What vaccines do I need for Philippines?

Required: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (rural and long-stay travelers), Rabies (recommended — rabies is endemic, especially in dogs).

Is tap water safe to drink in Philippines?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Philippines. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

🇵🇭

Southeast Asia

Philippines Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

The Philippines comprises over 7,600 islands with tropical climate year-round. Cebu, Manila, Palawan, and Boracay are major tourist destinations. Health risks include mosquito-borne diseases, typhoon-related hazards, and schistosomiasis in freshwater areas. Healthcare quality is good in Manila and Cebu but limited on remote islands.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

Track disease activity in Philippines before and during your trip.

Virus Watcher monitors 200+ diseases across 190+ countries in real time. Get push alerts when conditions change at your destination.

Track on iPhone Track on Android Web App

Vaccines for Philippines

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (rural and long-stay travelers)
Rabies (recommended — rabies is endemic, especially in dogs)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Philippines

Malaria Risk

Present in rural areas of Palawan, Mindanao, and other remote islands. Low risk in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, and urban tourist areas.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Freshly cooked food is generally safe. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and tap water. Street food from busy stalls is lower risk. Bottled water is widely available.

Key Health Tips for Philippines

Avoid freshwater swimming in rivers and lakes outside designated safe areas — schistosomiasis is a real risk in endemic provinces.
Use DEET repellent and wear protective clothing — dengue is present on virtually every major island.
Get rabies pre-exposure vaccination — dog bites are common in local communities.
Check typhoon season forecasts (June through November) and monitor weather alerts.

Disease Risks in Philippines

Official Resources

Real-time alerts for Philippines

Virus Watcher sends push notifications when disease conditions change at your destination.

Download for iPhone Download for Android

Get Philippines travel health alerts by email.

Weekly digest of outbreak activity at your destination. Unsubscribe anytime.