Complete List of Official Philippines Public Holidays 2026
| HOLIDAY | DATE | DAY |
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Chinese New Year | February 17 | Tuesday |
| Maundy Thursday | April 2 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Black Saturday | April 4 | Saturday |
| Araw ng Kagitingan | April 9 | Thursday |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Friday |
| Independence Day | June 12 | Friday |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | August 21 | Friday |
| National Heroes Day | August 31 | Monday |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Sunday |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 | Monday |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
| Rizal Day | December 30 | Wednesday |
Special Working Day:
• February 25, 2026 – EDSA People Power Anniversary
Islamic Holidays:
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha will be announced separately by government proclamation.
Holiday Classifications in the Philippines
The Philippines classifies public holidays into three main categories:
- Regular holidays
Employees who work on these days receive double pay. Examples include New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Independence Day, Christmas Day, and Rizal Day. - Special non-working holidays
These follow the “no work, no pay” rule unless company policies differ. Examples include Chinese New Year, Black Saturday, Ninoy Aquino Day, and All Saints’ Day. - Special working days
These are regular working days but are officially recognized. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the EDSA Anniversary fall under this category.
Holy Week 2026
Holy Week is one of the most significant periods in the Philippines, both culturally and for travel.
In 2026:
- Maundy Thursday: April 2 (regular holiday)
- Good Friday: April 3 (regular holiday)
- Black Saturday: April 4 (special non-working holiday)
Many businesses close or operate on limited schedules during Holy Week. Airports, ferry terminals, and bus stations become especially busy as travelers return to their home provinces or visit vacation destinations.
The extended break from April 2 to 5 is due to the combination of public holidays and the weekend, as Easter Sunday (April 5) is not a public holiday.
Long Weekends in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create natural three- to four-day breaks, making them popular travel periods:
- Holy Week: April 2–5
- Independence Day: June 12–14
- Ninoy Aquino Day: August 21–23
- National Heroes Day: August 29–31
(Observed on the last Monday of August)
These periods often see higher demand for flights, accommodation, and inter-island transport.
Travel Ideas for 2026 Philippine Holidays
Holy Week (April 2–5)
A major travel period, often associated with family visits or quiet retreats.
Popular options:
- Palawan for island-hopping and lagoons
- Bohol for beaches and countryside tours
- Baguio for cooler weather and parks
Independence Day Weekend (June 12–14)
Despite the start of the rainy season, many destinations remain accessible.
Popular options:
- Cebu for resort stays close to the airport
- Iloilo for heritage sites and food experiences
- Siargao for consistent surfing conditions
Ninoy Aquino Day Weekend (August 21–23)
A common mid-year break for short trips.
Popular options:
- Davao for city and nature experiences
- La Union for surfing and cafés
- Bacolod for food-focused travel
National Heroes Day Weekend (August 29–31)
The final major long weekend before the year-end holiday season.
Popular options:
- Boracay for easy beach access
- Cebu for flexible itineraries
- Tagaytay for cooler weather near Manila
Travel Preparation for Public Holidays
Holiday travel often results in crowded airports, longer queues, and high demand for flights and accommodation. Preparing documents early helps avoid delays, especially during Holy Week and year-end holidays. One essential requirement for international travelers entering or leaving the Philippines is the eTravel form.
eTravel Requirements for Visitors
All inbound and outbound travelers must complete the eTravel registration before flying. This digital form replaces paper arrival cards and speeds up airport processing.
What eTravel is:
A mandatory online form for immigration and health screening.
When to fill it out:
Complete it within 72 hours before arrival or before departure.
How to register
Visit: https://etravel.gov.ph. A QR code is generated after submission.
What travelers need
- Passport details
- Flight information
- Accommodation address
- Email address
- Mobile number
Connectivity During Travel
Using a reliable eSIM such as the Philippines eSIM from Eskimo can improve the travel experience during busy holiday periods. Eskimo offers several features that support both short weekend trips and longer holiday breaks.
Why connectivity matters during peak travel
- Airports and terminals become congested
- Mobile networks slow down in crowded destinations
- eTravel and booking platforms require online access
- Many travelers need stable data to navigate, book rides, or communicate
How Eskimo helps travelers during holidays
Eskimo provides practical advantages that match the needs of holiday travelers:
- Unused data rolls over when you top up, so your data does not go to waste after a short trip.
- Data can be transferred to friends or family members who are also traveling.
- New users receive 500 MB of free global data, which lets you test the service before buying a full plan.
- No physical SIM swap is needed, making it easier for travelers landing during peak hours.
- Instant activation ensures your device is ready before boarding or upon arrival.
These features reduce the stress of traveling during busy public holiday periods and make it easier to manage digital requirements.
FAQs
How many long weekends are there in the Philippines in 2026?
There are four confirmed long weekends in 2026: Holy Week, Independence Day, Ninoy Aquino Day, and National Heroes Day.
Will more holidays be added for 2026?
Yes. The government may declare additional special non-working days, particularly for Islamic holidays and major national events.
Is eTravel required for all international travelers?
Yes. All inbound and outbound travelers must complete the eTravel form before their flight.
When is the best time to prepare travel documents?
Ideally, one to two days before departure, especially during Holy Week and long weekends.
Do travelers need mobile data in the Philippines?
Yes. Mobile data is widely used for navigation, bookings, ride-hailing services, QR check-ins, and travel documentation.
