- We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack and the high level of serious crime.
- Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
- Violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines. See the Safety and security section.
- We strongly advise you not travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups.
- On 29 May 2013, the US Embassy in Manila issued a message to warn its citizens in the Philippines of a credible kidnap threat against foreigners in Zamboanga in Mindanao.
- We continue to see reports indicating that militants based in the southern Philippines are planning to kidnap Westerners. If you are in central or western Mindanao, you are strongly advised to leave immediately.
- There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern Philippines, including coastal and island tourist resorts, dive sites, and live-aboard dive boats including in remote locations in the Sulu Sea. Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners from these areas in the past. If you decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance. See our Kidnapping threat travel bulletin.
- Recent bombings and kidnappings in Zamboanga demonstrate a heightened threat environment in that area. Possible targets include locations where people gather, which may include hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and educational and government facilities in and around Zamboanga City.
- Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners. You should avoid places known to be terrorist targets. See the Safety and security section.
- In February 2012, two foreign nationals were kidnapped in the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi Tawi province), close to the border with Malaysia. In December 2011, an Australian citizen was kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay. In July 2011, two US citizens and their Filipino relative were kidnapped from an island near Zamboanga City. Other recent kidnappings in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago have involved Philippine nationals and citizens of China, Korea, Malaysia, India and Japan.
- We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao (including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur) due to the very high levels of violent crime.
- The typhoon season normally runs from late May to early December. This is also the rainy season when tropical storms, flooding and landslides may occur.
- The Philippine Government put in place enhanced security measures around the May 2013 congressional and local government elections. These enhanced measures include a ban on bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons. The enhanced measures will remain in place until 13 June 2013.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines for the most up-to-date information.
The Philippine Government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws. You should ensure you have proper and valid visas and remain aware of your visa status while in the Philippines. Immigration authorities may require travellers to show proof of an onward or return ticket. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the Philippines. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Australians have been detained for having improper visas or violating immigration laws. Offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation and may also be prohibited from entering the Philippines in the future. If you have any concerns about the status of your Philippine visa or if you want to extend your visa, you should refer to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website.
A terminal fee is payable at the airport on departure from the Philippines.
Children under 15 unaccompanied by a parent or coming to meet a parent or parents in the Philippines must present a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines for more details.
Safety and security
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack and high level of serious crime.
Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Terrorist attacks, including bombings, are possible anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
In January 2011, a public bus was bombed in Makati, central Manila. Five people were killed and more than a dozen injured.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls (including mega malls), markets, embassies, expatriate housing complexes, hostels, guest houses, clubs, hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, bars, pubs, cinemas, convention centres, places of worship, public transport including buses and bus terminals, ferries and trains, schools, universities, tourist areas, festivals, outdoor recreation and major sporting events. Infrastructure associated with the Philippines Government such as airports, airfields, sea ports, railways, roads, military facilities, oil depots, power and telecommunications facilities and public buildings are also potential terrorist targets.
There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern Philippines, including coastal and island tourist resorts, dive sites, and live-aboard dive boats including in remote locations in the Sulu Sea. If you decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you to have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
Central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago:
We strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao (including the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, Misamis Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and surrounding waters) due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. If you are in central and western Mindanao, you should leave immediately.
Recent bombings and kidnappings in Zamboanga demonstrate a heightened threat environment in that area. Possible targets include locations where people gather, which may include hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and educational and government facilities in and around Zamboanga City. Armed clashes between Philippine security forces and insurgent groups could occur without warning, particularly in central or western Mindanao. Armed clashes between rival clans and other armed groups occur frequently in central and western Mindanao, often resulting in multiple deaths and injuries and the displacement of local populations.
Terrorist attacks are frequent in central and western Mindanao.
- In November 2011, a bomb exploded in a guest house in Zamboanga City, killing three people and injuring more than 20.
- In March 2011, a bomb exploded outside a school in Jolo City, killing at least five people.
- In October 2010, a bomb exploded aboard a rural bus in North Cotabato, killing ten passengers and injuring 31.
- In August 2010, a bomb exploded at Zamboanga City International Airport killing two and injuring a number of people, including a foreigner.
- In April 2010 attacks targeting a church and sporting centre in Isabela City killed 15 people and injured a number of others.
- In July 2009, a bomb exploded opposite a cathedral in Cotabato City, which killed six people and injured 40.
Credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stages of planning attacks. Attacks may be imminent and could occur at anytime, anywhere in central or western Mindanao. Attacks could occur in the lead up to and following religious celebrations.
There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines. The risk is higher in the south, particularly in central and western Mindanao, where terrorists and kidnap-for-ransom gangs targeting foreigners can operate across a wide area. We continue to see reports indicating that militants based in the southern Philippines are planning to kidnap Westerners. If you are in central or western Mindanao, you are strongly advised to leave immediately.
On 29 May 2013, the US Embassy in Manila issued a message to warn its citizens in the Philippines of a credible kidnap threat against foreigners in Zamboanga in Mindanao.
Numerous locals and foreigners have been kidnapped in central and western Mindanao, including in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. In February 2012, two foreign nationals were kidnapped in the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi Tawi province), close to the border with Malaysia. In December 2011, an Australian citizen was kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay. In July 2011, two US citizens and their Filipino relative were kidnapped from an island near Zamboanga City. Other recent kidnappings in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago have involved Philippine nationals and citizens of China, Korea, Malaysia, India and Japan, among others. Tourists were also kidnapped from a coastal resort in Palawan in 2001.
Kidnap victims are sometimes held in captivity for long periods of time before being released. Others have been killed by their captors, most recently in November 2011.
Many of these kidnappings involved the deliberate targeting of foreign nationals, highlighting the seriousness of this continuing threat to Westerners, particularly in central and western Mindanao. Tourists and local residents have also been kidnapped from coastal areas in nearby Malaysia.
If, despite our very strong advice against travel, you decide to visit central or western Mindanao, you should put in place robust measures to ensure your personal security, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping threat travel bulletin.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
Insurgent groups operate in rural areas throughout the Philippines and are involved in attacks on targets primarily associated with the security forces. Due to the risk of violent insurgent attack that exists in rural areas across the Philippines, you should exercise caution when travelling and avoid, where possible, security forces facilities and deployments.
You should avoid any large gatherings, demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public and political events as they may turn violent. You should monitor the media for information about any protests or political rallies and follow the advice of authorities.
The Philippine Government put in place enhanced security measures around the May 2013 congressional and local government elections. These enhanced measures include a ban on bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons. The enhanced measures will remain in place until 13 June 2013.
In November 2009, at least 57 people were abducted and killed in the province of Maguindanao on the island of Mindanao in what appeared to be a politically-motivated attack.
A state of emergency remains in effect in Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines. Criminal gangs that drug and rob or assault unsuspecting tourists are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and in provincial resort towns.
Random acts of violence occur frequently in the Philippines. In May 2012, a grenade exploded in Iligan City resulting in two deaths and 24 people injured. In April 2012, two explosions occurred in tourist areas of the island of Palawan, one in Puerto Princessa and one in El Nido, causing a number of injuries. In September 2010, a grenade was thrown into a large gathering of university students in Manila, seriously injuring a number of people. Other grenade attacks, the result of domestic grievances, have occurred in parts of Metro Manila frequented by foreigners.
As in many other big cities, street crime is of concern particularly in crowded shopping malls and other public places. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and a range of scams, including those involving credit cards and automated teller machines, are common.
Gun ownership is widespread and poorly regulated, contributing to a higher incidence of violent crime. Gunfights between police and criminals are common, including in parts of Manila frequented by foreigners. These incidents often result in multiple deaths and injuries, sometimes including innocent bystanders. If you witness a confrontation between police and criminals, you should leave the area immediately.
Taxis sourced from hotels are more reliable than those hailed on the street.
Avoid travel on public buses, light rail and jeepneys where possible as opportunistic crime may occur. Armed hold-ups have occurred and in some cases have led to fatalities.
Insurgent groups operate in rural areas throughout the Philippines and are involved in violent criminal activities. Extortion activities involving violence occur regularly and are often aimed at business interests, including mining projects. In October 2007, a large group of armed men attacked an Australian-controlled mining operation in Camarines Norte, about 200km south-east of Manila. Valuables were seized and property destroyed. Similar attacks have occurred around the Australian-controlled Tampakan mine site in South Cotabato, Mindanao.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao (including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur) due to very high levels of violent crime. Australians travelling in these areas should ensure that they have appropriate personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Sea travel in the Philippines is hazardous. You should not travel on ferries unless no other means of travel are available. Ferries are often overloaded, lack necessary lifesaving equipment and are not adequately maintained. Storms can develop quickly. More than 900 people were rescued and there were a number of fatalities when a ferry sank while travelling from General Santos City to Iloilo in September 2009. In June 2008, a ferry travelling between Manila and Cebu capsized during a typhoon. Around 800 passengers and crew died. For further information, please refer to our Travelling by boat page
Standards maintained by search and rescue services, transport services and tour operators, including adventure activities such as scuba diving, may not be comparable to those in Australia. Check operators' credentials and safety equipment beforehand and ensure your travel insurance policy covers your planned activities.
