Philippines — Living: Safety

Why this matters

Understanding safety risks in the Philippines can help individuals make informed decisions about their relocation and ensure their personal well-being.

Key facts

• Terrorism: There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.
• Crime: There are high levels of street crime and robbery, sometimes involving weapons and firearms.
• Laws and cultural differences: You must be able to show some identification if requested by the police.
• Independent travel and adventure tourism: If you’re planning to travel away from the main resort areas and tourist spots, contact the authorities in the local area as part of your preparation.
• Transport risks: If you are planning to drive in the Philippines, see information on driving abroad .
• Sea travel: There is a high level of  piracy and armed robbery against ships  in and around the Sulu and Celebes seas.
• Extreme weather and natural disasters: See  extreme weather and natural hazards  for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.

Steps

1. Assessing Safety Risks — Research areas you plan to live in, talk to locals, and stay informed about local crime trends and natural disaster risks.
2. Taking Precautions — Be mindful of your belongings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and stay in well-lit and populated areas at night.

Costs

• Cost of Living for a family of four: $1,803.0
• Cost of Living for a single person: $508.3

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the risk of petty theft and scams in tourist areas.
• Not researching the local safety situation before moving.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out  how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . Terrorism in the Philippines: Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the Philippines. FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao, except for: • Camiguin Island • Dinagat Island • Siargao Island This advice is due to terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups in south Philippines. Terrorist attacks occur frequently in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. While attacks primarily target Filipino security forces, certain groups operating in these regions have pledged allegiance to Daesh and have targeted religious groups. Terrorist groups may also consider westerners as legitimate targets for an attack. There are multiple terrorist and militant groups operating in the Philippines, including the Abu Sayyaf Group ( ASG ), Islamic State Philippines (IS-Philippines), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters ( BIFF ). Multiple terrorist groups have the intent to carry out attacks anywhere  in the Philippines, including in the capital Manila.  Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as: • shopping malls • entertainment establishments • public transport, including airports and the metro system • places of worship Previous significant incidents include: • in December 2023, 4 people were killed and several injured in an explosion during a Catholic mass in Marawi, South Lanao Province • in August 2020, dual explosions in Jolo Island, Sulu Province resulted in a number of deaths and injuries • in 2019, a dual suicide attack on a military base in Indanan, Sulu Province killed 3 civilians and 3 military personnel as well as the 2 attackers, with a further 22 people injured • in 2019, 27 people were killed and many more injured as a result of bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic cathedral on Jolo Island, Sulu Province Terrorist kidnapping: … (continues on the FCDO page)

Crime

There are high levels of street crime and robbery, sometimes involving weapons and firearms. Be alert when travelling on public transport and avoid displaying cash or jewellery. Armed hold-ups on ‘jeepneys’ and buses can happen, particularly in Manila and other large cities. In some cases these have resulted in fatalities. If you’re travelling by taxi, including to or from the airport, only use taxis from a reputable company. Some taxi drivers and their accomplices have robbed and harmed passengers. Consider arranging to be met at the airport or using a hotel transfer service. Methanol poisoning: There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world. Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking. Sexual assault: British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in some locations popular with backpackers, including Coron and Siargao. See our advice for solo and independent travel . Criminal kidnapping: There is a risk of being kidnapped by criminals who will demand a ransom.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID: You must be able to show some identification if requested by the police. If you want to keep your passport in a safe place, such as in a hotel safe, carry a printed copy of the photo page. Public offences: Violating local laws may result in a prison sentence, served in a local prison. Sentences are severe. The judicial system allows long-term detention until a court hearing takes place. Foreign nationals have been known to spend several years in prison on remand while their cases are processed. The  detention facilities and prison conditions  are far below UK standards. Demonstrations and rallies: The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has warned foreign nationals against participating in public protests and political rallies. If you participate, you may be detained and deported. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people. Illegal drugs and prison sentences: Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for importing and using illegal drugs are particularly severe. A conviction for possession of even a small amount of any illicit drug in the Philippines means a mandatory prison sentence. Police and other authorities have been publicly encouraged to kill suspected drug traffickers who resist arrest. Laws on child abuse and rape: Child abuse and rape are punished with extremely long prison sentences. Be cautious about strangers offering friendship. There have been cases where women, single or sometimes with children, have befriended single male tourists and then threatened to report rape or abuse in an apparent attempt to extort money. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person aged 17 and under. LGBT+ travellers: The Philippines is generally a tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers, although overt public displays of affection may be considered a ‘grave scandal’ under the Revised Penal Code. If convicted, you could get a fine or a 6-month prison sentence. Current legislation does not recognise same-sex marriage. Same-sex relationships are not illegal in the Philippines, but some stigma exists outside urban centres. Read more  advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Independent travel and adventure tourism

