Fire and rescue services
Call 911.
Medical emergencies
Call 911.
Police
Call 117 for the Police National Operations Center hotline.
Or contact your nearest Philippines National Police (PNP) station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 117 for the Police National Operations Center hotline.
Or contact your nearest Philippines National Police (PNP) station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
See Safety.
Do not travel to:
due to the very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
See Safety.
Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands).
Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands), due to political violence and the threat of terrorism.
See Safety.
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, including Manila.
The Philippine media occasionally reports that terrorists may be planning attacks.
Possible targets for future attacks include places travellers and expats visit, such as:
To stay safe:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon at it's safe to do so.
These areas have a high threat of:
We continue to advise do not travel to central or western Mindanao. If despite our advice you visit these areas:
If you get into trouble, the Australian Government may be unable to help. In most cases, our ability to provide consular assistance in do not travel locations is extremely limited.
Any travel by Australian officials to do not travel locations is subject to high-level approval and is based on a rigorous risk assessment.
Terror attacks include:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Kidnapping can happen anywhere in the Philippines, including in metropolitan Manila. Kidnapping can be business, criminal or terrorism-related, and foreign nationals are affected. Kidnappings occur in rural, urban and coastal areas. Criminal kidnappers tend to target individuals perceived as wealthy. The threat is highest in central and western Mindanao, especially:
Locals, expatriates and foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in central and western Mindanao and in eastern Malaysia. Kidnappers sometimes hold victims for a long time, even for years, before releasing them. They sometimes kill their captives.
The threat of piracy in the southern Philippines is high, especially in the Sulu Archipelago.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, or rallies, and monitor local media for updated information. See our general information on staying safe in case of demonstrations.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people are not uncommon and can gather quickly. Sometimes they 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 occur between security forces and militants, throughout the country but especially in central and western Mindanao.
The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), operates throughout the Philippines. They are often involved in attacks targeting Philippine security forces.
In central and western Mindanao, armed clashes between rival clans and other armed groups are common, often resulting in deaths.
If you see a confrontation between police and criminals or between rival groups, leave the area straight away.
More information:
Violent crime is a serious problem in the Philippines.
Gun ownership is widespread and poorly regulated. This adds to the high rate of violent crime.
Gunfights between police and criminals have occurred in the past, including in tourist areas in Manila. People, including bystanders, have been killed or injured in such incidents.
Terrorist 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.
There have been instances where armed criminals have robbed and killed or injured people on:
Avoid travel on these forms of transport.
Gangs are active in Manila, and provincial resort towns.
Gangs can drug, rob or assault tourists.
Drink spiking can occur, including in areas frequented by foreigners in Metro Manila. To reduce the risk of drink spiking:
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, including in Manila. Be careful in crowded shopping malls, bars and nightclubs, and other public places.
Scams, including those involving property ownership, business ventures, credit cards and ATMs, are common. You should seek legal advice before committing to any major financial decision.
Online relationship and friendship scams are common. In the past, victims, which have included Australians, have been blackmailed or found themselves facing legal action.
Learn more about internet friendship, dating and marriage scams on ScamWatch.
To protect yourself from scams:
To protect yourself from crime:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
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:
Saltwater crocodiles are present in some locations in the Philippines, and fatal attacks have occurred. Ask for local advice, and don't swim in rivers or lagoons.
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 communications, including phones and internet. Transportation, including flights, may also be disrupted.
Heavy rain associated with typhoons may cause localised flooding and landslides.
If you're travelling during typhoon season:
If there's a typhoon:
Contact your airline or travel provider for the latest flight information.
More information:
The Philippines is located on the Ring of Fire. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common. Following an earthquake or volcanic eruption, there may be disruptions to essential services.
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.
The eruption of Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island on 3 June 2024 resulted in several domestic flight cancellations within the region.
On 12 January 2020, Taal Volcano, in the southern Luzon province of Batangas, erupted. Residents within 14 km were advised to evacuate, and ash clouds travelling over Manila affected both international and domestic flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
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 major volcanic activity, monitor warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
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.
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.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
If you need to speak to counselling services in the Philippines, contact the following:
You can also contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
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 medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Rabies is a risk throughout the Philippines, including in Manila.
To protect yourself from rabies:
Talk to your doctor about getting a pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you're planning to:
If bitten or scratched by an animal:
There have been recent measles outbreaks throughout the Philippines, including Manila.
