23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 117 for the Police National Operations Center hotline.
Or contact your nearest Philippines National Police (PNP) station.
Do not travel to the Philippines.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic, significant disruptions to global travel and very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping in:
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorist attacks, including bombings, are possible anytime, anywhere in the Philippines. This includes Manila.
We continue to receive information indicating terrorists may be planning attacks in the Philippines.
Possible targets for future attacks include places travellers and expats visit, such as:
These areas have a high threat of:
If you visit central or western Mindanao despite our advice:
Terror attacks include:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Business or criminal-related kidnapping can happen anywhere in the Philippines. The threat is highest:
Both locals and foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in central and western Mindanao and in eastern Malaysia. They may target popular tourist areas in:
Kidnappers sometimes hold victims for a long time, sometimes for years, before releasing them. They sometimes kill their captives.
Criminals also kidnap commercial seamen from cargo vessels in the area.
The Australian Government has a longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
The threat of piracy in the southern Philippines is very high, especially at coastal resorts and isolated coastal locations.
If you travel to the southern Philippines despite our advice:
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people are common and can turn violent.
It's illegal to take part in political rallies if you're not Filipino. Authorities may deport Australians or cancel their visas for being involved.
Armed clashes often occur between security forces and militants, especially in Mindanao and remote areas of northern Luzon.
The New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), which is associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines, operates throughout the Philippines. They are often involved in attacks targeting Philippine security forces.
Authorities suspect CPP-NPA militants were behind bomb attacks in Antipolo City and Masbate City in 2018.
In Mindanao, armed clashes between rival clans and other armed groups are also common. Sometimes clashes result in deaths and injuries.
If you see a confrontation between police and criminals or between rival groups, leave the area straight away.
More information:
Violent and other serious crime is a big problem in the Philippines.
Gangs are active in Manila, including in the central business district of Makati, and provincial resort towns.
Gangs can drug, rob or assault tourists.
To avoid drink spiking:
Gun ownership is widespread and poorly regulated. This adds to the high rate of violent crime.
Gunfights between police and criminals are not uncommon, including in tourist areas in Manila. People, including bystanders, are often killed or injured in such incidents.
Insurgent groups are sometimes involved in violent criminal activities in rural areas. They target business interests, including mining projects, for extortion.
Several Australians have died after property disputes turned violent.
Armed criminals sometimes rob and kill or injure people on:
Avoid travel on these forms of transport.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Be careful in crowded shopping malls and other public places.
Scams, including those involving business ventures, credit cards and ATMs, are common.
To protect yourself from scams:
To protect yourself from crime:
Swimming off coastal areas is risky.
Severe currents and rips are common in coastal areas. Many travellers have drowned, including at popular resorts.
Lifeguards are rarely available.
A red flag means you shouldn't enter the water.
If you plan on swimming:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes for adventure activities such as diving.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
The Philippines experiences frequent natural disasters and severe weather, including:
To protect yourself during a natural disaster:
Identify local sources of support and advice that can help you after a natural disaster.
If you're visiting after a natural disaster, contact your tour operator to check if services are affected.
Typhoons usually occur between late May and December and cause significant damage and disruption.
The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning.
Typhoons may disrupt telephone, internet and communications.
If you're travelling during typhoon season:
If there's a typhoon:
Contact your airline for the latest flight information.
More information:
The Philippines is located on the Ring of Fire. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common. It may take some time for full services to resume.
Monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has set up permanent danger zones (PDZ) around the summits of several volcanoes:
Avoid areas around all of these volcanoes.
Volcanic activity may increase with little or no notice. It may disrupt flights in the region. Individual airlines make their own decisions about flight operations. Contact your airline or tour operator for up-to-date information.
If there is any major volcanic activity:
Large and destructive tsunamis can happen.
If there's a tsunami warning:
Move to high ground straight away if:
Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.
*This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and if you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front.
Confirm:
If you travel to central and western Mindanao despite our advice, you'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to these areas.
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the Philippines. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
If you have concerns about your medication running low or not being able to top up your prescription with the same brand, you should seek local medical advice regarding alternative options and consult with your Australian doctor. Pharmacies are still operational.
