Security and orientation briefing: in Philippines

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War.  Led by Emilio AGUINALDO, the Filipinos conducted an insurgency against US rule from 1899-1902, although some fighting continued in outlying islands as late as 1913. In 1935, the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. The islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence.

Twenty-one years of authoritarian rule under Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Several coup attempts hampered her presidency, and progress on political stability and economic development faltered until Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. The US closed its last military bases on the islands the same year. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. His vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, succeded him in 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected president in 2004. Corruption allegations marred her presidency, but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction after the 2008 global financial crisis. Benigno AQUINO III was elected as president in 2010, followed by Rodrigo DUTERTE in 2016. During his term, DUTERTE pursued a controversial drug war that garnered international criticism for alleged human rights abuses. Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. was elected president in 2022 with the largest popular vote in a presidential election since his father's ouster.

For decades, the country has been challenged by armed ethnic separatists, communist rebels, and Islamic terrorist groups, particularly in the southern islands and remote areas of Luzon.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago

FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao, except for:

• Camiguin Island
• Dinagat Island
• Siargao Island

This advice is due to terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups in south Philippines.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Typhoons

Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons happen between June and November. Follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the progress of storms on the Philippines state weather agency and the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. You can find updates on typhoon2000.ph, or follow @Typhoon2k on X.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Commercial options to depart the Philippines remain available, but your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Demonstrations

Large-scale demonstrations are expected over the coming weeks in Metro Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines.

Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities. Demonstrations may lead to travel disruption. You should allow extra time for journeys and monitor local media for updates.

See Safety and security for more information on demonstrations and rallies in the Philippines.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:  

• see general advice for women travellers 
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad 
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers  
• read about safety for solo and independent travel 
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Philippines

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the Philippines.

FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao, except for:

• Camiguin Island
• Dinagat Island
• Siargao Island

This advice is due to terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups in south Philippines.

Terrorist attacks occur frequently in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. While attacks primarily target Filipino security forces, certain groups operating in these regions have pledged allegiance to Daesh and have targeted religious groups. Terrorist groups may also consider westerners as legitimate targets for an attack.

There are multiple terrorist and militant groups operating in the Philippines, including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Islamic State Philippines (IS-Philippines), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).        

Multiple terrorist groups have the intent to carry out attacks anywhere  in the Philippines, including in the capital Manila.  Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:  

• shopping malls
• entertainment establishments
• public transport, including airports and the metro system
• places of worship

Previous significant incidents include:

• in December 2023, 4 people were killed and several injured in an explosion during a Catholic mass in Marawi, South Lanao Province
• in August 2020, dual explosions in Jolo Island, Sulu Province resulted in a number of deaths and injuries
• in 2019, a dual suicide attack on a military base in Indanan, Sulu Province killed 3 civilians and 3 military personnel as well as the 2 attackers, with a further 22 people injured
• in 2019, 27 people were killed and many more injured as a result of bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic cathedral on Jolo Island, Sulu Province

Terrorist kidnapping

There is a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups operating in the Philippines, including the targeting of foreign nationals in rural, urban and coastal areas throughout Mindanao especially in the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula.  

A number of Westerners have been kidnapped in recent years, including British Nationals in 2019.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Crime

There are high levels of street crime and robbery, sometimes involving weapons and firearms.  

Be alert when travelling on public transport and avoid displaying cash or jewellery. Armed hold-ups on ‘jeepneys’ and buses can happen, particularly in Manila and other large cities. In some cases these have resulted in fatalities.

If you’re travelling by taxi, including to or from the airport, only use taxis from a reputable company. Some taxi drivers and their accomplices have robbed and harmed passengers. Consider arranging to be met at the airport or using a hotel transfer service.

Methanol poisoning

There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Sexual assault

British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in some locations popular with backpackers, including Coron and Siargao.

See our advice for solo and independent travel.

Criminal kidnapping

There is a risk of being kidnapped by criminals who will demand a ransom.

Laws and cultural differences 

Personal ID

You must be able to show some identification if requested by the police. If you want to keep your passport in a safe place, such as in a hotel safe, carry a printed copy of the photo page.

Public offences

Violating local laws may result in a prison sentence, served in a local prison. Sentences are severe. The judicial system allows long-term detention until a court hearing takes place. Foreign nationals have been known to spend several years in prison on remand while their cases are processed.

The detention facilities and prison conditions are far below UK standards.

Demonstrations and rallies

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has warned foreign nationals against participating in public protests and political rallies. If you participate, you may be detained and deported. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for importing and using illegal drugs are particularly severe. A conviction for possession of even a small amount of any illicit drug in the Philippines means a mandatory prison sentence.

