Important information for your journey to the Philippines

We hope you are getting prepared and excited for your trip. It’s not long now!

This page provides important information that explains what to prepare before departing and what will happen when you arrive at your destination. Please make sure you have a saved copy of this page on your phone, or a printed copy to refer to.

Travel Checklist

One week before departing you should go over the following checklist to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the airport:

Valid passport for 6 months after your return
Proof of Sufficient Funds (printed bank statement or a screenshot of your bank balance)
Local address in the Philippines written down on a piece of paper and on your phone. Please use the accommodation address provided on your MYPA page.
A printed copy of your flight itinerary
Passport-sized photos for visa extension
Register for your Electronic Travel Declaration (eTravel)

Arriving at the airport

Once you have landed at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), please make your way to the Immigration Desk where they will stamp your passport.

Once you have cleared immigration, make your way to the baggage reclaim and collect your bag. Then make your way to the exit which is signposted in English.

Please note: When you fly home there is an airport/terminal fee of P750 which is payable in cash only (pesos). This is for all those departing the country.

Meeting our staff

A member of staff will be waiting for you in arrivals hall. They will wear a green Projects Abroad T-shirt and will be holding an A4-sized Projects Abroad sign - please introduce yourself.

For volunteers with flights arriving before 5 PM, you will be taken to Bogo City by our staff (if there are no new arrivals to pick up) or with our trusted driver. Our staff will ensure you are introduced to the driver. The car ride will be approximately 2.5 hours. You will be taken to meet your host family.

If your flight arrives after 5 PM, you will be taken to a nearby hotel to spend the night (which is paid for by Projects Abroad). This is because we do not want you travelling at night. You will be able to order food when you get to the hotel and will be given breakfast in the morning. If you choose to leave the hotel and walk around, you might need some Pesos for food or anything you wish to purchase.

Hotel: DOHERA HOTEL
Address: A.C. Cortes Ave., Mandaue City, 6015 Cebu
Contact Number: +63 032 420 6176; +63 032 520 5876
Website: www.doherahotel.com

At the hotel reception you will be given a meal coupon. Staff will explain your itinerary and transportation arrangements for the following day.

In the extremely rare event that the staff member coming to meet you is late and you do not see anyone holding a Projects Abroad sign at the airport or if you experience any flight delays, please call one of the numbers below:

Kenneth Sotto: +63 917 328 7545

For any other flight travel related emergencies please contact one of the phone numbers below:

European emergency numbers: +44 1273 007261 / +44 1273 007262

American emergency number: +1 917 8104520