If you’re planning to travel away from the main resort areas and tourist spots, contact the authorities in the local area as part of your preparation. Always leave travel plans and your passport and credit card details with friends, colleagues or relatives. Carry identification such as a driving licence or copy of your passport at all times, and make sure the emergency contact details in your passport are up to date. Water safety: Swimming and surfing beaches are unlikely to have lifeguards or warning signs, so get advice from your hotel or local residents before starting any activities. The seas can be extremely dangerous and British nationals regularly get into trouble in the water, or even drown. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. Scuba diving : Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always: • check a dive operator’s credentials • make sure you’re covered by insurance • make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen • ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric (recompression) chamber If you have not had any previous diving experience: • ask your dive instructor to explain what insurance cover they offer before signing up • check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea

Transport risks

Road travel: If you are planning to drive in the Philippines, see information on driving abroad . You can drive in the Philippines on a UK driving licence for up to 90 days. If you’re planning to hire a car, check their requirements before you travel. If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Philippine driving licence . Accidents happen frequently, mainly due to poor road conditions, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws. Observe the speed limit and be cautious around motorbikes and scooters. Avoid driving at night or during dangerous weather conditions if possible. Make sure you have adequate insurance. Safety standards on taxis and buses can be low. When travelling by private car, taxi or any shared transport, you can expect a routine security presence with random checkpoints along the roads. Always co-operate with officials and allow extra time to pass through security checks.

Sea travel

Piracy: There is a high level of  piracy and armed robbery against ships  in and around the Sulu and Celebes seas. Boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are also possible targets. Sea safety: The ferry and passenger boat network has a poor record of maritime safety. Boats sometimes lack lifesaving equipment, and maritime rescue services may be limited. You should be cautious when using ferries and avoid overcrowded boats. Accidents are more frequent during the rainy season between June and December when storms can develop quickly.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

See  extreme weather and natural hazards  for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning. Typhoons: Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons happen between June and November. Follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the progress of storms on the  Philippines state weather agency and the  Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council . You can find updates on  typhoon2000.ph , or follow  @Typhoon2k  on X. Earthquakes: Earthquakes are a risk in the Philippines. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about  what to do before, during and after an earthquake . You can get more information from the  Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology ( PHIVOLCS ) . On 30 September 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, with the epicentre near Bogo City. Local authorities have reported casualties, injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure. Power outages and disruptions to transport and communications have been reported. Aftershocks are expected and may continue over the coming days If you are in the affected area: • Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services. • Be aware of the risk of aftershocks. • Avoid damaged buildings and infrastructure. • Monitor local media and official sources for updates. If you are planning to travel to Cebu or nearby provinces: • Contact your travel provider for updates. • Ensure your travel insurance covers natural disasters. • Stay informed via the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology ( PHIVOLCS ) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) . Volcanoes: There are numerous volcanoes in the Philippines, any of which can erupt without warning. Sudden steam and ash explosions may happen at any time. The Mayon Volcano is currently at alert level 3 (increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption). Check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes. Avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there’s increased risk of lava flows. Get more information about volcanoes from the  Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology ( PHIVOLCS ) . Entry into Taal Volcano Island and Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. See updates from  PHIVOLCS . … (continues on the FCDO page)