The Philippines offers much beauty and culture to experience! It’s no wonder so many travelers flock there each year, but is the Philippines safe? Before planning your getaway, ensure that you inform yourself of these travel safety tips when traveling to the Philippines.
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Is the Philippines Safe?
The links below will help you find up-to-date travel safety information for the Philippines so you can assess risks and better arrange your safe vacation.
Common Safety Concerns in the Philippines
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know about travel security in the Philippines. You see, while the Philippine islands are known for their stunning scenery and friendly vibes, there are things like crime, unrest, and natural hazards that you should keep in mind. Being clued in on these things helps you stay secure and make the most of your adventure. Don’t forget to check out our other destination guides.
Here are the top concerns when visiting the Philippines:
Terrorism: Terrorist threats have increased in the past years, so take extra precautions, don’t let your guard down, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
Civil unrest: The Philippines has experienced increased tension between the government and communist rebels, specifically in Manila over recent years. If you ever feel unsafe, you can visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Violence: Violence against women is an issue in the Philippines as well as human trafficking, homicide, child maltreatment, and youth violence. Although some of these numbers are decreasing, it’s worth being aware of these issues.
Petty crimes: In tourist areas, pickpocketing, theft, and scams are quite frequent. Also be wary of rape and physical injury, despite the rates of these issues decreasing.
Natural disasters: Since the Philippines is located along the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, two major fault lines, and has more than 20 active volcanoes, it’s extremely prone to acts of God such as cyclones, landslides, floods, earthquakes, and more.
Pro Tip: Get registered with the STEP program for free travel alerts about your destination before and during your trip.
Are the Philippines Safe for Tourists?
The short answer –yes, most tourists don’t encounter any issues during their trip to the Philippines. The country’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality continue to attract visitors from around the globe. Taking some time to understand the risks and how to mitigate them can save you from travel headaches later.
Like any destination, there are some specific areas of the Philippine islands you’ll want to avoid. These places currently have a “do not travel” warning:
Regions to Avoid
The Sulu Archipelago: due to increased crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping (often targeting US citizens).
Marawi City in Mindanao: due to increased terrorist groups and civil unrest in which civilians have lost their lies.
How Travel Insurance Can Bring Peace of Mind
Based on the above information, traveling to the Philippines isn’t without risk. Don’t let that stop you from making plans to visit! Travel insurance can protect against these sorts of risks in the following scenarios and emergencies:
A Terrorist Event Occurs Right Before Your Trip: Usually, you can cancel your trip if a terrorist event occurs at a destination on your trip itinerary within 30 days of your scheduled departure.
A Natural Disaster Affects Your Accommodations/Flights: Travel insurance typically applies, if the departing airport is closed to where you cannot reach your destination or your accommodations become uninhabitable due to a natural phenomenon.
Your Personal Belongings Are Stolen: If your personal items or baggage are stolen or lost during your trip, you could be reimbursed for the cost to replace that item. Keep in mind that you must notify the police about the incident for coverage to apply.
Political Tension Requires You Evacuate: Some policies coordinate and pay for a non-medical evacuation if a political crisis event causes you to be evacuated to a secure location.
Transportation Safety
Safest Modes of Getting Around
Secure mobility is a must anywhere you travel. In the Philippines, air travel is generally regarded as the safest and most efficient means of long-distance travel between the islands. For shorter distances, reputable bus companies and well-maintained ferries are viable options –just do your own research to verify they meet safety guidelines.
Navigating Traffic and Public Transportation
Navigating traffic in the Philippines requires extra caution and a little research beforehand. Urban regions often experience heavy traffic congestion, so you might want to travel during off-peak hours to avoid wasting your precious vacation time.
When using public transportation such as jeepneys, taxis, or tricycles, ensure that meters are used in taxis, and negotiate fares in advance for other modes of public transport.
Health and Hygiene Tips
Vaccinations
When traveling to the Philippines, it’s crucial to prioritize health precautions to avoid being stuck in your hotel room (or worse, a hospital) due to illness. This includes staying up to date on recommended vaccinations for the region, such as those for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus-diphtheria. Visiting the Philippine islands may require you to be vaccinated for yellow fever, even though it isn’t common there.
Tropical Diseases
The Philippines poses a risk of tropical diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Plan on using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning.
When traveling to the Philippines, it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites and stay updated on regional tropical diseases to lower the risk of getting sick.
Food Safety
Additionally, practicing food and water safety by consuming only sealed bottled water, and thoroughly cooked foods, and avoiding street vendor fare can significantly reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses.
Essential Medications
Furthermore, carrying essential medications, including any prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies for prevalent travel ailments, and a basic first-aid kit, is essential for addressing unexpected health concerns while abroad.
Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette
Learning a few easy to be culturally sensitive can go a long way, no matter where you’re traveling. Not only does this avoid any faux pas, but also helps show respect to the locals. Here are a few to note:
Tip #1: Filipinos greatly value hospitality, respect for elders, and close-knit family ties.
Tip #2: It’s customary to greet others with a warm smile and a friendly “hello” or “kumusta” (how are you?).
Tip #3: Remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
Tip #4: Demonstrating humility and politeness in social interactions.
Additionally, participating in traditional customs and celebrations, such as religious festivals, can help forge meaningful connections while showing appreciation for Filipino traditions.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Tips in the Philippines
If you’re traveling off the beaten path in the Philippines, we suggest doing your research and opt for local guides. Taking into account local customs, language, and practices, a guide can help create positive interactions with the community.
If you’re taking on adventure activities of higher risk like hiking with equipment or diving, you might want to consider obtaining travel insurance with a “hazardous sports” rider. This waives the normal exclusions to adventure or extreme activities so you can still get covered if you get injured during these activities.
Is the Philippines family-friendly?
Yes, this destination has over 7,000 islands offering various types of experiences for travelers of any age to enjoy. Discover activities and accommodations below that will suit your family’s needs.
🏨 Best Hotel Recommendations in the Philippines
🏖️ Top Things to Do in the Philippines
The helpful humans at Yonder can assist you in finding a policy that will meet the Philippine’s travel requirements or you can use our free quote tool to get started today!
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance.
Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
