Philippines All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Boracay is the Philippines' headline beach: White Beach is a four-kilometer stretch of powder-soft sand and warm, swimmable water, fringed with easygoing all-inclusives. Getting here takes a connection or two, but the payoff is one of Asia's great shorelines and some of the friendliest people we've met anywhere.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Always confirm entry and safety details with official government sources before you travel.
Do you need a passport or visa for the Philippines?
U.S. citizens get visa-free entry for up to 30 days (extendable at a Bureau of Immigration office) and need a passport valid for at least six months with proof of onward travel.
Everyone must complete the free online eTravel registration at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival – it is not a visa, and official registration costs nothing, so avoid third-party sites that charge. Confirm current rules on travel.state.gov.
Is the Philippines safe?
The State Department rates the Philippines overall at Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' but that headline is driven by parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago (Level 3–4) – not where you're going.
Boracay and the wider Visayas are well-policed, tourism-focused, and stable. Use normal beach-town sense with valuables and watch the surf on the windier side. Always check travel.state.gov before you fly.
Currency and tipping
The peso is the only currency you'll spend; bring some cash for tricycles, market stalls, and small cafes, as cards aren't universal off-resort. ATMs are easy to find on Boracay.
Tipping is appreciated but modest: a service charge is often added to restaurant bills, and rounding up or 10% for good service, plus a little for guides and drivers, is plenty.
When to visit
The dry season, roughly November to May, is prime Boracay weather – sunny, calm, and ideal for the beach, with the busiest stretch over the Christmas-to-Easter holidays.
June to October is the wetter southwest-monsoon season with more rain and the occasional typhoon swell; it's quieter and cheaper, but expect some grey days.
Getting there & around
There are no nonstops from the US – fly to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), then a short domestic hop to Caticlan (MPH), the closest airport.
From Caticlan it's a quick van-and-ferry transfer to Boracay, which most resorts arrange. The island itself is small: walk White Beach or grab an e-trike to get around.
What to do beyond the resort
Sail a paraw outrigger at sunset, island-hop to Crystal Cove and Puka Shell Beach, or kitesurf off Bulabog Beach when the wind's up. Snorkeling and diving here are excellent.
For more, day trips to mainland Panay reach waterfalls and quieter coves, and the food scene – fresh seafood, calamansi everything – is worth wandering for.
Good to know
Power is 220V with Type A/B/C outlets: US flat plugs fit, but bring a converter for anything not rated for 220V. English is widely spoken, so getting around is easy.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, pack reef-safe sunscreen (some areas restrict the rest), and note Boracay enforces an environmental fee and rules to keep the beach pristine.
The best all-inclusive resorts in Philippines
The Philippines properties we'd actually book — tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
No – U.S. citizens get 30 days visa-free (extendable). You do need a passport valid six months and the free online eTravel registration within 72 hours of arrival.
Is Boracay safe?
Yes. The Philippines is Level 2 overall, but that's driven by parts of Mindanao and Sulu; Boracay and the Visayas are stable and tourism-focused. Check travel.state.gov.
What currency is used, and are dollars accepted?
The Philippine peso. Unlike the Caribbean, US dollars aren't generally spent locally – exchange or use ATMs, and carry cash for small purchases.
Do I tip in the Philippines?
Modestly. A service charge is often included; otherwise round up or leave about 10%, plus a little for guides and drivers.
When is the best time to visit Boracay?
The dry season, November to May, for calm, sunny beach weather. December through Easter is busiest; the June–October wet season is cheaper but rainier.
Which airport do I fly into for Boracay?
Caticlan (MPH) is closest, reached via Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), then a short van-and-ferry transfer. There are no nonstop flights from the US.
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