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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48838 booked
🔥 Find Best Hotels in Manila
Manila Hotels
5 star
Very Good507 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.14km from city center
I recently visited and was impressed by the cleanliness and neatness of the place. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making my experience even more enjoyable. However, some facilities were closed for maintenance and upgrades, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, it's a great spot, and I'm looking forward to seeing it when everything is up and runningFromIDR 1,603,970
Great568 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|1.99km from city center
The hotel has maintained a classic style and is very convenient.
I however want to advise management to clean the chairs in the restaurant. The backs of most seats where the head rests are dirty and need cleaning.FromIDR 1,786,903
Great311 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.24km from city center
The hotel is great! Even though it's an older property, the facilities are still very good, and the breakfast spread is excellent. It's located right next to Koreatown, and you just have to cross the street to get to Manila Bay – it's the perfect spot for stunning sunset photos. The lobby staff are also incredibly welcoming.FromIDR 1,609,273
Great204 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.27km from city center
How should I put it? The area isn't a wealthy one, so it's not as convenient as a rich neighborhood. I didn't go out at night, worried about children begging. As for the hotel, it's a bit old, but still quite clean and tidy.FromIDR 2,181,930
Very Good71 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|4.09km from city center
Overall cleanliness was good, but some details weren't cleaned thoroughly enough.
1) Hair in the room 2) Floating debris in the kettle 3)
Btw, All the staff were very patient, and the food was quite good.
I'll come again next time, I really like it here.FromIDR 1,717,972
Business travel
Very Good1468 Reviews
City of Manila|2.18km from city center
Our 2nights stay is super great..the hotel is an old school but they still keep the cleanliness and the 5star hotel vibe with the pretty and hospitable staff...knowing the hotel is part of the manila hotel group they kept the standard..the room is different from the pics..its is big where you dont bump into one another while going around..bathroom one of my fav because of the bathtub...spacious cabinet for the clothes and baggage...over all it is 10 for our family..breakfast buffet..OMG worth the price...they never repeat the menu each day...my kid is a picky eater but she enjoyed the selections of food...everyday there is BACON.
Location wise it is just less than 5mins walk to the museums...if you love walking it is near Intramuros , Binondo, Quiapo Church.
No problem when you get hungry at night..there are lots of resto and food stall just outside the hotel.
Worth our stay..SURELY WILL BOOK AGAIN FOR A LONGER STAY🥰🥰♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you Manila Prince Hotel for a wonderful experince.FromIDR 681,356
Very Good1959 Reviews
City of Manila|0.39km from city center
I'm a tourist from Japan, and this was my first time visiting Manila, staying for only one day. I was also planning a late-night checkout, so I looked for the cheapest hotel possible and booked this one for about 4,000 yen per night.
Honestly, I didn't have high expectations, but I was surprised to find it much cleaner and the lobby much grander than I imagined. There's a security guard permanently stationed at the entrance, and a metal detector for security checks, which made me feel very safe.
I had to pay a cash deposit at check-in, but it was refunded without any issues at check-out.
The room was spacious, and the bed was comfortable. The air conditioning worked well, making for a pleasant stay. The shower pressure was a bit weak, but it wasn't particularly inconvenient.
The hotel is located deep within Chinatown, but it's still conveniently situated for sightseeing. There were many tourists and shoppers around, and I felt safe walking out until around 8 PM. Since I enjoy walking, I even explored Intramuros on foot.
Considering the price, this hotel offers excellent value for money. I highly recommend it for short stays or for travelers looking to save on accommodation costs.FromIDR 395,027
Very Good184 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.51km from city center
I recently stayed at City Garden Suites and would like to share both a commendation and some constructive feedback regarding my experience.
First, I would like to highly commend Ms. Zsan for her outstanding service. After being assigned to a room that, while clean, had an unpleasant odor, I approached the front desk again for assistance. Ms. Zsan handled the situation with genuine care and professionalism. She went beyond simply checking the system—she actively coordinated with housekeeping via radio to personally verify room availability. Her initiative, attentiveness, and willingness to help truly define excellent customer service. She made us feel heard and valued, and her dedication reflects the kind of frontline service that leaves a lasting positive impression.
On the other hand, I would like to offer constructive feedback regarding my experience with Ms. Acel. As a guest, first impressions matter, and my initial interaction with her during check-in was not very reassuring. When I inquired about the possibility of being assigned to a newly renovated room, I was informed that none were available, without much effort to further check or explore options. This gave me the impression that my request was not fully considered.
The following day, when I needed to extend my stay, I spoke with her over the phone and requested an update regarding my concern, emphasizing the urgency as I needed to secure the current room rate online. However, after waiting for around 30 minutes without any callback, I had to follow up myself. During the follow-up, she asked for details I had already communicated earlier, which made it seem like the information was not properly noted or attended to.
