Is The Philippines Safe to Travel? (2025)

Wondering “Is the Philippines safe to travel”?

You’ve come to the right place! I lived in Manila for a year and overall the Philippines is a safe country.

The most common crimes in the Philippines are theft and robbery, but it is a safe place for tourists, including female travellers. Just make sure to use normal precautions like you would in any other country.

The current US State Department travel advisory for the Philippines is Level 2, which means to exercise increased caution. Most of the places in the Philippines is safe to travel, except for the Sulu Archipelago and parts of Mindanao.

The Philippines is safe for tourists, however, you should watch out for your belongings in crowded places as petty crimes, like theft, can happen.

Taking taxis in the Philippines is also safe, including the evenings. If you go out partying in Manila, areas like Makati and Poblacion have many bars. If your hotel is in walking distance, make sure to stick to well-lit areas.

Here is all the information you need to know about safety in the Philippines!

Is The Philippines Safe to Visit?

The U.S. State Department has 4 levels of Travel Advisory:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Precautions
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• Level 4: Do Not Travel

Currently, the Philippines is at Level 2, so travellers can travel safely but exercise increased precautions while visiting the country.

There is a separate travel advisory for the Sulu Archipelago, it is Level 4, so do not travel there.

Most of Mindanao has level 3 advisory to not travel there. The only safe places to visit in Mindanao are Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands.

Marawi City in Mindanao has also a Level 4 advisory, thus, do not travel there.

The Philippines Travel Advisory

The travel advisory for the almost all the Philippines is Level 2, and it means to exercise increased precautions.

The most dangerous parts in the Philippines are in Mindanao, due to civil unrest. The tourist places like Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Manila and Cebu are safe to travel.

It is also good to follow local news in the Philippines to stay up to date of local news.

In general, the tourist places (Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Manila, Cebu) are safe but you should watch out for your belongings and valuables in crowded places.

Is The Philippines a Safe Country?

Yes, the Philippines is generally a safe country. Most parts of the Philippines, especially the tourist areas, are safe to travel. Although, you should always exercise normal precautions.

Overall, travellers in the Philippines can feel safe, including female travellers, solo travellers, and families with kids.

The most dangerous part in the Philippines are areas in Mindanao (such as Marawi City) where it is advised not to travel.

The places that are frequently visited by tourists (Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Manila) are safe to visit but you still have to use usual precautions and watch out for your valuables.

The Philippines is also prone to natural hazards, typhoons, earthquakes, and volcano eruptions, so you should also follow news regarding hazards.

Is The Philippines Dangerous?

In general, the Philippines is not dangerous, but you have to watch out for petty crimes, be prepared for natural hazards and avoid parts of Mindanao due to unrest.

Most crimes targeting foreigners are theft, so while travelling in the Philippines, watch out for your belongings. It is especially true in crowded places, like bars or public transport.

The Philippines is also prone to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcano eruptions and typhoons. The typhoon season in the Philippines runs from July to October and the typhoons can be very frequent, with differing categories.

I remember when I lived in the Philippines, it felt like it was one typhoon after another.

Due to the number of natural hazards affecting the Philippines, the emergency management services are good in the Philippines, so if there is a typhoon coming, you should follow the safety instructions.

For news on natural hazards, you can follow NDRRMC or PAGASA for weather updates.

Is The Philippines Safe for Travellers Right Now?

Is The Philippines Safe to Travel?

Yes, the Philippines is safe to travel right now.

The U.S. State Department travel advisory for the Philippines is at Level 2, which means to exercise increased precautions.

The most dangerous part in the Philippines are areas in Mindanao (such as Marawi City) where it is advised not to travel.

Tourist places such as, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Manila, are safe to visit but you should remain vigilant and watch out for your valuables.

Generally, the Philippines is safe to visit, including travel for female travellers, solo travellers and families with kids.

Is The Philippines Safe for Tourists?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for tourists. The places that are frequently visited by tourists (e.g. Palawan, Boracay, Bohol) are safe for travellers.

You should still exercise normal precautions. The most common crime against foreigners is theft, so watch out for your belongings and valuables.

Filipinos are also said to be the friendliest people in the world and they also speak really good English. In case you need to ask for information or directions, people will be able to assist you with providing information.

Is The Philippines Safe at Night?

Safety at night in the Philippines depends where you are.

Makati area in Manila has many bars and restaurants and is a popular place to go out at night. If your hotel is in a short walking distance, it is safe to go home but you should stick to well-lit areas.

