To travel to the Philippines you should get some vaccinations depending on where you're arriving from.
Besides having the necessary vaccines, all international visitors must meet the Philippines’ entry requirements and have all their documents in order.
On this page, travelers to the Philippines will find essential information about the required vaccines to enter the territory.
Recommended Travel Vaccines for the Philippines
The following vaccines are highly recommended for all those traveling to the Philippines:
- Yellow fever: All travelers over 1 year of age require a vaccination certification for yellow fever.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is caused when cuts, burns, and wounds come into contact with spores found in the soil. These spores are located everywhere in the world.
- Diphtheria: People can become infected with diphtheria when they come into contact with respiratory droplets from another infected person. There is a higher risk in poorer and overpopulated areas.
- Hepatitis A: This is a risk in places with poor levels of hygiene and sanitation and is mainly passed on through dirty food.
- Hepatitis B: Children with cuts and scratches are particularly at risk.
- Rabies: People catch rabies when the saliva of an infected animal enters their bloodstream via a bite, scratch or lick. Dogs, cats, and bats are the most common source of the disease. It’s best to avoid all contact with animals during your stay.
- Typhoid: Typhoid is caught by consuming contaminated water.
Allow enough time to get the mandatory vaccines for the Philippines. Additionally, you must apply for a visa to the Philippines at least 1 week before your planned departure date unless you're visa-exempt.
In the case of Taiwanese passport holders, the eTA visa waiver for the Philippines is the fastest and simplest way to gain access into the country.
Which Other Viruses Should I Worry About in the Philippines?
Aside from the above-mentioned diseases, there are some other less common health issues to consider before a trip to Philippines, such as Zika and cholera.
Is there Zika in the Philippines?
There is a risk of Zika transmission in the Philippines. Although the number of reported cases is low, it is still a concern.
Infectious bites are more likely to occur during the day than at night. The virus can be transmitted sexually and is particularly serious for pregnant women as it can lead to birth defects in the fetus.
Is There Cholera in the Philippines?
Cholera is contracted through contaminated water and food. There is cholera in some parts of the Philippines.
The risk is higher in places without proper sanitation and where clean drinking water is unavailable.
You should drink bottled water, and even use it for brushing your teeth. Avoid raw foods such as salad, which may have been rinsed in contaminated water.
Other Travel Vaccines for the Philippines
The following may or may not be needed, depending on where you plan to go while visiting the Philippines.
- Japanese encephalitis: For most visitors to the Philippines, the risk of Japanese encephalitis is extremely low. The risk is when spending much time outside in rural areas and during the summer and fall.
- Malaria: Most travelers do not need a vaccine for malaria if they are going to be in lowland areas (below 600 meters).
- Those who will be visiting the provinces of Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales and Zamboanga del Norte will be at higher risk.
Provided you take the necessary precautions and vaccinate against the most common diseases, there is no cause for concern.
You must always check your government’s international travel advice and remember to buy bottled water.
We recommend all international visitors check out the Philippines visa requirements and Philippines visa policy before planning a trip to the country.
