Philippines
Southeast Asia · Updated April 2026
Planning a trip to the Philippines? CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most travellers because food- and water-borne illness is common outside resort kitchens. Your doctor may also discuss Japanese encephalitis, rabies, chikungunya, or cholera depending on your islands, activities, and length of stay. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure so they can tailor the plan to your trip.
Malaria risk is limited to Palawan and the Mindanao island group. Manila, Cebu, and Bohol are not malaria zones.
Required for entry
No vaccines are currently required for entry to Philippines from most countries.
Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — If arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof required for travellers aged 9 months and older; includes airport transits over 12 hours.
Recommended for most travellers
CDC advises these for all visitors to Philippines.
Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.
Hepatitis B
A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.
The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.
Typhoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.
Recommended for some travellers
Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.
Japanese Encephalitis
A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.
Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
Chikungunya
A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.
Cholera
A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, causing severe diarrhoea. Rare in travellers but worth considering for aid workers or travel to areas with active outbreaks.
Malaria
Not a vaccineRisk in Palawan and the Mindanao island group. No risk in metropolitan Manila or other urban areas. Most tourist itineraries focused on Cebu, Bohol, or Metro Manila do not need malaria pills.
Routine vaccines to be up to date on
CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Polio
Flu (Influenza)
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Shingles
COVID-19
Entry requirements
For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.
Dog rabies is common across the country. The Philippines FDA has warned of counterfeit Speeda rabies vaccine and Equirab antiserum in circulation — get rabies shots only at reputable hospitals if exposed. Cholera is presumed present; stick to safe food and water.
Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Philippines.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.