On the third day, I needed to extend my booking again. To avoid the same experience, I went directly to the front desk. Unfortunately, she was again the one available. Despite my previous experience, I still chose to give her another chance, hoping for a better interaction. However, the experience remained the same. Because of this, instead of extending my stay further, I decided to transfer to another hotel.
I hope this feedback is received constructively. Frontline staff play a crucial role in shaping the overall guest experience. While Ms. Zsan demonstrated exceptional service and professionalism, there is an opportunity for improvement in consistency, attentiveness, and proactive assistance. With the right focus on these areas, guest satisfaction can be greatly enhanced.FromIDR 623,030
Very Good604 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.49km from city center
Ii need a flat iron then i call from housekeeping dial 5 a girl answered i told her my intention of calling , but she in a sarcastic way she said u can birrow a flat iron only for 30 mins and i just said if only 30 mins maybe later ill borrow then i just hang up after an hour i called again in the housekeeping different girl answered she said akright i will bring it now to your room and the service boy just signed this maam, snd thrn no more i asked the boy after i finished do i need ti call he said no msm just left it outside.. so after i finished i just call the housekeeping the girl said alright i will send somebody yo pick it up until i checkout the flat iron still in our room… how come service person sometimes rude but the ithers are not… i hope that bayview park hotel train well their service attendant specially answering guest in right manner… not to sarcastic and too exaggerated ways…FromIDR 638,937
Very Good682 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.16km from city center
We used this as our home base in Binondo since we needed a desk to do some work.
We love staying here since the location is right in the heart of China Town on Ongpin St and the staff are amazing.
The hotel also has Menti, their restaurant on the rooftop.
The food is great. It’s difficult to dFromIDR 824,520
Family friendly
Very Good334 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.FromIDR 851,032
Very Good661 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.FromIDR 962,382
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.FromIDR 999,499
Very Good59 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.FromIDR 477,214
Great198 Reviews
City of Manila|2.26km from city center
I love the service! Hospitality is amazing I feel it's the one of the best in SEA for a 4 star hotel. Compliments to the staffs that check my room upon check out and found my glasses I forgot to pack. They returned it almost immediately upon check out.
Compliments to the guards outside as well, they escorted us especially at night to the other side to get to the mall due to crazy traffic haha !
Casino can be improved with more different table games that has progressive jackpot I.e. paigow, stud poker etc. Too too many baccarat table.
Location is perfect for those who wants to stay and experience the local as this hotel is buried in many local residential area unlike Newport.
Overall, I will return for another short getaway 🥰FromIDR 1,320,293
Hot spring
Very Good342 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.62km from city center
The hotel is in Ermita, right near the U.S. Embassy. The location is good, you can easily get access to historical places, like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park and Fort Santiago.
Near the hotel are Starbucks and 7/11.
The room is good. I had a beautiful view of Manila Bay. The staff was very polite, and check-in was so fast.
Overall, it’s good. It’s not my first time at Red Planet Hotels. They are quite similar, and you can find them in different districts.FromIDR 461,307
Very Good498 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.35km from city center
I had a pleasant stay at Red Planet Binondo. One of the best things about this hotel is its very convenient location. It’s within walking distance to the Pasig River Esplanade, where you can enjoy the river view and find plenty of food choices around the area. It’s also just a short walk to Ongpin Street, which makes it perfect if you want to explore the heart of Binondo and try different Chinese restaurants and food spots.
One thing to note is that the lobby is located on the 4th floor, which might be a bit unusual at first, but the check-in process was smooth.
The rooms are spacious with a modern and clean design, making the stay comfortable and relaxing. It feels well-maintained and practical for travelers who want a simple but nice place to stay.
However, the hotel does not provide slippers, toothbrush, or toothpaste for free. If you need them, you can buy a set from the hotel for ₱45.
Overall, Red Planet Binondo is a great option if you want an affordable, modern hotel in a very strategic location, especially if your goal is to explore Binondo’s food scene on foot.FromIDR 448,051
Very Good538 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 🙂.FromIDR 376,469
Very Good965 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.17km from city center
The casino is very close, the lobby is cool, and the rooms are spacious. It's also near Robinson's Mall. As expected for a Koreatown location, there are many Korean restaurants and entertainment venues nearby. Just a heads up, the outlets are 110v.FromIDR 493,121
Very Good1054 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.09km from city center
Been booking Eurotel everytime since its fronting Rob Manila. The bed is not soft and the beddings are quite old and are yellow-stained already. Also, one problem is the bedding (bedsheet) keeps coming off from the mattress which is a hassle. Hallway sometimes smell of cigaretteFromIDR 389,725
Gym
103 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.FromIDR 522,285
Very Good169 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.13km from city center
Professional and efficient reception staff.
The apartment is spacious and very clean. Comfortable bed, but slightly uncomfortable pillows.
Air conditioner is a bit noisy, but does its job.
Great swimming pool — well maintained and quiet. The staff who works there are helpful and pleasant.
Location is convenient— 2 mins walk from Robinsons Place mall and a short grab ride from the old town — fort and casa Manila, or a 30 mins walk. Also, it’s a short walk from the beach.