In 2019, the Philippines reported more than 47,000 cases of measles and over 630 deaths. The Philippines Department of Health advised the outbreak was under control in April 2019; however, the outbreak declaration has not lifted.
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. This was declared to have ended in June 2021.
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 and Aged Care 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.
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:
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.
Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well-equipped and internationally accredited. Medical facilities in rural/regional areas may have limited services and facilities, including in some popular tourist destinations.
Most hospitals need up-front payment or guarantee of payment before they'll treat you. Treatment can be expensive.
Hospitals may cease treatment if ongoing bills are not settled. You should ensure you understand what your Philippine health fund or travel insurance provider will and will not cover.
Decompression chambers are available in:
It is common for decompression chambers not to be working.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
For a list of hospitals in the Philippines visit the Philippine Department of Health website.
You'll be 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, and you may be held in detention for a long time before your trial is finalised.
Australians accused of crimes have experienced financial and other difficulties while waiting for their cases to finish.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms, including life imprisonment, for even small amounts.
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. Sentences can include life imprisonment.
It's illegal to take photos of official buildings for publication.
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.
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 LGBTQIA+ rights.
Locals generally tolerate the LGBTQIA+ 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:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You are permitted to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of 30 days or less provided that you meet all of the requirements.
Failure to meet entry requirements may result in you being denied entry to the Philippines and detained until the next available flight to your port of departure or Australia, at your own expense.
See the following links for the latest information:
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) either online or in person 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:
Australians are permitted to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of 30 days or less provided that you meet all of the requirements.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you must have onward/return tickets for no later than 30 days from your arrival in the Philippines.
You must register at the eTravel online portal and complete the electronic health declaration checklist in order to receive a QR code for validation by the Bureau of Quarantine.
Children under 15 years of age may need a Waiver of Exclusion Ground if they're:
You should declare any:
Confirm requirements through your travel provider or nearest Philippine Embassy.
Check and fully understand the requirements of the airline you're travelling with, as their requirements may be different.
Failure to meet entry requirements may result in you being denied entry to the Philippines and detained until the next available flight to your port of departure or to Australia. This will be at your own expense.
You must register your departure from the Philippines on the eTravel online portal within 72 hours (but not less than 3 hours) before your scheduled departure.
Airlines and transiting country protocols may differ. It's important that you check and fully understand the requirements of the airline you are travelling with. You should also check requirements for the country you are transiting through.
You must have current visas and exit paperwork to depart. 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. You'll need to visit an immigration office in person to undertake biometrics. Allow enough time to complete the process at immigration office. For more information visit the Philippines Bureau of Immigration.
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.
Depending on your Philippine visa type (such as those issued by the Philippine Department of Justice (DoJ), the Philippine Board of Investments (BoI), the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)), you may need to obtain a Travel Pass from the Department that issued your visa in order to leave the Philippines. If you hold an ECC issued by the Bureau of Immigration you may be exempt from this requirement.
If you're leaving the Philippines from Mactan-Cebu or Clark International Airports, you need to pay a departure tax.
If transiting through a third country, ensure you have completed any forms to transit that country. Ensure you have six months validity on your passport.
All passengers transiting through the Philippines should ensure they meet all Philippine arrival requirements. Flight cancellations or delays have resulted in transit passengers who do not meet arrival requirements, having to remain inside the airport, sometimes for many days.
Airside transfer is not permitted between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 or 2 of NAIA. All travellers transiting to or from Terminal 3 must pass through Immigration and meet all Philippine arrival requirements. You should allow plenty of time for arrival formalities and check-in for your next flight.
If you're denied entry, the Australian Embassy is not able to intervene in any decisions made by the Bureau of Immigration.
You should discuss options for transit with your airline or travel agent.
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.
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:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
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.
Travelling in the Philippines takes longer than it does in Australia.
You can use a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) 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 more 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.
Be careful if using taxis and remain alert. Some taxis are unroadworthy or may be unsafe due to poor maintenance. There have been cases where drivers and their accomplices have robbed or harmed passengers. Avoid displaying money or jewellery in taxis and don't hand your mobile phone to your driver if asked.
Use ridesharing apps and Grab taxis (the equivalent of Uber) or hire cars sourced from hotels as a preference. 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 risks. 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.
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.
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
Email Consular assistance: Consular.Manila@dfat.gov.au
Email Passport enquiries: MNLA.Passports@dfat.gov.au
Email Notarial enquiries: Notarials.Manila@dfat.gov.au
Website: philippines.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in the Philippines
X: @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.