Philippines Travel "Red" Alert – Consumers Eligible for Full Refunds Without Conditions

▲ The Executive Yuan issued a "red" travel alert for the Philippines at 6 p.m. on the 15th. Consumers traveling to the Philippines may unconditionally cancel their trips and get refunds. (Photo / Reporter Huang Zi-wei)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Over the Philippine government’s lack of sincere apology, our government expressed strong dissatisfaction. Premier Jiang Yi-huah announced eight sanction measures at 6 p.m. on the 15th, the first of which was to issue a "red" travel alert for the Philippines. This means consumers may unconditionally cancel their trips and receive refunds. Regarding the refund policy for canceled tours to the Philippines, the Consumer Protection Committee under the Executive Yuan stated that travel agencies must refund the remaining amount to travelers after deducting necessary expenses.

The Executive Yuan has designated the travel alert level for the Philippines as "red" (avoid non-essential travel) at 6 p.m. on the 15th. In addition to advising the public not to travel to the area, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China, and the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China have reached a consensus to apply Clause 28 of the “Standardized Outbound Travel Contract Template,” which allows consumers to cancel their trips and receive full refunds without conditions. As for the refund procedures, the Consumer Protection Committee explained that after deducting any fees already paid on behalf of travelers or all necessary costs incurred in fulfilling the contract, travel agencies must refund the remaining balance in full.

The Consumer Protection Committee stated that according to statistics from the Tourism Bureau and the travel association, there are currently around 20 tour groups—totaling 390 people—in the Philippines. The travel association has also urged all tour operators to do their utmost to protect the safety of travelers. The Tourism Bureau also called on travel companies not to organize additional tours to the Philippines for those who have not yet departed. If consumers encounter disputes that cannot be resolved, they can file complaints with the Tourism Bureau, the Consumer Protection Committee, or the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China.

The Consumer Protection Committee reminds the public again: if it is not essential, avoid traveling to or conducting business in the Philippines. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published updated travel alert information related to the Philippines. The public can check the latest updates via the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Additionally, if you are in the Philippines and face an emergency requiring assistance, you may contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines at (63-2) 887-6688, or dial the international number +886-800-085-095 to reach the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center.”