Introduction This guide sets out essential information for British national residing in the Philippines, including advice on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed below. See our information on what consulates can and cannot do for British nationals. Health The availability of medical care varies across the Philippines, and may not meet the standards of care in the UK. Although adequate in major cities, medical care is limited in more remote areas. Treatment can be very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Make sure that your insurance policy provides for the following: an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home full medical cover (bills can be very expensive) bringing the body home, in the event of a death bringing your family home, in the event of your illness or injury If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 117 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. If you are hospitalised in the Philippines, the British Embassy can contact the hospital to check on your progress and whenever possible, visit you within 24 hours after notification of hospitalisation. We can also contact your family or friends in the UK through the Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) in London. If you are suffering from mental illness, we will do our best to help you find the support and advice wherever you are. For information on pre-travel health consultation, please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Choices for useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK. Education The education system in the Philippines is currently implementing the K-12 program that covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School). For more information please refer to the Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd). Employment, Entry and Residence Requirements British nationals may enter and visit the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa if you hold valid tickets for your return or onward journey. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. If you plan to live, work, or study in the Philippines, please contact the Philippine Embassy in London or the Bureau of Immigration to apply for a visa. Certain UK documents (e.g. birth and marriage certificates, school records) must first be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy in London; make sure to get these done before departing for the Philippines. Please contact please contact the Philippine Embassy in London directly. Benefits There is no Social Security system in the Philippines for foreign nationals. For UK benefits please click here. For advice on retiring abroad please click here. Read more: https://www.gov.uk/living-in-the-philippines
