How to Get There
So, you’re thinking of flying to the Philippines? Good call. Getting to this island nation is easier than it looks on the map—and with a little planning, your journey can be just as smooth as your beach days once you land.
Main International Airports
First things first: where you fly in matters. The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, but a handful of international airports serve as the main gateways.
Manila NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport - MNL)
Most travelers land here first. Manila’s airport isn’t the easiest to navigate, but it’s got the most international flights and connects to almost every domestic destination. If you're planning to hop around islands, this is a solid starting point.Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport - CEB)
Flying into Cebu is often more relaxed than Manila, especially if your plans involve exploring the Visayas—think Bohol, Siquijor, or even Palawan. The airport is newer, and connections are easy.Clark (Clark International Airport - CRK)
Located in Pampanga, north of Manila, this one’s a favorite for travelers coming in on budget carriers like AirAsia. It's a good entry if you're headed to North Luzon (like La Union or Baguio), or just want to skip Manila's congestion.Davao (Francisco Bangoy International Airport - DVO)
Davao’s your best bet if Mindanao is on your list. Not as many international flights, but it's clean, organized, and less crowded.
Direct Flights from Around the World
You can fly straight into the Philippines from a surprising number of cities, especially if you’re coming from Asia or the Middle East. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Asia – Easy connections from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, and more.
Middle East – Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh all have direct flights.
North America – Direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Toronto.
Oceania – Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are all connected too.
Europe – Most flights connect via the Middle East or East Asia. There aren’t many direct options (yet!).
Flying with Budget Airlines? Here’s the Lowdown
If you’re traveling from nearby in Southeast Asia, budget airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar have regular flights that won’t break the bank. Be sure to double-check luggage allowances—they love a good extra fee.
A Quick Note on Visas
Before you book your ticket, check if you need a visa. Many travelers can enter the Philippines without one for up to 30 days. Extensions are pretty straightforward once you're there, and immigration tends to be traveler-friendly. We’ve put together a Visa Guide here with all the details, including how to extend if you decide to stay longer (and we think you might).
Arrival Tips
Once you touch down, the airport process is pretty standard:
Your eTravel, this is very important.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel.
Baggage claim is... well, it’s hit or miss, so pack some patience.
Customs is usually quick unless you’re declaring anything unusual. You need to scan your eTravel QR code to pass though customs.
