Manila is a safe destination—as long as you educate yourself on some safety issues. Locals helped us create this guide to staying safe in Manila. It covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers.
Work with a local to build your trip to Manila. They'll offer up-to-date information that you might not find online—and tips on how to stay away from the crowds. Learn more.
You might be wondering whether the Philippines is open to Americans for recreational travel. The answer is yes! But there are some necessary steps all travelers must take because of the COVID pandemic.
Here's the latest:
Curious about what it's like on the ground in Manila right now? Get in touch with a local.
One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Manila is a whirlwind of sounds, colors, and sights. It’s an immensely exciting place to visit in the Philippines—but travelers should be aware of some safety considerations.
Locals tell us:
With proper precautions, traveling to the Philippines is safe. But flying blind in a city like Manila can be a risk.
The U.S. State Department currently gives the Philippines a Level 2 Travel Advisory. This recommends that Americans “exercise increased caution.” For context, this is the same rating as other popular travel destinations, like Italy and France.
However, there are areas in the Philippines with a higher rating (i.e. considered less safe for travel).
The State Department recommends that Americans do not travel to:
And suggests that Americans reconsider travel to:
To make sure your travel to the Philippines is safe, be aware of some common scams. Locals tell us that these include:
As long as you take precautions and learn about certain scams like these, you should be fine. But you can always ask a local for more tips! Our locals in the Philippines can help explain how they navigate Manila safely.
The Philippines are safe for solo travelers—and so is Manila. Just like people traveling in groups, solo travelers will want to take certain precautions. Locals tell us that these are some things solo travelers in the Manila can do to keep safe:
Navigating a huge city like Manila can be intimidating—especially as a solo traveler. When you work with a local to plan your trip, they’ll offer insider insights about how to best enjoy their hometown.
The CDC recommends all travelers heading to the Philippines get shots for COVID, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.
Based on how long you are staying, however, or if you plan to explore rural areas, the CDC recommends additional vaccines.
No matter where you stay in the Philippines, it’s helpful to know a few key phrases. Knowing how to say hello and thank you goes a long way!
One of our locals in the Philippines can help with other important phrases or simple translations like directions.
Here’s some good information to have on hand—just in case you need it:
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