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Manila Travel Safety Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Practical travel safety guide for Manila, Philippines. Pre-trip security checklist, transport, accommodation, medical, communications, and emergency protocols for business travellers.

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Manila is the Philippines’ national capital and the centre of its commercial, financial, and governmental activity. Metro Manila has a population of approximately 13 million. It is a major South-East Asian business hub and the entry point for international companies operating in the Philippines.

Before You Travel

Confirm your terminal at NAIA. Ninoy Aquino International Airport has four terminals that are not adjacent to each other. International flights use Terminals 1, 2, or 3. Confirm your terminal before travel to arrange correct transport pickup.

FCDO advisory. FCDO advises against all travel to the Sulu Archipelago and parts of Mindanao. Metro Manila carries a different risk assessment. Check the current Philippines advisory.

Natural disaster preparation. If visiting during June-November, monitor weather forecasts. Typhoons can cause significant flight disruption, flooding, and infrastructure failure.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Dengue fever exists in the Philippines.

On the Ground

Transport. Pre-booked Grab (the regional equivalent of Uber) is appropriate for most corporate movement. The MRT-3 rail line connects key Metro Manila points but is crowded. Traffic in Metro Manila is severe; allow significant time buffers for all journeys.

Stay zones. Makati and BGC are the appropriate corporate zones with good hotel infrastructure. Ortigas is the third option.

Typhoon protocol. Know your hotel’s typhoon protocol. Category 2+ typhoons typically prompt school and business closures. Have contingency flight options identified for visits during typhoon season.

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (all services): 911
  • Philippine National Police: 117
  • Makati Medical Center: +63 2 8888 8999
  • St. Luke’s Medical Center BGC: +63 2 8789 7700
  • British Embassy Manila: +63 2 8858 2200
  • US Embassy Manila: +63 2 5301 2000

For vetted close protection and security drivers in Manila, see our Manila security services page.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Manila is the Philippines’ commercial hub and broadly manageable for corporate visitors in Makati, BGC (Bonifacio Global City), and Ortigas. Kidnapping risk for foreign nationals exists, particularly in parts of Mindanao, but is lower in Metro Manila. Petty crime, traffic, and natural disaster risk (typhoons, earthquakes) are the more frequent concerns for standard corporate visits.

Kidnapping for ransom historically targeted wealthy Filipino-Chinese business families and, to a lesser extent, foreign nationals. The risk in Metro Manila is lower than in parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. For foreign business visitors in Makati and BGC, professional transport and awareness of surroundings address the majority of kidnapping exposure.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has four terminals, which is operationally confusing. Confirm your terminal before travel. Pre-book your transport from the terminal building. Do not use informal transport from outside the terminal. The trip from NAIA to Makati or BGC can take 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most typhoon-prone countries. Typhoon season runs June to November, peaking August-October. Manila has been struck by severe typhoons. Monitor the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) if travelling during typhoon season. Have a contingency plan for potential flight disruption.

Makati CBD is the established financial district with the highest concentration of international banks, law firms, and multinational headquarters. BGC (Bonifacio Global City) in Taguig has emerged as a newer business district with modern infrastructure and lower crime profile. Ortigas in Pasig is the third major business cluster. All three are appropriate for corporate visitors.
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