Philippines 2026 Volunteer Trip Guide

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Your action items

The first deadline is September 21, 2026, which is 45 days before departure. Check each item off as you finish it.

0 of 4 Actions complete

Due September 21, 2026Submit your volunteer form and choose your shirt sizeOne form is required for every volunteer. Your unisex shirt size is required because each volunteer will receive three Action Humanitarian project shirts. Complete volunteer form

Due September 21, 2026Confirm your passport and save copiesYour passport must be valid through at least May 15, 2027. Save one secure digital copy and bring two paper copies of the photo page. Review passport details

Complete before November 3Create and verify your eTravel accountDO NOT USE THE APPUse the red website link on this page. We do not recommend the eGovPH app because it can be cumbersome and add extra steps. Create your account early and complete any email, identity, or account review before the arrival declaration window opens. Use this eTravel website link

Complete November 3 to 5Submit the eTravel arrival declaration and save the QR codeUse the exact group answers in this guide, then screenshot the QR code so it is ready at the airport. Use the group answers

This checklist is saved on this device. The signed volunteer form, not this checkmark, is what updates Jared's private waiver roster.

Do not miss this

Entry requirements

eTravel has an account step and a trip-declaration step. Follow them in order using the official website in your browser. Every group answer you will need is provided below.

WEB
ONLY

DO NOT use the eGovPH app

Use the website link on this page. It takes you straight to the official sign-in page, where new users can also create an account. We do not recommend the app because it can be cumbersome and add extra steps. Keep this guide open. If you get lost, return to this guide and start again.

Open official eTravel website

1

Create and verify your account now

Use the website button above. Sign in or choose Create an account, verify your email, and complete any account or identity review eTravel asks for. You can do this before the 72-hour travel window. If your account is waiting for approval, return after it has been approved.

2

Complete the arrival declaration Nov 3-5

Return to this guide after 6:10 am Mountain Time on Nov 3, open the website again, and start the arrival declaration. Nov 4 or 5 also works. Use the exact group answers in the box immediately below. Then answer only the personal, health, and customs questions for yourself.

Keep this guide open

Use these answers inside the eTravel website

The official website opens in a new tab so this guide stays available beside it. The flight and lodging answers eTravel will ask for are all listed here.

Open eTravel website

Arrival date: November 6, 2026
Airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 3
Airline: United Airlines
Arrival flight: UA809
Coming from: San Francisco, United States
Philippine accommodation: Escape to Tao de Libertad
Accommodation address: General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Departure date: November 15, 2026
Departure airline: United Airlines
Departure flight: UA190

These are the group answers. You will still enter your own name, passport details, contact information, current health answers, and an honest customs declaration for your bags.

More passport and entry detailsWhat to bring, personal answers, visa, QR code, and the Manila connection

Bring this

Passport and proof

U.S. passport valid through at least May 15, 2027
Enough blank space for an entry stamp
Return flight itinerary
Two paper copies of the passport photo page
Digital passport copy stored somewhere secure

Your part of the form

Answer these from your own information

Your name, birthday, address, and contact information
Your passport number, issue date, and expiration date
Your health declaration based on your current health
Your customs declaration based on what is actually in your bags

Visa

No tourist visa needed

U.S. citizens staying less than 30 days can enter without a tourist visa.

QR code

Screenshot it

Airlines normally check the eTravel QR before boarding. Immigration and customs may scan it on arrival.

Manila connection

We stay inside the airport

We will not leave the Manila airport on November 6. After immigration, customs, and baggage claim we stay at MNL for the flights to Cebu and Siargao.

Day by day

The trip plan

The humanitarian work comes first while we are in Siargao, and we will fit the surfing, fishing, waterfalls, and everything else around the project schedule.

Nov 5ThursdaySalt Lake City to San Francisco to Manila

Be at the Salt Lake airport by 6:57 am, two hours before takeoff. We fly through San Francisco and continue to Manila. The full flight schedule and United record locator are in the flight board below.

BE AT SLC BY 6:57 AMTravel day

Nov 6FridayManila to Cebu to Siargao

After immigration, customs, and baggage claim we stay inside the Manila airport for the overnight connection through Cebu to Siargao. Have your eTravel QR ready.

