Philippines

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:

• transport hubs and the metro system
• hotels, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, bars and markets
• schools
• places of worship
• outdoor recreation events
• other tourist areas

Mindanao and the southern Philippines

These areas have a high threat of:

• terrorist attacks
• kidnapping
• piracy 
• violent crime
• violent clashes between armed groups

Martial law

Martial law is in place in Mindanao until 31 December 2019.

Authorities have increased powers to:

• detain suspects
• put in place curfews and checkpoints

Monitor media reports. Do what local authorities say.

If you visit central or western Mindanao despite our advice:

• get professional security advice
• have effective personal security measures in place

Recent terror attacks

Recent terror attacks include:

• On 7 September 2019, a bomb blast in a public market in Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao injured 7 people.
• On 28 June 2019, several soldiers and civilians were killed in a suicide bombing at the entrance to a military base at Indanan in Sulu, Mindanao.
• On 30 January 2019, a grenade attack at the Mahardika mosque in Zamboanga City, Mindanao killed 2 people and injured others.
• On 27 January 2019, a bomb attack at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, Mindanao, killed more than 27 people and injured many more.
• On 31 December 2018, a bomb exploded at the South Seas Mall in Cotabato City, Mindanao killing 2 people and injuring 28 others. Authorities found another bomb at the same shopping mall, and carried out a controlled explosion.
• On 6 September 2018, a military operation in Sultan Dumalondong, Mindanao, killed 6 people.
• On 2 September 2018, an explosion in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao, killed 2 people and injured at least 14.
• On 31 July 2018, a vehicle bomb attack in Basilan, Mindanao, left 11 people dead and others injured.
• In April 2017, Philippines police and military clashed with heavily armed people in Inabanga, Bohol, Central Visayas. Casualties occurred.
• In December 2016, a bombing at a boxing tournament at Plaza Rizal, Hilongos, in Leyte injured several people.
• In November 2016, terrorists planted a bomb near the US Embassy in Manila.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Business or criminal-related kidnapping can happen anywhere in the Philippines. The threat is highest:

• along the Zamboanga Peninsula
• in the Sulu Archipelago

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:

• southern Palawan
• Bohol
• southern Negros
• southern Cebu
• Siquijor

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:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• avoid isolated coastal locations, especially after dark
• avoid travelling by boat, especially in the Sulu Archipelago and between Sabah, Malaysia, and Palawan in the Philippines
• check the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Travelling by boat

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

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:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
• if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
• stick with people you trust in bars, nightclubs and taxis

Gun ownership is widespread and poorly regulated. This adds to the high rate of violent crime.

Gunfights between police and criminals are common, including in tourist areas in Manila. People are often killed or injured, including bystanders.

Insurgent groups are sometimes involved in violent criminal activities operate 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:

• buses
• the metro
• jeepneys

Avoid travel on these forms of transport.

Petty crime and scams

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:

• undertake due diligence when entering into business ventures
• only use ATMs in secure locations such as banks, shops and shopping centres
• always keep your debit and credit cards in sight

To protect yourself from crime:

• always keep your personal belongings close, especially in crowded areas
• monitor local sources for information about new security risks

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:

• take extra care when swimming off coastal areas
• never swim after dark or after consuming alcohol
• don't swim where there are red flags
• get local advice before swimming

Tours and adventure activities

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:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

The Philippines experiences frequent natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• typhoons
• volcanic eruptions
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

To protect yourself during a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor news and other weather information sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities
• have a plan of what to do
• keep in touch with friends and family

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

Typhoons usually occur between late May and December. Many people die during typhoons.

Tropical storms, flooding and landslides are also common during this period.

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:

• know your accommodation's evacuation plans
• identify your local shelter
• check the latest typhoon information at the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre

If there's a typhoon:

• adequate shelter may not be available
• flights and ferries could be delayed or suspended and travel could be unsafe
• available flights and ferries may fill quickly
• ports could be affected

Contact your airline for the latest flight information.

