Southeast Asia
Is Philippines safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Philippines safe?
Most visits are trouble-free; petty theft, scams and road and sea travel are the main risks. Avoid western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of armed groups.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 12.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Generally welcoming for solo women; catcalling is common. Use Grab at night, watch drinks, and dress modestly away from beaches.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Typhoons and flooding, mostly July–November
- Kidnapping and terrorism risk in Sulu and western Mindanao
- Pickpockets and phone snatchers in Manila crowds and jeepneys
- Rough boat crossings; check weather and life jackets
Common scams
- Taxi drivers refusing the meter, especially at airports
- Friendly strangers inviting you home for card games
- Fake eTravel websites charging fees
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
Safety by place in Philippines
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boracay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Coron | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Makati | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Union | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Davao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Banaue | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| BGC | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bantayan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manila | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cebu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Angeles City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Philippines safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free; petty theft, scams and road and sea travel are the main risks. Avoid western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of armed groups.
Is Philippines safe for solo female travelers?
Generally welcoming for solo women; catcalling is common. Use Grab at night, watch drinks, and dress modestly away from beaches.
What is the emergency number in Philippines?
All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- eTravel (Government of the Philippines)
- Bureau of Immigration
- Department of Tourism
- Speedtest Global Index: Philippines
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.