BGC (Bonifacio Global City) is another safe area in Manila. Makati and BGC is where most expats live, and they have good safety.

However, you should still remain cautious and vigilant, as crimes can happen.

Is The Philippines Safe for Female Travellers?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for female travellers.

The majority of places is safe to visit in the Philippines, especially the ones that are frequently visited by tourists. Filipinos are friendly and foreign tourists feel safe while travelling in the Philippines.

I have travelled in the Philippines as a solo female traveller and although you have to remain cautious like in any other country, the Philippines is safe. 

Is The Philippines Safe to Travel with Kids?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for families travelling with kids. The Philippines is overall safe, especially the tourist places, but you should still use usual precautions when travelling with kids.

There are many activities in the Philippines for kids to enjoy, including famous attractions, museums and trying Filipino cuisine.

Is The Philippines Safe for Americans?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for American tourists. However, all tourists (including Americans) should avoid the Sulu Archipelago and most of Mindanao (Marawi City) due to unrest.

Most of the Philippines is safe to travel for all foreigners, regardless of nationality. Thus, American tourists can feel safe while visiting the Philippines.

Is The Philippines Safe to Live?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for expats to live!

If you are looking for accommodation, the safest areas in Manila are Makati and BGC. Most of the embassies and INGOs are located there, thus, it has also many foreigners living there, and nice amenities.

Usually in every city, the safest areas are where the embassies and INGOs located, and that’s where most of the expats live and are considered one of the safest.

Are Taxis Safe in the Philippines?

Yes, it is safe to take taxis in the Philippines.

The main taxi app in the Philippines is Grab. Other taxi apps include JoyRide, Angkas and Move It. They work just like Uber and offer a cheap way to get around cities.

If you take a taxi late at night, it is good if you can travel together with friends, or make sure your friends are there when you get into the taxi.

Can You Drink Tap Water in the Philippines?

No, it is not safe to drink tap water in the Philippines and you should use bottled water.

As tap water is not safe for drinking, most of the households order big 5 gallon water jars for drinking water. Your accommodation might have the water jar, and in that case, it is best if you have a refillable water bottle and refill it when needed.

This way, you don’t have to buy plastic water bottles, and you can just keep refilling your own.

Is Manila Safe?

Yes, Manila is generally safe, however you should remain cautious.

The most common crime against foreigners in manila is petty theft, such as pickpocketing. Thus, you should watch out for your belongings in crowded places, such as bars and public transport.

How Safe is Manila?

Manila is generally safe city for foreigners but you should avoid walking around late at night, especially in unlit areas.

The safest areas in Manila are Makati and BGC. Most of the embassies and INGOs are located here, thus, it has many other foreigners living there, and nice amenities.

What is the Most Common Crime in Manila?

The most common crime against foreigners in Manila is theft and robbery. So, you should look after your valuables in crowded places, such as bars and public transport.

Is Manila Safe for Tourists?

Yes, most places in Manila are safe for tourists. The safest places in Manila are BGC and Makati, where many other foreigners live.

You should still exercise normal precautions. The most common crime against foreigners is theft, so watch out for your belongings and valuables.

Is Manila Safe at Night?

Not all areas of Manila is safe at night. If you are a foreigner in Manila, the safest places at night are Makati and BGC.

Makati and BGC are the high-end places in Manila. They have nice amenities, bars, restaurants and they are also the places where most expats live.

Thus, if you want to go out at night, Makati and BGC are the safest places to do so. However, you should still remain cautious, don’t go down dark alleys and watch out for your belongings in bars.

Is Manila Safe for Female Travellers?

Yes, Manila is generally safe for solo female travellers. However, you should remain cautious.

Manila is a big city and it has safe and unsafe areas. Most of the travellers only stay in Manila for a short time before going off to one of the islands (Palawan, Boracay).

The safest areas in Manila are Makati and BGC, so if you are looking for accommodation in Manila, those areas are the best to stay at.

Is Manila Safe for Expats?

Yes, Manila is safe for expats but you should remain vigilant.

Most crimes targeting foreigners are petty crimes, like theft, so you should watch out for your belongings.

The safest areas and where most expats live in Manila are BGC and Makati. These two places are the high-end places in Manila, with embassies, INGOs, nice restaurants and bars.

Is Manila Safe for Americans?

Yes, Manila is safe for American tourists. However, all tourists (including Americans) should remain vigilant and exercise normal precautions.

Manila is safe to travel for all foreigners, regardless of nationality. Thus, American tourists can feel safe while visiting Manila.

How to Stay Safe in the Philippines

✔️ Look after your valuables and belongings. The most common crime targeting foreginers is petty crimes, like theft, so watch out for your belongings in crowded places.

✔️ Carry a copy of your passport during the day and keep your original passport at your accommodation.

✔️ Register your travel at your embassy: Before starting your trip, it is always good practice to register your trip at your embassy. The Philippines is a safe country but it is always good to be prepared.

✔️ Save the contact details of your embassy/consulate in Manila, so in case you need assistance, you can reach out to them straight away.

✔️ Get travel insurance, so in case any of your items gets lost/stolen or if you need medical assistance, then your travel insurance will have you covered. SafetyWing is one of the most affordable international travel insurance companies and I always use them when I travel!

✅ Check prices and get SafetyWing Travel Insurance here!

Where Not to Go in The Philippines?

Generally, most places can be safely visited in the Philippines except for some areas in Mindanao.

The most dangerous places in the Philippines are the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao (such as Marawi City) where it is advised not to travel.

The only safe places to visit in Mindanao are Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands.

FAQs: Is The Philippines Safe to Travel?

Is it safe for tourists in the Philippines?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for tourists. The places that are frequently visited by tourists (e.g. Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Manila, Cebu) are safe for travellers.

You should still exercise normal precautions. The most common crime against foreigners is theft, so watch out for your belongings and valuables.

Filipinos are also said to be the friendliest people in the world, and they also speak really good English. In case you need to ask for information or directions, people will be able to assist you with providing information.

Can American citizens travel to the Philippines?

Yes, American citizens can safely travel to the Philippines. However, all tourists (including Americans) should avoid the Sulu Archipelago and most of Mindanao (Marawi City) due to unrest.

Most of the Philippines is safe to travel for all foreigners, regardless of nationality. Thus, American tourists can feel safe while visiting the Philippines.

Is Philippines safe for female tourists?

Yes, the Philippines is safe for female travellers.

The majority of places is safe to visit in the Philippines, especially the ones that are frequently visited by tourists. Filipinos are friendly and foreign tourists feel safe while travelling in the Philippines.

I have travelled in the Philippines as a solo female traveller and although you have to remain cautious like in any other country, the Philippines is safe. 

Is Manila safe to visit?

Yes, Manila is safe to visit, however you should remain cautious.

The most common crime against foreigners in manila is petty theft, such as pickpocketing. Thus, you should watch out for your belongings in crowded places, such as bars and public transport.

Is it safe for foreigners to travel through all parts of the Philippines?

No, it is not safe for foreigners to travel through all parts of the Philippines.

The places that are frequently visited by tourists (e.g. Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Manila, Cebu) are safe for travellers.

You should avoid the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao (such as Marawi City) where it is advised not to travel due to unrest.

Apart from the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao, the rest of the Philippines is generally safe to travel.

How safe is the Philippines for short-term vacation?

The Philippines is generally a safe country, not just for short-term vacation but also for long-term travel or living there.

Tourist places such as, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Manila, are safe to visit but you should remain vigilant and watch out for your valuables.

Generally, the Philippines is safe to visit, including travel for female travellers, solo travellers and families with kids.

How safe is Manila for tourists?

Yes, most places in Manila are safe for tourists. The safest places in Manila are BGC and Makati, where most foreigners live.

You should still exercise normal precautions. The most common crime against foreigners is theft, so watch out for your belongings and valuables.

Is the Philippines friendly to foreigners?

Yes, the Philippines is friendly to foreigners.

Most of the Philippines is safe to travel for all foreigners, regardless of nationality. Thus, all tourists can feel safe while visiting the Philippines.

You should avoid the Sulu Archipelago and most of Mindanao (Marawi City) due to unrest. But otherwise, the Philippines is safe to travel.

The Filipino people are also said to be the nicest people in the world, so you can always ask for information. People also speak good English in the Philippines, so you can easily get by speaking English during your trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Philippines is a safe country to travel.

The most common crimes in the Philippines are theft and robbery, but it is a safe place for tourists, including female travellers. Just make sure to use normal precautions like you would in any other country.

The current US State Department travel advisory for the Philippines is Level 2, which means to exercise increased caution. Most of the places in the Philippines is safe to travel, except for the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao (Marawi City).

The Philippines is safe for tourists, however, you should watch out for your belongings in crowded places as petty crimes, like theft, can happen.

Taking taxis in the Philippines is also safe, including the evenings. If you go out partying, some areas like Makati and Poblacion have many bars. If your hotel is in walking distance, make sure to stick to well-lit areas.