Stay inside MNLeTravel QR ready

Nov 7SaturdayArrive in Siargao, explore, and check in

Our rented vans will be waiting at the Siargao airport. We will grab breakfast and explore part of the island before check-in, then split between our two Airbnbs, Escape to Tao de Libertad and Pahinga Villa 1, and review the project plan.

Vans at the airportExplore SiargaoTwo Siargao AirbnbsProject briefing

Nov 8 to 10Sunday to TuesdayHumanitarian project days in Siargao

We will work on the humanitarian projects from approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. We will help pre-screened families with hands-on construction work, including hand mixing and pouring cement. Before or after the work there should still be time for surfing, a waterfall hike, deep-sea fishing, or relaxing at the villas.

Project work 9:00 am to 3:00 pmRented vans

Nov 11WednesdaySiargao to Cebu to Boracay

We fly through Cebu to Caticlan, transfer to Aqua Boracay, check in, then head to White Beach for sunset and a group dinner. Exact flight times are in the flight board below.

Two flightsAqua Boracay

Nov 12ThursdayPrivate boat, snorkeling, and sunset sail

Breakfast at 7:00 am and our private boat leaves around 8:00 am. We will snorkel Crocodile Island and Coral Garden, visit Crystal Cove and Puka Beach, then return around 4:00 pm for a White Beach paraw sunset sail and group dinner.

Private boatTwo snorkeling stopsSunset paraw

Nov 13FridayFull Boracay land day and kiteboarding

Breakfast at 7:00 am, then White Beach, Diniwid Beach, Puka Beach, the Newcoast Keyhole, and lunch. In the afternoon choose kiteboarding at Bulabog Beach or a guided e-trike loop to Mount Luho and Ilig-Iligan Beach. We finish with dinner and a walk through D'Mall.

Land tourKiteboarding option

Nov 14SaturdayBoracay to Manila

After breakfast and checkout we fly to Manila. Once we are checked into The Peninsula we will shop at Greenhills, then return for the Escolta dinner buffet. Exact flight times are in the flight board below.

ManilaGreenhillsEscolta dinner

Nov 15SundayManila to San Francisco to Salt Lake City

Be at the Manila airport by 7:55 am, two hours before takeoff. We fly through San Francisco and arrive home in Salt Lake City that afternoon. The full schedule is in the flight board below.

BE AT MNL BY 7:55 AMTravel dayHome

Confirmed flights

Flight board

This is the one place for exact flight numbers and times. All times are local.

International flights

Be at the airport two hours before departure

Outbound | Thursday, Nov 5SLC by 6:57 amUA5970 departs at 8:57 am

Return | Sunday, Nov 15MNL by 7:55 amUA190 departs at 9:55 am

View all confirmed flight timesUnited record locator JFEH8Z and Philippine domestic flights

Outbound to the PhilippinesNov 5 to 6 | United JFEH8Z

UA5970

SLCNov 5, 8:57 am
Salt Lake City

TO

SFONov 5, 10:28 am
San Francisco

UA809

SFONov 5, 2:05 pm
San Francisco

TO

MNLNov 6, 9:10 pm
Manila

Manila to Siargao via CebuNov 6 | SF4QNY

5J583

MNLNov 6
Time on final itinerary

TO

CEBCebu
Time on final itinerary

DG6851

CEBAfter 5J583
Time on final itinerary

TO

IAOSiargao
Time on final itinerary

Siargao to BoracayNov 11

DG6850

IAO9:35 am
Sayak Airport

TO

CEB10:40 am
Terminal 1

5J136

CEB12:10 pm
Terminal 1

TO

MPH1:15 pm
Caticlan

Boracay to ManilaNov 14

5J898

MPH12:05 pm
Caticlan

TO

MNL1:25 pm
Terminal 3

Return to UtahNov 15 | United JFEH8Z

UA190

MNL9:55 am
Manila

TO

SFO6:35 am
San Francisco

UA6019

SFO10:38 am
San Francisco

TO

SLC1:38 pm
Salt Lake City

The Manila to Siargao route is confirmed under SF4QNY. Exact times will be added when the final itinerary is sent to the group.

