Military action is underway in Ukraine. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until it’s safe to depart.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until you judge it’s safe to depart. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. Where it is safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine.
Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.
The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Information may change and will be updated as details become available. You should also read the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to - entry requirements may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Before leaving Ukraine, verify if the local authorities of your destination have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
Read our advice about Ukraine border regions.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 117 for the Police National Operations Center hotline.
Or contact your nearest Philippines National Police (PNP) station.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Philippines overall due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Philippines overall due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Do not travel to:
due to the very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
See Safety.
Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao.
Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao 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. 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:
Kidnapping can happen anywhere in the Philippines. Kidnapping can be business, criminal or terrorist-related. The threat is highest in central or western Mindanao, especially:
Locals, expatriates and foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in central and western Mindanao and in eastern Malaysia. In the past, kidnappers have targeted popular tourist areas in:
Kidnappers sometimes hold victims for a long time, sometimes for years, before releasing them. They sometimes kill their captives.
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:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, or rallies, and monitor local media for updated information. See our general information on demonstrations.
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 occur between security forces and militants, throughout the country but especially in 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.
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, 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 and other serious crime is a serious 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.
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.
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 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. Australian victims of these scams may be blackmailed, or find 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:
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 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.
All foreign nationals entering the Philippines visa-free must have travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of $US35,000 (see Travel).
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 1000s 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 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 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 Philippines has implemented a range of restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country, which change regularly. These measures may be different in each province and barangay (see Travel). Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Medical facilities are generally adequate in major cities but are limited outside cities. Medical facilities have been stretched due to COVID-19. You may be turned away due to a hospital’s capacity being reached.
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. Consult your doctor as well.
For information on the Philippines's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Philippines Department of Health. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
To obtain a COVID-19 test, visit the Licensed COVID-19 Testing Laboratories in the Philippines | Department of Health website for a list of accredited testing laboratories in the Philippines.
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 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. 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 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.
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. Medical facilities in rural/regional areas may have limited services and facilities, including in some popular tourist destinations.
In December 2021, Typhoon Odette (Rai) made landfall on Siargao Island in the south east of the Philippines, before moving across the Philippines. Infrastructure in affected regions remain affected, including medical facilities, particularly in the Siargao/Dinagat districts.
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.
For a list of hospitals in the Philippines visit the Philippine Department of Health website.
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 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.
COVID-19
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. These measures may be different in each province and barangay (see Travel).
You must wear a face mask if you leave your accommodation. Face shields may be required in certain situations.
Some venues/restaurants may request proof of vaccination prior to entry. You should carry a copy of your vaccination status with you and be prepared to show it.
Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities. There is an increased presence of law enforcement.
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.
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:
Fully vaccinated Australians 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.
See the following links for the latest information:
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:
All arrivals
If you're entering the Philippines visa-free you must have travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of $US35,000 for the duration of your stay.
You must download and register an account in the Traze Contact Tracing mobile App before entry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Manila Terminals.
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 One Health Pass online portal and complete the electronic health declaration checklist in order to receive a QR code for validation by the Bureau of Quarantine.
You should present a negative result of a RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure, or a negative rapid antigen test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishment, taken within 24 hours of departure. Children aged three and below are exempt from testing requirements.
International transit is not permitted between Terminal 3, and Terminal 1 or 2. All travellers arriving at Terminal 3 must pass through Immigration and meet all Philippine arrival requirements.
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.
For more information, see the latest IATF Resolution.
Fully vaccinated travellers
Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to quarantine on arrival. However, you should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and report any symptoms to local government.
Fully vaccinated 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.
You must have the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19, recognized under existing regulations by the Philippines Inter-Agency Task Force:
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals must have an approved visa as well as a travel exemption. You may be refused entry without these. The Australian Embassy is not able to intervene in any decisions made by the Bureau of Immigration if you're denied entry.
Children under 12 years of age are exempt from the requirement of full vaccination and providing proof of vaccination.
Unvaccinated individuals may be required to undergo COVID-19 (PCR) testing and facility-based and/or home quarantine.
You may be required to present evidence of pre-booked accommodation for the duration of your anticipated quarantine in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility at the Immigration counters. Those who fail to present evidence of pre-booked accommodation may be denied entry and will be boarded immediately on the next available flight.
You may need to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and quarantine. Follow the Philippine Department of Tourism for the latest advice, including information on when an individual may be considered as fully vaccinated.
The Philippines has implemented a range of restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19. These apply throughout the Philippines and can change regularly. These may be different in each province and barangay.
For detailed advice refer to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). The IATF publishes resolutions outlining the current quarantine levels and other specific restrictions. The Philippine COVID-19 website details what these levels mean for you.
Follow the Philippine Department of Tourism for advice on access to transport, food, accommodation and medication.
You must wear a face mask whenever you leave your accommodation. Face shields may be required in certain situations.
You should also:
Our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited if movement and other restrictions are re-introduced. Visit the Embassy website or Facebook page for more information and to subscribe to updates from the Embassy.
Each provincial area (Barangay) is managing and implementing their own quarantine measures. We recommend you contact your local Barangay or Local Government Unit. Seek their advice on whether you need travel passes, medical clearances, quarantine and negative COVID-19 tests to travel around.
Fully vaccinated individuals may be exempt from some of these measures. You may need to show proof you are fully vaccinated.
If you obtained your vaccination abroad, you may need your international vaccination evidence verified by the Bureau of Quarantine on arrival in the Philippines. Australian-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates meet current entry requirements.
Several airlines are operating commercial flights with connections to Australia. Contact a travel agent or call airlines directly to explore all flight options available. Be prepared for delays, disruptions and cancellations.
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 download and register an account in the Traze Contact Tracing mobile App before entry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Manila Terminals.
You must also 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.
Contact your local Barangay or Local Government Unit and seek their advice on whether travel passes, medical clearances, quarantine and negative COVID-19 tests are required in order for you to travel around or to the airport.
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.
Confirm with local authorities if a travel pass and health check is necessary to travel to the airport.
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.
The wearing of masks is mandatory for all international and domestic flights to and within Australia.
Transit restrictions may be in place. You should discuss options for transit with your airline or travel agent.
More information:
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:
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.
Domestic travel may be disrupted due to COVID-19 movement and other restrictions (see Travel).
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
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.