Police and other authorities have been publicly encouraged to kill suspected drug traffickers who resist arrest.

Laws on child abuse and rape

Child abuse and rape are punished with extremely long prison sentences. Be cautious about strangers offering friendship. There have been cases where women, single or sometimes with children, have befriended single male tourists and then threatened to report rape or abuse in an apparent attempt to extort money. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person aged 17 and under.

LGBT+ travellers

The Philippines is generally a tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers, although overt public displays of affection may be considered a ‘grave scandal’ under the Revised Penal Code. If convicted, you could get a fine or a 6-month prison sentence.

Current legislation does not recognise same-sex marriage. Same-sex relationships are not illegal in the Philippines, but some stigma exists outside urban centres.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Independent travel and adventure tourism

If you’re planning to travel away from the main resort areas and tourist spots, contact the authorities in the local area as part of your preparation.

Always leave travel plans and your passport and credit card details with friends, colleagues or relatives. Carry identification such as a driving licence or copy of your passport at all times, and make sure the emergency contact details in your passport are up to date.  

Water safety

Swimming and surfing beaches are unlikely to have lifeguards or warning signs, so get advice from your hotel or local residents before starting any activities. The seas can be extremely dangerous and British nationals regularly get into trouble in the water, or even drown.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Scuba diving 

Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always: 

• check a dive operator’s credentials
• make sure you’re covered by insurance
• make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen
• ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric (recompression) chamber

If you have not had any previous diving experience:

• ask your dive instructor to explain what insurance cover they offer before signing up
• check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in the Philippines, see information on driving abroad.

You can drive in the Philippines on a UK driving licence for up to 90 days. If you’re planning to hire a car, check their requirements before you travel. If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Philippine driving licence.

Accidents happen frequently, mainly due to poor road conditions, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws. Observe the speed limit and be cautious around motorbikes and scooters. Avoid driving at night or during dangerous weather conditions if possible. Make sure you have adequate insurance.

Safety standards on taxis and buses can be low.  

When travelling by private car, taxi or any shared transport, you can expect a routine security presence with random checkpoints along the roads. Always co-operate with officials and allow extra time to pass through security checks.

Sea travel

Piracy

There is a high level of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around the Sulu and Celebes seas. Boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are also possible targets.

Sea safety

The ferry and passenger boat network has a poor record of maritime safety. Boats sometimes lack lifesaving equipment, and maritime rescue services may be limited. You should be cautious when using ferries and avoid overcrowded boats. Accidents are more frequent during the rainy season between June and December when storms can develop quickly.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

See extreme weather and natural hazards for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.

Typhoons

Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons happen between June and November. Follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the progress of storms on the Philippines state weather agency and the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. You can find updates on typhoon2000.ph, or follow @Typhoon2k on X.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a risk in the Philippines. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. You can get more information from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

On 30 September 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, with the epicentre near Bogo City. Local authorities have reported casualties, injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure.

Power outages and disruptions to transport and communications have been reported. Aftershocks are expected and may continue over the coming days

If you are in the affected area:

• Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services.
• Be aware of the risk of aftershocks.
• Avoid damaged buildings and infrastructure.
• Monitor local media and official sources for updates.

If you are planning to travel to Cebu or nearby provinces:

• Contact your travel provider for updates.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers natural disasters.
• Stay informed via the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Volcanoes

There are numerous volcanoes in the Philippines, any of which can erupt without warning. Sudden steam and ash explosions may happen at any time.

The Mayon Volcano is currently at alert level 3 (increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption).

Check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes. Avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there’s increased risk of lava flows.

Get more information about volcanoes from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Entry into Taal Volcano Island and Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. See updates from PHIVOLCS.

Ash plumes can affect air quality and have an impact on health. If you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions, you might be at increased risk of triggering or worsening your symptoms. A properly fitted face mask may provide some protection.

The Philippine emergency and rescue services have a limited capacity to deal with large natural disasters.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Philippines
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in the Philippines, including  :

• dengue
• tick-borne encephalitis
• Zika virus

Mosquito-borne diseases are a risk all year round. However, there’s a heightened risk of dengue during the rainy season from June to October. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the Philippines. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in the Philippines

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Philippines where some staff will speak English.

The availability of medical care varies across the Philippines and may not meet the standards of care in the UK, particularly in rural and remote areas. Many places, including some tourist destinations, do not have easy access to emergency medical care.

Private hospital treatment and medical transport is expensive – the daily cost in intensive care units can be more than £1,000. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.