Country
Philippines
Sunny islands with the warmest hospitality in Asia
LGBTQ+ status
Moderate for LGBTQ+
Marriage equality
Not recognised
Decriminalized
Yes
Anti-discrimination
Partial protection
Adoption rights
Not available
Equal age of consent (16)
Equal
Gender recognition
Not available
About the country
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands in Southeast Asia with some of the world's finest beaches. The country is uniquely dual: deeply Catholic yet surprisingly open to LGBTQ+ people. The concept of «bakla» (a man with feminine behaviour) is an integral part of folk culture.
LGBTQ+ in this country
The Philippines is one of Asia's most gay-friendly countries at the everyday level, though there is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. The concept of «bakla» is embedded in culture, and transgender women are highly visible in society. Manila Pride March draws tens of thousands annually. Tourist areas — Boracay, Cebu, Manila — welcome LGBTQ+ guests with total openness.
Key events
June
Metro Manila Pride March
Manila
June
Cebu Pride
Cebu
Cities in Philippines
Moderate Best time: December — May (dry season)
Moderate Best time: December — May
Safe Best time: November — April (dry season)
Visas & entry
Israeli passport
Visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Can be extended locally to 59 days.
Russian passport
Russian citizens enter visa-free for 30 days with the option to extend.
US passport
Visa-free for up to 30 days with the option to extend.
Travel tips
- 1 Manila, Cebu, and Boracay are the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations; be more modest in rural areas.
- 2 Filipinos are generally very warm and welcoming — you will feel like a valued guest.
- 3 In Manila, gay life is concentrated in the Malate and Makati districts.
- 4 Boracay is a paradise island with an inclusive beach vibe for everyone.
- 5 Avoid publicly raising LGBTQ+ topics in strictly religious contexts.