For information on road safety, see our page on road travel.
Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) assesses the safety of all aircraft flying within, to and from Australia. CASA has certified Philippine Airlines to operate flights between Australia and the Philippines. CASA cannot assess the safety of any Philippine carriers operating within the Philippines or to other countries. On 30 March 2010 the European Union imposed an operating ban on all carriers licensed in the Philippines. The European Union (EU) website has a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO. The FAA has determined that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is not in compliance with ICAO safety standards for the oversight of Philippine air carrier operations. For more information, visit the FAA website.
The US Embassy in Manila has advised US citizens travelling to and from the Philippines to fly directly to their destination on international carriers whenever possible.
For further information on aviation safety and security, please refer to our air travel page.
When you are in the Philippines, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Judicial process in the Philippines can be lengthy, with some court cases taking years to complete. During this time authorities may place restrictions on international travel. Australians who are accused of crimes can find themselves in financial and other difficulties while their case is ongoing and may not be able to depart the Philippines until the process has been concluded.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possession of even small amounts of so-called 'soft drugs' attracts mandatory jail sentences.
It is illegal to take photographs of official buildings for publication.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
The Philippines also has strong laws against child sex crimes and human trafficking. A number of foreigners, including Australians, have been prosecuted for these offences in the Philippines.
Information for dual nationals
Our Dual nationals page provides information for dual nationals.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.
Medical facilities in the Philippines are adequate in major cities but are very limited in provincial regions and remote islands. Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well equipped and internationally accredited. Most hospitals will require up-front payment or guarantee of payment prior to commencing treatment, which can be expensive. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the required facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs are considerable.
Malaria is endemic in many provincial regions of the Philippines but does not affect the capital Manila. Dengue fever has been on the rise in Manila and neighbouring provinces along with outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases (including Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) in many areas particularly during the rainy season between June and November. There is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue. We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria where necessary. You should take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and leptospirosis.
Following flooding, travellers should be aware of the potential for outbreaks of leptospirosis and gastro-related illnesses. You should be aware that the high risk of contracting a water-borne disease continues after floods recede. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Ciguatera poisoning from eating reef fish can be a hazard. For more information on ciguatera poisoning see Queensland Health's fact sheet (pdf).
Decompression chambers are located in Manila, Cebu, Batangas, Subic and Palawan.
Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. For further information, see the Australasian College of Dermatologists' website.
Where to get help
In the Philippines, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy, Manila
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, 1200 PHILIPPINES
Telephone: (63 2) 7578 100
Facsimile: (63 2) 7578 344
If you are travelling to the Philippines, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Typhoons: Typhoons usually occur in the Philippines between late May and early December and can result in substantial loss of life. This is also the wet season when tropical storms, flooding and landslides are common.
Australians are encouraged to monitor bulletins issued by the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and to take appropriate safety measures. You can also check the weather updates at typhoon2000. Telephone and internet communications, services and transport may be disrupted in affected areas.
If you are travelling during typhoon season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.
The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning. You can check the latest typhoon information from the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre and Asia Pacific Disaster Alerts. For typhoon and other weather alerts in the Philippines, visit the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website or call its hotline on +63 2 4338526.
In the event of an approaching typhoon, you should identify your local shelter. Flights and ferry services in and out of affected areas can be unsafe and could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline or ferry operator for the latest information. The typhoon could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should review and follow hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our severe weather page.
Earthquakes and volcanoes: Parts of the Philippines are subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The Mayon, Taal and Bulusan volcanoes have a permanent danger zone (PDZ) established around their summits by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Mayon volcano in Albay Province has a PDZ of six kilometres, Bulusan volcano has four kilometre PDZ and the entire volcanic island of Taal is a PDZ. You should avoid areas surrounding these volcanoes. In the event of major volcanic activity, you should follow the advice of local authorities and monitor warnings issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Tsunamis: All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
If a natural disaster occurs, you should monitor the media and other local sources of information closely and follow the advice of local authorities.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with children page.