More information:
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in the Philippines.
The Philippine Government has introduced community quarantine (lockdown) measures and other restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 (see Travel). Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but are limited outside cities.
For medical assistance, seek advice at hospitals or health centres nearest you. They may be able to assist with medication supplies if you’re running low. Pharmacies are still operational. Consult your doctor as well.
More information:
There is currently a measles outbreak throughout the Philippines, including Manila.
In 2018, the Philippines reported more than 17,000 cases of measles. The rate is increasing and causing deaths.
Get vaccinated against measles.
More information:
Polio is an infectious disease that can spread rapidly and mainly affects young children. It can cause muscle weakness, paralysis and, on rare occasions, it can be fatal. Make sure you're vaccinated against polio.
On 19 September 2019, the Philippines Department of Health reported a polio outbreak.
More information:
Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, filariasis, and other insect-borne illnesses are increasing in Manila and neighbouring provinces.
These illnesses are more common during the rainy season between May and December.
Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.
There's no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue or Zika virus.
If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:
To protect yourself from disease:
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to risk of infection.
Transmission rates between men who have sex with men are high.
Condoms may be difficult to find outside Manila.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including:
Serious outbreaks can occur.
Lakes and rivers can contain waterborne diseases, such as:
Risks are highest after flooding and continue after floods recede.
Swimmers in coastal resort areas have also reported illness from pollution.
To reduce your risk of illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
Ciguatera fish poisoning from eating reef fish can be a hazard.
More information:
Avian influenza occurs in farm birds.
To protect yourself from avian influenza:
When preparing food, handle poultry properly. Make sure you thoroughly cook all parts of the poultry.
Medical facilities are generally adequate in major cities; however, are stretched in response to COVID-19.
Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well-equipped and internationally accredited.
Most hospitals need up-front payment or guarantee of payment before they'll treat you. Treatment can be expensive.
Decompression chambers are available in:
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
If you're accused of a crime, authorities may not let you leave the Philippines until investigations and legal proceedings are finished.
The justice process can take a long time. Some court cases take years.
Australians accused of crimes have experienced financial and other difficulties while waiting for their cases to finish.
Quarantine measures and other restrictions are being enforced to curb the spread of COVID-19. There is an increased presence of law enforcement.
Penalties for drug offences are severe.
A major clampdown on drugs - the war on drugs - has been underway since 2016. There are mandatory jail sentences for possessing even small amounts of illicit drugs. Thousands have been arrested and a large number of people have been killed in drug-related violence.
More information:
The Philippines also has strong laws against child sex crimes and human trafficking. Authorities have arrested and prosecuted a number of foreigners, including Australians, for these offences.
It's illegal to take photos of official buildings for publication.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Local laws don't protect LGBTI rights.
Locals generally tolerate the LGBTI community. However, open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend.
More information:
The Philippines recognises dual nationality.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
To enter the Philippines, you must have an approved visa, or you will be refused entry. See the following links for the latest information:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
In ordinary circumstances, you won't need a visa if you plan to:
In ordinary circumstances, you'll need a visa if you're:
Ensure you keep your visa up to date. Failure to do so may result in you being:
Detention conditions in the Philippines do not compare with Australian standards, and deportation processes can be lengthy.
You can apply to extend your tourist visa (visa waiver) through the Philippines Bureau of Immigration and pay the appropriate fees.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Get further details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules from:
The Philippines has temporarily restricted entry to foreigners. You must have an approved visa, or you will be refused entry. See Department of Tourism Philippines for further information. The travel ban does not affect Filipino citizens.
A limited number of airlines are offering flights to Australia from Manila. Domestic flights to Manila are available. Be prepared for delays and disruptions.
If you're scheduled to fly out of the Philippines, confirm your itinerary and onward travel plans with your travel provider. Some countries and/or airlines may require a negative COVID-19 (PCR - test) result prior to travel. Confirm what personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for your flight such as a face mask or shield. You should also confirm with local authorities if a travel pass and health check is necessary to travel to the airport.
See our Transit Hubs Bulletin and subscribe to receive updates. Contact the Philippines Department of Tourism and airlines directly to determine your available options.
