The US State Department updated its travel advisory on June 22 elevating the southern Philippines to Level 3 Reconsider Travel. The change specifically covers Palawan, the Sulu Archipelago, and western Mindanao where kidnapping incidents rose 14 percent in the past year. Travelers are advised to avoid all but essential trips to these areas.
Local authorities have increased naval patrols around popular dive sites but the advisory notes that response times in remote islands can exceed four hours. The US Embassy in Manila maintains a restricted travel list for government employees that now includes these provinces. No specific incidents involving US citizens were reported in the last quarter.
The Philippines Department of Tourism recorded 1.8 million foreign visitors to Palawan in 2025 and fears the advisory could reduce arrivals by 25 percent this summer. Insurance providers have begun adding surcharges of 18 to 35 dollars per day for policies covering the affected regions.
Regional governments have launched a public safety campaign including new emergency hotlines and increased police presence at airports in Puerto Princesa and Davao. Neighboring areas such as Cebu and Boracay remain at Level 2.
What this means for you
Review your travel insurance policy and add kidnap and ransom coverage if your itinerary includes Palawan. Register with the US Embassy Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before departure and share your itinerary with family. Consider alternative destinations such as Cebu or northern Luzon where advisories remain lower.
Book refundable hotel rates and flights with flexible change policies in case the advisory escalates further. Avoid remote beach areas after sunset and use only hotel-arranged transportation when traveling between airports and resorts.
Monitor the State Department website weekly because the advisory will be reviewed again in September based on security assessments.