Where we sleep

Our overnight stays

In Siargao, our group will be split between two Airbnbs. We will reunite for transportation, project work, meals, and group activities.

View lodging and transportation detailsSiargao, Boracay, Manila, and our rented vans

Siargao, Nov 7 to 11

Escape to Tao de Libertad

One of our two Siargao Airbnbs. This private beachfront villa will house part of the volunteer group during the humanitarian work. Laundry service will be available for a reasonable price.

View villa

Siargao, Nov 7 to 11

Pahinga Villa 1

One of our two Siargao Airbnbs. This General Luna villa has a pool and will house part of the volunteer group during the humanitarian work.

View villa

Boracay, Nov 11 to 14

Aqua Boracay

This is where we will relax after the project, spend time at the pool and beach, and use as our base for the Boracay activities. Laundry service is also available for a reasonable price.

View resort

Manila, Nov 14

The Peninsula Manila

Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues in Makati. We will shop Greenhills and have the Escolta dinner buffet before flying home the next morning.

View hotel

Siargao transportation

Two villas, one group schedule

Your villa assignment will be shared separately. The rented vans will connect both Airbnb groups for project work, airport transportation, meals, and activities around the island.

Pack light

Interactive packing list

Laundry service is available in Siargao and at Aqua Boracay for a reasonable price, so bring fewer clothes. The inter-island planes are smaller, and hauling a heavy bag through five airports gets old fast.

3
SHIRTS

Provided for every volunteer

Leave room for three Action Humanitarian T-shirts

You will receive three shirts to wear during the humanitarian project days. Do not pack your suitcase completely full because these shirts will be added to your luggage.

Check your international phone coverageCarrier checklist and T-Mobile example

Before we leave

Check your cell phone plan

Log into your account or call your carrier and confirm what your exact plan includes in the Philippines. Check texting, data speed, high-speed data limits, voice call rates, and whether international roaming needs to be turned on. Screenshot the details so you have them when we land.

T-Mobile example

Know what is included and what is not

Many T-Mobile plans include unlimited texting and some international data, but the amount of high-speed data depends on the plan and slower data can be limited to 256 Kbps. Regular voice calls are $0.50 per minute. FaceTime uses data or Wi-Fi, so it will work best on hotel or villa Wi-Fi once the high-speed data is gone.

Check current T-Mobile international coverage

Cash and cards

Money

Bring a debit or ATM card as a backup, but do not plan on getting all your spending money from an ATM.

Recommended cash

Bring $250 to $750 in U.S. dollars

Ask your bank for newer, clean $100 bills before we leave. Clean newer $100 bills are generally easier to exchange and can get a better exchange rate than smaller, worn, torn, or marked bills.

ATM backup

Bring a debit or ATM card

ATMs are available, but fees can be high. Let your bank know you are traveling, confirm your card will work in the Philippines, and use the cash you bring as your main spending money.

Keep it simple

Shots, water, and keeping your stomach settled

A few basic things that have worked well for our groups.

Review health and water guidanceShots, bottled water, stomachs, and prescriptions

Shots

No vaccines or shots are required for this trip. We only recommend making sure your regular tetanus or Tdap is current because we will be doing construction work.

Water and ice

Stick with bottled water

Only drink bottled water in the hotel rooms and while we are out and about, and avoid ice unless we know it is safe. When we are at restaurants Jared and Brody will make sure the ice is safe before anyone orders it. Most stomach problems we have seen come from dirty water or ice.

What has worked for us

Have a Coke

We recommend drinking at least one Coke a day, if not one with lunch and dinner. We have seen it help keep people's stomachs settled while traveling.

Medicine

Bring what you normally need

Bring your regular prescriptions in their original packaging plus a few extra days in case travel changes.

During the trip

Trip communication

Jared and Brody are the contacts for the group and will keep everyone on the same page.

View trip communication detailsGroup text, trip leaders, and shared photos

Trip contacts

Jared and Brody

Leading the group

Group text

One place for trip updates

Jared and Brody will create it before we leave

Photos

Shared photo album

The link will be sent to the group