Moderate riskAsia · South-Eastern AsiaPhilippines Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Philippines carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in Province of Palawan and Mindanao Island group. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Philippines. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
December to May is the dry season across most of the country. Typhoons are most frequent June to November, with the east coast hit hardest.
Travel health in Philippines
The Philippines spreads its health risks across 7,000 islands. Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan's resorts and the main tourist islands have no malaria, but a few rural provinces still do. Dengue is the dominant mosquito-borne disease and the country records some of the highest case numbers in Asia. Typhoid, hepatitis A and travelers' diarrhea come with the food and water, and rabies is a real concern: the Philippines has one of Asia's higher rates of human rabies, mostly from dogs. Typhoon season shapes both travel plans and disease risk.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are up to date including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to the Philippines, including infants 6-11 months old.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to the Philippines.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to the Philippines, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Chikungunya
There is elevated chikungunya risk in the Philippines. Vaccination may be considered for extended stays of 6 months or more.
Cholera
Cholera is presumed to be present in the Philippines but is rare in travelers. Vaccination may be considered for some travelers to areas of active transmission.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for travelers staying a month or more, frequent travelers, or those doing outdoor activities in rural areas.
Rabies
Rabies-infected dogs are commonly found in the Philippines. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have increased animal exposure or limited access to medical care.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for disease prevention but is required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk, including transit stops over 12 hours.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in Province of Palawan and Mindanao Island group. No risk in Manila or other urban areas. Chloroquine resistance present. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas except Manila and Cebu; high risk in rural areas.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
Malaria risk exists in Province of Palawan and Mindanao Island group. No risk in Manila or other urban areas. Chloroquine resistance present. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
June to November
Dengue
Nationwide, including Metro Manila and Cebu. One of the region's highest caseloads; daytime repellent is essential.
Peak
June to November
Typhoons
Roughly 20 storms a year, several severe. Flooding raises leptospirosis and waterborne disease risk afterwards.
Peak
Year-round, higher in rainy season
Japanese encephalitis
Rural agricultural areas on most islands. Vaccination is for longer rural stays.
Water & food safety
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink outside a few upscale hotels with their own treatment. Bottled and refilled purified water is universal and cheap. Ice in established restaurants is usually from purified water; avoid it at rural stalls.
Food
Cooked dishes such as adobo, sinigang and grilled meats are safe when hot. Take care with kinilaw (raw fish), balut, street-vended items kept warm, and salads or cut fruit outside good restaurants.
Medications
Mercury Drug and Watsons pharmacies are everywhere in cities and towns and stock most common medications; antibiotics officially require a prescription. Bring your own controlled medications with documentation; the Philippines is strict about narcotics and some sedatives.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Manila (St. Luke's, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City) and Cebu have good private hospitals. Care on smaller islands is limited and evacuation to Manila, or onward to Singapore, is the norm for serious problems.
Travel insurance
Essential, with evacuation cover, and check coverage for diving and island-hopping boat travel.
Emergency numbers
Police
117
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
116
Tourist Police
117
U.S. Embassy
+63-2-5301-2000
Philippines travel health FAQ
Do I need malaria pills for Palawan, Boracay or Cebu?▼
No for Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao and Metro Manila. Palawan is one of the few provinces where malaria persists in rural areas, mainly inland and away from El Nido and Coron's resorts; discuss your exact route with the pharmacist. Dengue is present everywhere and is the bigger concern.
Should I get the rabies vaccine for the Philippines?▼
It is worth considering for stays beyond a few weeks, rural travel, or anyone likely to be around street dogs. The Philippines records a few hundred human rabies deaths a year and immune globulin can be hard to find outside Manila and Cebu.
Is the water safe in Manila hotels?▼
Drink bottled water even in good hotels unless the hotel states its water is treated. Brushing teeth with tap water in upscale hotels is generally fine; elsewhere use bottled.
More country guides
Brunei DarussalamLow riskBrunei Darussalam carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine not needed from US, but required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or long layovers there
CambodiaModerate riskCambodia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Christmas IslandLow riskChristmas Island carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Philippines trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Philippines — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Philippines · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.