Very Good70 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|4.09km from city center
Got the WOW factor as soon as I walked in.
The Hotel is Plush, first thought was my clothes were not good enough for here. The atmosphere emitted Style, Taste very classy as all my friends commented as well as when I booked didn't realise it was a High End stay.
So many helpful staff at the Lobby, Restaurants and House cleaning, big thank you Alex!!
Sunsets at the pool and rooftop bar were just amazing. Did I say pool? It was greatFrom£67
Business travel
Very Good1438 Reviews
City of Manila|2.18km from city center
I honestly didn’t expect this place to exceed my expectations, especially since we booked it at such an affordable price, and it even came with a breakfast buffet!
The room was incredibly spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Even the television was in great condition, which made our stay even more comfortable.
As for the food, my sister and I really enjoyed the breakfast buffet. Everything we tried was delicious, and there were plenty of good options to choose from.
This definitely won’t be our first and last stay—it’s just the beginning! We’ll definitely be coming back, hopefully next time with our parents. We also didn’t get the chance to try the swimming pool because we didn’t bring our swimwear, so that’s another reason to return! ❤️From£29
Very Good1973 Reviews
City of Manila|0.39km from city center
We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained, and the overall atmosphere was relaxing. The location was convenient, and everything exceeded my expectations. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a great experience.From£16
Very Good180 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.From£25
Very Good606 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.49km from city center
Overall: 4/5
Location: 4.5/5
Very convenient. I stayed here for a 2-day ISO training held in one of their convention rooms, so it was super practical. It’s also right beside Starbucks, which was my go-to for coffee.
Value: 4/5
Reasonable for a short business stay, but parking has an extra fee.
Room: 3/5
The hotel feels old and nostalgic — classic elevators and hallways. Bathroom was clean, but the room had a slightly musky smell. Walls seem thin since I could hear a neighboring room’s phone and music.
Cleanliness: 5/5
Bathroom was neat and well-maintained.
Service: 5/5
Staff were friendly and accommodating.
Facilities: 5/5
Convention rooms are functional and convenient for seminars and trainings. The packaged food during the training was also good and complete, from breakfast snacks to lunch and merienda.
Final Take:
Good option for business stays and trainings. Not the most modern, but convenient and comfortable enough for short trips.From£28
Very Good691 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.16km from city center
The hotel is conveniently located near Chinatown and several popular attractions. The front desk staff are enthusiastic and there are Chinese signs available. The double room was spacious. I suggest adding more variety to the breakfast buffet. It's also within walking distance to the Royal City.From£33
Family friendly
Very Good344 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.35km from city center
Stayed at Hotel H2O with a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old. Its main advantage is the location inside the park, providing direct access to attractions and making it easy to return to the room for naps and breaks.
Pros
* Excellent location inside the park with easy access to attractions.
* Convenient for families with young children who need rest breaks.
* Staff quickly resolved a minor issue with a broken bidet upon arrival.
* Bed size is king as advertised.
Cons
* Cleanliness was adequate but not exceptional.
* No room service available.
* Restaurants are available on the ground floor and via GrabFood delivery, but in-room dining would be more convenient.
* The hotel’s restaurant feels disconnected from the overall hotel experience.
Recommendation
Hotel H2O is a good choice if your main goal is visiting the attractions, especially with young children. If you do not plan to spend time in the area, other hotels may offer better value.From£35
Very Good659 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.71km from city center
The hotel is pretty good, and the location is excellent, with lots of restaurants nearby, Starbucks, and the university all within close proximity. The room facilities look a bit dated, probably because the hotel is older. The service, however, is great and very welcoming.From£39
Very Good242 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.From£41
Very Good60 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.45km from city center
It was good experience , me and my daughter enjoyed the sauna and pool, the food was great, the room is clean and well maintained, the service is great and the staffs are accommodating.From£20
Very Good200 Reviews
City of Manila|2.26km from city center
Reasonable price. Staff really helpful and a shopping center close by . Didn’t try the breakfast this time so no comment for that .From£53
Hot spring
Very Good350 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.62km from city center
We booked here for our scheduled interview at US Embassy. We had a great stay and room is clean. Parking is not always available but there’s a pay parking in front of Mercury. This is the view from 14th floor. Approval dust ✨ we got our ME VISA approved.From£20
Very Good510 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.35km from city center
The room is enough for both of us. The locarion is good. Near chinatown ongpin street and divisoria. Also intramuros is nearby. The bed and pillows are comfortable. The only issue we had is the keycard is not activated which we cant get inside the room. We need to go down again to the lobby. So far this hotel I recommend to whoever wants to visit chinatown and ongpin street.From£18
Good549 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.43km from city center
Okay but not okay. The receptionist might not in the mood this morning, The SG is always attentive as also the housekeeping staff specially the OJT. But the service elevator button at the parking area not working and the telephone service too so you have to walk along the driveway to get to the GF. The rest is 🙂.From£14
Very Good979 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.17km from city center
I booked my Japanese friend here because he want to explore Manila with nearby restaurant and bars. He stays here safe and quite good so far. So I think this will be the safe place in Malate manilaFrom£22
Very Good1045 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.09km from city center
I always book here at Eurotel for two great reason.