The Philippines has implemented a range of quarantine measures and other restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 throughout the Philippines, which change regularly. You should ensure you understand the requirements where you are staying. You must wear a face mask and shield whenever you leave your accommodation.
If you're staying in the Philippines, familiarise yourself with relevant Philippines Government Community Quarantine measures and follow the advice of local authorities for specific restrictions in your area such as barangay clearances, health certificates or travel movements. You should also:
Our ability to provide consular assistance is likely to be limited during the Community Quarantine period due to movement and other restrictions. The Australian Embassy in Manila has emailed Australians known to be in the Philippines with more detailed advice. Visit the Embassy website or Facebook page for the full text of the email and to subscribe to any further updates from the Embassy.
More information:
On arrival you'll need to complete a ‘Case Investigation form’, and undergo COVID-19) testing and complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine at an accredited hotel/facility. You'll need to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and your quarantine.
All foreign nationals (except 9(e) visa holders) shall present evidence of pre-booked accommodation for at least 7 nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility at the Immigration counters for initial check. Those who fail to present evidence of pre-booked accommodation shall be denied entry and shall be boarded immediately in the next available flight.
In ordinary circumstances, Immigration authorities may ask for proof of an onward or return ticket.
Children under 15 years of age may need a Waiver of Exclusion Ground if they're:
Declare any:
You may need an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Philippines Bureau of Immigration before you leave the Philippines if you have stayed in the Philippines for more than six months. Allow enough time to complete the process at immigration office.
Children born in the Philippines who are leaving the country for the first time on a foreign passport will need an ECC.
You must pay any outstanding visa fees or fines or risk not being able to depart the country. You may be detained by the Philippine Government and subject to a lengthy deportation process.
You must have no outstanding legal issues or court cases. You need to contact the relevant court or the Bureau of Immigration to confirm that you do not have any travel restrictions (Hold Departure Order; Watchlist and Blacklist).
Check the Philippines Bureau of Immigration website for more detailed information or make an appointment to settle your visa issues.
If you're leaving the Philippines from Mactan-Cebu or Clark International Airports, you need to pay a departure tax.
If you leave from Nino Aquino International airport in Manila, there's no departure tax.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
If you need to renew or replace your passport, please contact the Australian Embassy directly for advice about how we can assist you with your passport during COVID-19 restrictions in the Philippines.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If you lose your passport on arrival into the Philippines, before passing through Immigration, you'll be refused entry to the Philippines. You'll be sent back to your port of origin by Philippine Government and the Australian Government is unable to help.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). You can easily convert AUD for PHP at airports, banks, shopping centres, tourist locations, in major cities and towns.
ATMs are widely available. International credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants and higher-end shops, particularly in cities and larger towns. However, it is advisable to keep some cash. Card skimming occurs.
You can use an Australian driver's licence for up to 90 days after you arrive. After that, you need to get a Philippines licence.
More information:
Roads are generally congested and often in poor condition. Drivers often break the road rules.
Avoid driving off the national highways and other sealed roads, especially at night.
You're 2 times as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in the Philippines than in Australia.
More information:
Certified helmets are mandatory when riding in major cities. Accidents are frequent.
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike and if any exclusions apply. You might not be covered if you don't have a valid Australian motorcycle licence.
Use ridesharing apps and Grab taxis sourced from hotels. They're more reliable than taxis hailed on the street.
Public road (bus, jeepneys) and rail transport is widely used throughout the country but should be avoided due to safety and security. See Safety.
More information:
Sea travel in the Philippines can be hazardous.
Avoid ferries if you can.
If you must travel by sea:
Piracy and kidnapping occur in Philippine waters. See Safety
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check the Philippines' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network website.
Qatar and ANA currently offer non-direct routes to Australia from Manila.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 117 for the Police National Operations Center hotline.
Or contact your nearest Philippines National Police (PNP) station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, see contact details below.
Level 23
Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, 1200, Philippines
Phone: (+63 2) 7757 8100
Fax: (+63 2) 7757 8344
Website: philippines.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in the Philippines
Twitter: @AusAmbPH
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.