Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Philippines
The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, with views and activities to suit every traveller’s preferences. There are seasides perfect for sun tanning, diving, boating, kayaking, surfing or even kiteboarding.
More inland, there is rock climbing and tonnes of ziplines to explore. In the cities, travellers will be able to appreciate the Spanish-Filipino architecture, historical buildings and welcoming people.
Do I Need Vaccines for Philippines?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Philippines. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Philippines: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from April to August. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to this region. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Philippines |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from April to August. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to this region. |
The Philippines is home to a few different mosquito-borne diseases. Travellers should consider Japanese encephalitis vaccination and antimalarials for some popular regions of the country. Dengue and chikungunya are present in many areas. Be sure to bring and use insect repellents and insect netting.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Philippines?
No visa is required for stays under 30 days in the Philippines. A visa obtained before travel will allow travellers to stay for 59 days. Proof of onward or return travel may be required at entry.
Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Philippines Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the Philippines? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of the Philippines and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Philippines?
The climate in the Philippines varies based on location. The Philippines is very warm, with temperatures still around 20 in the winter. April and May are the hottest months, whilst January and February the coolest. There is a dry season which lasts from November until May and a rainy season which lasts from June until October. During September and October it is typhoon season.
Travellers should check the climate for the areas they intend to visit to get a more accurate overview.
How Safe is Philippines?
The government of the UK warns against all non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago and through the southern Sulu Sea. Travellers should also be very cautious when travelling to Mindanao, as there have been terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings.
Pickpocketing, hole-in-the-wall card fraud, and con games are common.
Travellers should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Be cautious whilst travelling and travel with a partner when possible. Do not accept a ride from a taxi that has already accepted another passenger or use ATMs with unusual coverings attached to the card receiver.
Visiting Dahilayan Adventure Park
Zipline enthusiasts know that the Philippines are a must visit for fast and gorgeous thrills. Dahilayan Adventure Park opened in Manolo Fortich in 2009 as one of the Philippines’ first adventure parks. It is located less than 40 kilometres from Cagayan de Oro City, with shuttles that can bring travellers straight to the park.
The park has a zipline that starts 1,400 metres above sea level and reaches speeds of 90 kph, giving participants a chance to view the beautiful greenery and the mountains of Dahulayan.
What Should I Pack for Philippines?
The Philippines is a beautiful and popular destination. It is key to ensure you bring everything with you to fully enjoy your trip.
- Money Belt – Due to the amount of pick-pocketing that occurs, a money belt will allow you to keep your money and passport safe.
- Insect Spray – The climate in the Philippines is hot and humid. This creates a breeding ground for insects, especially mosquitoes.
- Cash – Because of frequent hole-in-the-wall frauds, it is best to stick to avoid withdrawing cash if possible.
- Umbrella – During the rainy season there will be frequent warm rains and an umbrella will serve to keep you dry during these showers.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Philippines
If you are in the Philippines and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Manila
120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill
Taguig City Manila
1634 Manila
Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 858 2200
Emergency Phone: +63 2 858 2200
Fax: +63 2 858 2216
Email: ukinthephilippines@fco.gov.uk
Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Philippines?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for the Philippines
What is the Climate Like in the Philippines?
How Safe is the Philippines?
Visiting Dahilayan Adventure Park
What Should I Pack To the Philippines?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Philippines