More information:

• National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)
• Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

Earthquakes and volcanoes

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.

• In April 2019, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the northern Luzon region. It damaged infrastructure and disrupted essential services, including transport.

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:

• Mayon volcano in Albay Province has an 8km PDZ
• Bulusan volcano has a 4km PDZ
• the entire volcanic island of Taal is a PDZ

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:

• monitor warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
• follow the advice for all natural disasters listed above

Tsunamis

Large and destructive tsunamis can happen.

If there's a tsunami warning:

• check the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre website regularly
• follow the advice of local authorities

Move to high ground straight away if:

• you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• you feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• you see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• you hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

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.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

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:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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.

Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medicine

Measles

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:

• Philippine Department of Health
• Australian Department of Health

Polio

On 19 September 2019, the Philippines Department of Health reported a polio outbreak. The local authorities are taking measures to limit the spread of the disease.

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.

More information:

• Australian Department of Health
• World Health Organization

Insect-borne illnesses

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.

The Philippines Department of Health  has declared a national dengue fever epidemic following an increase in case cases in the first half of 2019. There's no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue.

Zika virus is widespread in the Philippines. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Dengue Fact Sheet - WHO
• Dengue cases snapshot - UN

HIV/AIDS

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.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• meningitis 
• rabies

Serious outbreaks can occur.

Lakes and rivers can contain waterborne diseases, such as:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• leptospirosis

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:

• drink boiled water or water from bottles with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water sources
• always check with local authorities before swimming in waters
• don't go near dogs and other mammals

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.

Fish poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning from eating reef fish can be a hazard.

More information:

• Queensland Health ciguatera information

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Avian influenza occurs in farm birds.

To protect yourself from avian influenza:

• stay away from live poultry
• don't visit live bird and animal markets, including 'wet' markets and poultry farms

When preparing food, handle poultry properly. Make sure you thoroughly cook all parts of the poultry.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities. However, facilities are limited in country areas and on remote islands.

Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well-equipped and internationally accredited.

There are decompression chambers in:

• Makati City
• Cebu City
• Batangas City
• Subic
• Quezon City

Most hospitals need up-front payment or guarantee of payment before they'll treat you. Treatment can be expensive.

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.

Drugs

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:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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:

• Staying within the law

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:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

The Philippines recognises dual nationality.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

You won't need a visa if you plan to:

• visit for tourism or business
• stay less than 30 days

You'll need a visa if you're:

• staying for longer
• visiting for another reason, such as work or study

Ensure you keep your visa up to date.  Failure to do so may result in you being:

• arrested
• detained in immigration detention
• deported back to Australia at your cost
• blacklisted from future travel to the Philippines

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 nearest embassy or consulate of the Philippines
• the Philippines Bureau of Immigration website

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:

• not accompanied by a parent
• coming to meet a parent or parents in the Philippines

Declare any:

• local cash of more than PHP50,000 to Bureau of Customs officers at the airport when you arrive or leave
• amounts of more than $US10,000 or of the same value in a different foreign currency
• this covers all forms of currency, not only cash

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.

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.

If you're leaving the Philippines from Mactan-Cebu International airport, you need to pay a departure tax.

If you leave via Manila International airport, there's no departure tax.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen passport

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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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. 

Driving permit

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:

• Land Transportation Office

Road travel

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:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

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.

Taxis

Use ridesharing apps and Grab taxis sourced from hotels. They're more reliable than taxis hailed on the street.

Public transport

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:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Sea travel in the Philippines can be hazardous.

Avoid ferries if you can.

If you must travel by sea:

• use a ferry service with a good reputation
• don't use ferries that are overcrowded and appear poorly maintained
• take your own lifejacket

Piracy and kidnapping occur in Philippine waters. See Safety

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

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.

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.

Australian Embassy, Manila

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

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia