Travel to the Philippines
Travel Destination – Philippines
From the vibrant streets of Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan and Cebu, the Philippines offers a rich mix of culture, adventure and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or diving into crystal-clear waters, it’s important to be prepared. Taking time to understand potential health risks can help ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before your trip to the Philippines, it’s wise to speak with a travel doctor. They can prepare a personalised health plan based on your destinations - whether you’re staying in urban centres like Manila, visiting remote islands, or trekking through rural provinces. Your doctor will review your vaccination history, recommend any additional immunisations relevant to the Philippines, and ensure you have the right medications on hand for prevention and treatment of potential illnesses. Aim to book your appointment at least 6-8 weeks before departure to allow time for multiple-dose vaccines if needed. Even if you're leaving soon, a last-minute visit can still be valuable - some vaccines can be given on an accelerated schedule, and essential medications can still be prescribed.
Insect avoidance
Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis are transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of the Philippines. While the risk varies depending on where you're travelling, avoiding mosquito bites remains one of the most important ways to protect your health.
To reduce your risk, sleep in air-conditioned rooms or areas with intact fly screens. If this isn’t possible, use a mosquito net - ideally one treated with permethrin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
Your doctor can advise you on whether vaccinations (such as for Japanese encephalitis) or antimalarial tablets are appropriate for your trip, depending on your itinerary.
Food and water hygiene
For Australians visiting the Philippines, enjoying the local food is a highlight of the trip - but it’s important to take a few precautions to avoid gastroenteritis and other illnesses. Always wash your hands or use antiseptic hand gel before eating, and steer clear of raw, undercooked or reheated food. Street food can be safe if it’s cooked fresh in front of you, and fruits and vegetables are best when they can be peeled, such as bananas and mangoes. Stick to boiled, filtered or bottled water, and avoid tap water and ice made from it.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for the Philippines?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, usually spread through contaminated food or water. While many Australians have little risk of exposure at home, the virus is more widespread in the Philippines. Illness can range from mild symptoms to severe disease requiring hospital care. If you haven’t previously received the full two-dose course of hepatitis A vaccine, it’s strongly recommended before travel to the Philippines, as it offers long-lasting protection against this preventable illness.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi or Paratyphi, typically spread through contaminated food or water. It can lead to high fever, fatigue, stomach pain, and digestive issues. While relatively rare in Australia, typhoid is more common in the Philippines, particularly in areas with limited sanitation. A vaccine is available that provides protection for up to two years and may be recommended if you're staying for an extended period or planning to eat street food. Talk to your travel doctor to see if vaccination is appropriate for your trip.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to long-term liver disease. It is spread through blood and bodily fluids, including via unprotected sex, tattooing, and sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes. Infections range in severity and may require extended treatment with antiviral medication. While most Australians are vaccinated in childhood, adults who haven’t completed the hepatitis B vaccine series should consider it before travelling to the Philippines - especially if they’ll be staying for an extended time, making repeat visits, or may be at risk of exposure.
Japanese encephalitis virus
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Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis virus experience mild or no symptoms. However, in a small number of cases, the infection can cause severe brain inflammation requiring intensive hospital care. Preventing mosquito bites - especially at dusk and during the night - is key to reducing risk. A vaccine is available and may be recommended by your travel doctor depending on your planned length of stay and if you’ll be visiting rural or farming areas in the Philippines.
Rabies
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Rabies is carried by dogs, cats, and other mammals in many parts of the world, including the Philippines, and is transmitted mainly through bites and scratches. Australia remains among the minority of countries free from rabies. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. The best prevention is to avoid contact with animals, especially dogs and cats, while overseas. A rabies vaccine is available before travel and is generally recommended for those who will be working closely with animals or spending extended time in rural or remote areas. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal in the Philippines, it is vital to seek urgent medical care - post-exposure vaccination is essential, even if you have been vaccinated previously, and treatment should begin as soon as possible.
Routine vaccinations
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In Australia, routine immunisation programs have kept many common infections at very low levels. However, in countries like the Philippines, infections such as measles are more widespread. Before you travel, it’s a good idea to review your routine vaccinations and update any boosters you may need. Key vaccines to consider include those for influenza, COVID-19, measles, tetanus and other diseases to help protect your health while abroad.
Other health risks in the Philippines
Other health risks in the Philippines
Malaria
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Malaria is a parasitic infection that affects the liver and red blood cells, causing high fevers, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications such as severe anaemia and brain infection, which can be life-threatening. To reduce your risk, avoid mosquito bites - especially at night - and consider taking preventive anti-malarial medication if you are visiting areas where malaria is present. In the Philippines, malaria risk is higher on islands like Mindanao and Palawan, while it remains low in Manila and other major urban centres.
Dengue
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Dengue fever is a common infection among Australian travellers to Asia. Transmitted by mosquitoes, the dengue fever virus causes fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, and rash. The first time they are infected, most people recover in one to two weeks. When more severe forms of dengue fever occur, it is usually in the context of repeat infection. In these cases, complications of bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure can occur which may be fatal without appropriate treatment. For Australian travellers, prevention generally relies on mosquito avoidance. Mosquitoes transmitting dengue fever virus are more common in urban areas and tend to bite during the day.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, often called traveller’s diarrhoea, is usually caused by bacteria found in contaminated food or water. Common bacteria include Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella. Symptoms generally start within 24 to 72 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. The key to managing the illness is staying well hydrated, which can be done using oral rehydration solutions that replace fluids and salts. Antibiotics are typically reserved for severe or prolonged cases, or when there is a higher risk of complications. Most people improve within one to three days without treatment. Seek medical care if symptoms are unusual, severe, last longer than a few days, or if you are unable to replace fluids faster than they are being lost. To reduce your risk, practise good hand hygiene before meals and avoid high-risk foods and drinks while travelling.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long periods of air and road travel can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the veins due to reduced blood flow. To help prevent DVT, make sure to get up and move around regularly during your journey, stay well hydrated, and if you are at higher risk, consider wearing below-knee compression stockings. If DVT does occur, it is typically treated with blood-thinning medications.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Part of travelling is embracing new experiences and adventures, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to stay safe. If you plan to ride a motorbike, make sure you have the necessary skills, understand local road rules, and always wear a helmet. For other transport, choose options with functioning seatbelts. If trying diving or boating for the first time, pick an instructor who is experienced in safety procedures. The Philippines’ tropical climate means heatstroke can be a risk - stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen regularly. No matter what activities you choose, it’s wise to have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation.