The U.S. Department of State diligently updates its travel advisories, assessing all risks for Americans traveling abroad. Recently, some of these alerts have raised some eyebrows, including a travel advisory for one of the world’s safest countries and an awkward “do not travel” warning reminder for Russia right after Putin’s U.S. visit. While some of these warnings have been around for months, if not years, several countries continue to accuse the Department of State of “fearmongering.”

But that remains debatable, especially in a top retirement spot for Americans that has been slapped with a serious U.S. travel advisory—the Philippines. Known for its slogan, “it’s more fun in the Philippines,” this popular Asian destination is under a Level 2 warning (“Exercise Increased Caution”), with other areas under Levels 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) and 4 (“Do Not Travel”).

The Philippines is popular for American retirees, particularly single men and veterans who can receive their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits there, among other perks, like English being considered a second language there and the renowned friendliness of the locals. But with all these travel warnings, is the Philippines still the paradise it’s hyped up to be? Read on to learn about the actual safety situation in the “Pearl of the Orient.”

The U.S. Has A Serious Philippines Travel Advisory

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Under the Level 2 travel advisory, the U.S. Department of State reminds American travelers to exercise increased caution in the Philippines, mainly due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Other common violent crimes mentioned are robbery and assault. These security concerns have recently led to a 19% drop in one of the Philippines’ major visitors. Many parts of the Philippines’ southern region also have increased threats of terrorism, violence, and kidnapping involving foreigners.

U.S. citizens are told: Do Not Travel to the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, and Marawi City in Mindanao. These regions have long been impacted by the Philippines’ Moro Conflict, one of the longest-running and deadliest armed struggles in Southeast Asia. Sulu and Marawi are notorious for kidnaps-for-ransom, bombings, and other terrorist attacks targeting foreigners.

To ensure safety, Americans are highly advised to “Reconsider Travel” to other areas of Mindanao, except for the safe zones: Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands. The Department of State notes that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in places beyond these secure regions. American travelers are also encouraged to read the agency’s website for “Travel to High-Risk Areas.”

The Philippines Slams “Do Not Travel” Advisory From The U.S.

The U.S. Do Not Travel warnings for the Philippines were deemed “unjustifiable and unfair” by Mindanao leaders. Tony Peralta, chairperson of the Southern Mindanao Business Council (SMBC) of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), insisted that “Mindanao is safe, stable, and booming.”

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism added that “the U.S. advisory undermines [their] efforts and the realities in Mindanao.”

This is supported by a recent Mindanao Safety Rating released by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). In 2024, the region’s safety rating soared up to 89.69%, from 2023’s 88%. Both local and foreign travelers responded to the survey, promoting a broader, positive perception of Mindanao, especially the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

To further destigmatize the region, Canadian-born naturalized Filipino content creator, Kyle Jennermann, recently explored the “terror” areas of Mindanao to showcase its scenic beauty and rich culture. He also toured Marawi as seen in an emotional vlog on his YouTube channel, “Becoming Filipino.”

Why Many Americans Retire In The Philippines

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Despite the U.S. travel warnings for the Philippines, the close American ally remains a top retirement spot for U.S. citizens. But it goes beyond the country’s natural beauty, world-famous pristine beaches, and laid-back tropical lifestyle. The Philippines has a significantly lower cost of living, warm and hospitable locals, and is one of the world’s largest English-speaking nations.

Adjusting to new local communities is easier compared to other Southeast Asian countries, especially with the Philippines’ established American expat community. Other considerations are the affordable healthcare costs compared to the U.S. Many doctors and medical professionals are also trained in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K. Though healthcare access is limited in rural places.

​​​​​Another major factor is that the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) offers an appealing Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), which grants permanent residency in the Philippines to foreigners with indefinite stay and no need for constant renewals. It also comes with a range of benefits, including financial incentives.

Benefits Of The Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

• Discounts in accredited merchants (hotels, resorts, medical services)
• Tax exemptions on foreign pension
• Option to work or invest
• Access to the national health insurance program (PhilHealth)
• Eligibility to purchase a condominium unit or lease land
  • Former natural-born Filipinos with SRRV can own land under specific limits
  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens can build on land owned by their spouse.

It’s no secret that many American retirees in the Philippines are single men, often in search of a more “traditional” partner. The politics of love aside, moving there with such narrow motivations is a recipe for profound disappointment. It’s not just the risks of scams, but also the missed opportunities to immerse oneself in the country’s vibrant culture. The Philippines today is much more diverse; come with an open mind, the right amount of caution, and you’ll understand what life there is really about.