Grab is great to move around the city and go to/from the airport— very affordable and convenient.
I’d definitely stay again.FromIDR 625,681
Very Good271 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.66km from city center
My stay at Manila Lotus Hotel was a pleasant and comfortable experience. The staff were very accommodating and welcoming, always ready to assist with any requests, which made the stay even more enjoyable.
The hotel’s location is very convenient, especially for travelers who want easy access to key spots around Manila like the US Embassy - 10mins walk. It’s close to restaurants, shopping areas, and tourist attractions, making it a great base for exploring the city.
The room was clean, well-maintained, and provided a relaxing atmosphere after a long day out. It felt safe and comfortable, which is something I truly value when traveling.
Overall, Manila Lotus Hotel offers great value for money with its excellent service, strategic location, and cozy accommodations. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Manila and would gladly stay here again.FromIDR 461,307
Very Good179 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
I was very satisfied with the facilities and service. However, being a light sleeper, the noise from the air conditioner outdoor unit in the next room disturbed my sleep, and I found it inconvenient that there was no Wi-Fi in the gym. There are many shopping malls and various restaurants nearby for dining out, but the room also had kitchenware, which was great for cooking. I visit Manila frequently, and I'd like to stay here again in the future.FromIDR 384,423
Very Good60 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
Location perfect. Staff especially on front desk very helpful and nice. We are use and love orthopedic hard matrasses in the beds.
During or stay they were very soft, we can understand some people may prfer that.
It would be perfect if there was a choice in mattress. very big plus was the breakfast. for descent price it is well worth to purchase the breakfast coupons.
Overall we where very pleased.
See you soon!!!FromIDR 588,564
Swimming pool
Good206 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.38km from city center
Got in our room around 2:30 pm. They seem to be really strict with early check-in unlike most hotels where you can get free early check-in from 12-1 pm. Easy to past time since mall is very accessible. Location is superb. Perfect for Binondo foodtrip. Room is nice for its price, but bathroom shower area can use some improvement. Jacuzzi and sauna area smells and doesn’t seem to be regularly cleaned. Feels unsanitary so we didn’t bother using it even if we wanted to. Wish they had a swimming pool.FromIDR 713,170
Very Good70 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.52km from city center
I had a great stay at Hotel Benilde. The location is very accessible, making it easy to get around the area. The staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, always ready to assist with a smile. The hotel itself was super clean, which made my stay even more comfortable.
The only downside was the limited breakfast options, which is why I decided not to avail of it. Instead, I opted to eat at KFC, which is conveniently located right next to the hotel.
Overall, I highly recommend Hotel Benilde for its excellent service, cleanliness, and prime location. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for a wider breakfast selection, you might want to explore nearby options.FromIDR 689,310
49 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.99km from city center
The price is pretty good. This hotel is located in Malate and easy to get to Robinson's in 5 minutes. We can walk to a lot of KTVs easily along Mabini Street. If you can't eat two breakfasts, you can take one out, put it in the fridge in the room and eat it for lunch.FromIDR 336,701
Very Good48 Reviews
City of Manila|0.41km from city center
Location very good
Parking ok
Food ok
Cleanliness good
Problem was AC not cooling to desired temp offered to change room but AC was not cooling as well in spite of rooms looks new or recently renovated.FromIDR 752,938
Very Good80 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.FromIDR 381,771
Breakfast
Good385 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.44km from city center
I booked a fan room and checked in at 2 PM. The staff asked if I wanted to pay extra to upgrade to an air-conditioned room. Only after they showed me the rooms did I understand why. The fan rooms face west and get blasted by the afternoon sun, while the air-conditioned rooms are situated where they don't get direct sunlight. This comparison pretty much forces you to pay for the upgrade, as the fan simply can't compete with that intense heat. It feels like this is their business strategy, a veiled way to charge more, especially since other places offer AC rooms at this price point.FromIDR 84,838
Very Good317 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.FromIDR 532,889
Very Good121 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!”FromIDR 498,424
Very Good237 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.52km from city center
I had a short layover due to connection flight ✈️ Manila to London.
The second time I stayed here, I really enjoyed the hospitality and the ability to check in at 8pm.
I had breakfast the first time I stayed here, I would have liked to try breakfast again.
Friendly, helpful hotel staff, clean and vibrant hotel with a pool, location was 20 minute taxi ride to terminal 1 Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Fantastic will come back again.
Michael from the UK
Living in Davao City, PhilippinesFromIDR 408,283
Great70 Reviews
City of Manila|1.26km from city center
Great place! This is a boutique hotel that has around 80 rooms. The hotel was originally a bank but was later acquired by the university then turned into a teaching hotel.
The view from some areas is beautiful and you can see the walls of Intramuros.
Also, if you don’t decide to stay here, at least go to the restaurant on the top floor(Sky Deck). The sunsets are beautiful from there and the food is good.FromIDR 1,097,593
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