Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Planning a trip to the Philippines? If Mindanao is on your itinerary, be sure to check the latest travel advisories, particularly if you’re a Canadian citizen. Canada recently updated its travel advice for Mindanao, offering some positive changes alongside ongoing security concerns.
Also read: 20 Unspoilt Beaches in Mindanao You’ve Probably Never Heard of
The good news? Canada has removed two destinations from its “travel warning” list. Travellers can now breathe a sigh of relief if they were eyeing a trip to Camiguin or Dinagat Islands. Evidently these beautiful islands are deemed to have improved security situations.
There’s more positive news! Two other Mindanao provinces, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, have been downgraded in Canada’s travel advisory. Canadian authorities have downgraded these destinations from “Avoid all travel” to “Avoid non-essential travel,” indicating a perceived decrease in security risks.
However, caution is still advised for a significant portion of Mindanao. Canada strongly advises against travel to several areas due to ongoing threats of terrorism, armed clashes, and kidnappings. These areas include:
Still, Canada highlights the presence of extremist groups and the possibility of bomb threats as key security concerns in Mindanao. These threats are concentrated in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu archipelago.
For those considering travel to Central and Eastern Mindanao (excluding Davao City and Siargao Island), Canada advises “avoiding non-essential travel.” While security has improved in some areas, the potential for violence still exists.
If you do decide to travel to Mindanao despite the advisories, Canada offers crucial safety tips. These include staying indoors whenever possible, maintaining situational awareness, and following the instructions of local authorities.
Also read: 10 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures in Mindanao
Certainly Canada emphasises the limited ability to provide consular assistance in remote areas. As Canada eases Mindanao travel restrictions, still prioritise your safety and exercise extreme caution.
Featured image credit: Alexpunker via Canva Pro
Published at
Get our weekly tips and travel news!
Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Coffee date on the mountains, anyone?
Los Angeles is more than Hollywood stars. From hikes with killer views to beaches straight out of a rom-com, here are 10 must-do LA experiences for Filipino travellers or any wanderers in general!
Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Japan with this 10-day holiday vacation itinerary packed with Tokyo lights, Kyoto charm, and Osaka adventures.
Looking for a weekend bonding with the family under ₱500? Head to these places, pronto!
Dumping trash in Japan isn’t as simple as you think. You could be visited by a police if you don't segregate your garbage right. Here’s the cheat sheet in sorting out trash for every Filipino who's moving to Japan.
Buscalan is not for the weak. You’ll suffer through hours on the road, climb until your legs give up, and lose all signal. But in the end, you meet one of the last living centenarian Tattoo Queen and let her ink you for life.
Sick of rain ruining your laundry? This app made by a Filipino student tells you the best time to hang your clothes out to dry so they don’t end up musty or 'amoy kulob'.
Moalboal in Cebu is making waves beyond its famous sardine run. From diving adventures to community pride, here’s why travellers should care.
Looking for a place to meet fellow artists and thinkers? Here are 10 collaborative spaces in Metro Manila where creatives can hang out, brainstorm, and build ideas.