Just in front of Robinsons Manila and good breakfast buffet for such affordable room price.From£14
Gym
101 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.From£22
Very Good175 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.13km from city center
Regarding how much money we paid and what kind of service we received, this is just an amazing hotel, it's hard to convey how kind the staff here are, they always try to help. all the staff, very nice girls at the reception helped with all the questions, I would like to say thank you to the people who helped with things, opened and closed the door to the hotel. the pool was large and clean, and there was a very good order. The breakfasts for the elections are quite hearty pancakes, omelets, porridge, everything is very tasty and fresh. The rooms have soft beds - the only thing is that the pillows are very large, everything else was fine, the rooms are clean, the water is hot for the hotel, for such a price - it's just a great choice.From£26
Very Good289 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.66km from city center
The location is good, close to Intramuros and the coast. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the station, but it's a nice walk to see the city. There's a large supermarket nearby and a 7-Eleven, which is very convenient.
Many of the staff were very kind. Thanks to them, I had a pleasant stay, which really made up for any shortcomings of the hotel. The doorman who opened the door for me every day even stopped an Uber taxi for me at the end and opened the door. He was very pleasant, and I left feeling good. Thank you.
Breakfast didn't have a huge variety, but the omelets made fresh every day were delicious, and since it was a buffet, I was able to eat my fill. For this price, there's even a small gym, so I think the cost-performance is good.
From here on, I'll list the downsides, but even with those, I still felt it was good value for money (again, thanks to the kind staff). The hotel is old and dusty. My room had no view from the window. The strange doll on the bedside lamp was a mystery (lol). The room was reasonably spacious, and the air conditioning worked great. However, when you remove the key card, everything turns off, so it gets hot again when you go out. There are no amenities at all, so I recommend bringing your own from home. There's no box of tissues either. There's only one roll of toilet paper, so if you use it as tissue, you'll run out. For towels, there's only a bath towel; no face towel. Maybe you can ask the front desk for a toothbrush? The toilet is the kind where you shouldn't flush paper. Please be careful.From£19
Very Good188 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
”We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. The staff were friendly, professional, and always willing to help. The location is very convenient, with easy access to restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. We felt safe and welcomed throughout our stay. Great value for money, and we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended!”From£16
Good63 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
The overall place is decent, however, the linen cover seems to have already been used due to its pungent odour. Every time we asked for room service, it just made the whole room smell worse as the mop used to clean the room likely had not been changed or cleaned. There was even a time when the cleaner took the money that had been left out in the open by the table, although we were going to tip anyway, it is just concerning that they’d take whatever money’s left out without having prior knowledge of whether the money is going to be given. What if it had been someone else's money or a larger amount than usual?From£25
Swimming pool
Good193 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.From£28
Very Good70 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.52km from city center
Overall, our stay was pleasant. However, the swimming pool was not operational during our visit due to bad weather. Additionally, the provided slippers were in poor condition, and we had to contact the front desk several times to request replacements. We were also disturbed while sleeping when a staff member knocked on our door claiming we had requested an iron, which we had not.From£37
52 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.99km from city center
Aircon is old , amenities not quite good, ung bed for suite room ang liit, madilim ung room,
Not recommendable, ung room for 2days stay wala man lang nag linis.From£14
Very Good47 Reviews
City of Manila|0.41km from city center
My stay at Lido de Paris Hotel in Manila was a mix of convenience and areas that could use improvement. The location is definitely one of its strongest points — it’s close to major spots in Manila, making it easy to get around. The lobby and common areas have a classic, slightly vintage feel, which adds character.
The room itself was decent, though it could benefit from some updates. The bed was comfortable enough for a short stay, but certain amenities felt a bit dated. Cleanliness was acceptable, though not exceptional. Staff were generally polite and helpful, especially at check‑in.
One thing to note is that the surrounding area can be busy and noisy, especially at night, so it may not be ideal for light sleepers. Still, for travelers looking for an affordable stay in a central location, the hotel offers reasonable value.From£32
Very Good79 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.From£16
Breakfast
Good416 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.44km from city center
I will always keep them ahead in terms of the noise-free environment, beauty and cleanliness of the hotel, and their behavior was very friendly which impressed me, the most interesting thing is that they have a rooftop bar where you can relax and take in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the city, guests from different countries are present there with whom it is very enjoyable to spend private time.From£4
Very Good324 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.12km from city center
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. From check-in to check-out, the staff was welcoming, professional, and always ready to help. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with all the amenities I needed for a relaxing stay. The location was convenient, making it easy to access nearby attractions and restaurants. Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable experience, and I would gladly stay here again.From£22
Very Good117 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!”From£21
Very Good241 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.52km from city center
This was my sixth trip to the Philippines, and I've always stayed at this same hotel. Good breakfast and pool. Well located. Excellent service from the front desk, reception, housekeeping, and kitchen.From£17
Great73 Reviews
City of Manila|1.26km from city center
This is the best hotel in the Old Town! The breakfast was absolutely delicious, offering a taste of Filipino flavors. It was lovely to gracefully experience the rich history of the Old Town. The rooftop views are great, and our room, overlooking the golf course, was comfortable and simple. The staff were all incredibly friendly, and we had a wonderful start to our trip. After checking out, we decided to explore the Old Town, and the front desk kindly let us store our luggage and provided a map of the area – so thoughtful!From£39
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FAQs about Banned Products in the Philippines
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Are toy guns and replicas prohibited?
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Can I bring fresh fruits or meat products?
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What is the limit for Philippine Peso (PHP)?
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