The Philippines

The Philippines is a MEDIUM RISK country. Crime, terrorism, and environmental disasters are the primary concerns for travellers.

Essential Precautions:

• Avoid travelling through unlit areas or traveling alone at night.
• Keep track of bags, purses, and backpacks around crowded tourist areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests as they can often turn violent.
• Avoid street food in general and only drink bottled water.
• Avoid all travel to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
• Do not photograph government buildings or military installations.

Insurance becomes a priority if you intend to travel or work in The Philippines. Travelling to the Philippines generally offers a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, but there are still some risks to be aware of. The situation can change rapidly, so it's essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your government or reliable sources like the U.S. State Department or UK Foreign Office. Here are some factors to consider:

Natural Disasters

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Typhoon season typically runs from June to November, and earthquakes can occur throughout the year. While the government and local authorities take measures to mitigate the impact of these disasters, travellers should stay informed about weather conditions and follow any advice or warnings issued by local authorities.

Crime and Security

Petty and organised crime are problems in the Philippines, especially in Manila. The Philippines has one of the highest murder rates in Asia, with recent reports indicating a decline in overall crime rates, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams remain prevalent. Foreign nationals with perceived wealth may be targets for theft and armed robbery. Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, and the Sulu Sea represent a high-security risk. Piracy and kidnap-for-ransom incidents around the Sulu Archipelago by the Abu Sayyaf Group are common. Various terror groups are highly active on the island of Mindanao. Express kidnapping and kidnap-for-ransom are concerns in Metro Manila, but foreigners are seldom targeted. Political protests are common in Manila but are mostly peaceful and typically do not cause severe disruption.

Terrorism

While the risk of terrorism in the Philippines exists, it is mainly concentrated in certain regions, particularly in the southern part of the country. Groups like Abu Sayyaf and other Islamist militants have carried out attacks in the past, primarily in the Mindanao region. Travellers should avoid non-essential travel to areas with a known terrorist presence and follow government travel advisories.

Health Risks

The quality of health care is adequate in major urban centres, with a significant number of overseas-trained staff. Most clinics outside urban centres are unequipped to provide care above a basic level, and some rural areas lack any medical infrastructure. The WHO recommends vaccinations for travellers, especially for those visiting rural areas. Emergency response times in Manila can be slow due to traffic. Several mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, including dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. There is also a moderate risk of malaria, Zika, filariasis, and measles. Tap water is not safe to drink.

Transportation Safety

While the major highways are well maintained, the government has been working on infrastructure improvements in rural areas. However, travellers should remain cautious of aggressive driving and congested urban streets. Manila suffers from pervasive gridlock. The safety and reliability of public transportation is often poor, and pickpocketing is frequent. Ferries often operate under unsafe conditions and should be avoided. The power grid is mostly reliable.

Political Situation

The political situation in the Philippines can be contentious at times, with occasional protests and demonstrations, particularly in urban areas. While these events are usually peaceful, travellers should avoid participating in political activities and monitor local media for any developments that may affect their travel plans.

Cultural Sensitivities

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country with strong cultural and religious traditions. Travellers should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting religious sites.

Environmental Risk

Typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are the primary environmental risks in the Philippines. The country is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the most active seismic zone, and is therefore subject to volcanic eruptions and frequent severe earthquakes (on average one per month). Approximately 25 typhoons enter the waters surrounding the Philippines every year. In 2023, the government initiated new disaster response training programs aimed at improving recovery efforts following typhoons and earthquakes. Flooding occurs during the Philippines' monsoon season, which runs from November to April in the northeast and from May to October in the southwest. Poor infrastructure outside of cities is particularly affected by heavy rains, often resulting in road closures and serious infrastructure damage. Disaster management services often struggle to respond effectively in rural areas.
Overall, by staying informed, exercising common sense, and taking appropriate precautions, travellers can mitigate many of the risks associated with travelling to the Philippines and enjoy a memorable and rewarding experience in this beautiful and diverse country.

Choosing the Right Cover for Your Trip to The Philippines

Many insurers restrict cover for travel to The Philippines. It is vital to check that your policy includes journeys to this nation. Understand if your policy coverage includes medical expenses, repatriation, crisis management, and kidnap-for-ransom cover. Healthcare quality is inconsistent throughout the country, and depending on location, it may be necessary to evacuate you for medical and other critical care.

Required Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic country.

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Bring a necessary supply of prescription medication
• Bring a copy of your prescription in case medication is lost or stolen.
• Consider bringing mosquito repellent, long sleeves, and pants.

LGBT Travel Advice for The Philippines

The Philippines is generally a welcoming and tolerant country for LGBTQ+ travellers, especially in urban areas like Metro Manila and Cebu City. Overall, LGBTQ+ travellers can have a positive and fulfilling experience in the Philippines by exercising common sense, being mindful of local customs and attitudes, and seeking support from LGBTQ+ communities and resources when needed. While challenges exist, many LGBTQ+ individuals have found acceptance and belonging in Filipino society.