Yes. If you are a foreign tourist arriving in the Philippines, you generally need to complete the Philippine eTravel registration before your journey.
Travelers often call it the Philippines eTravel Pass, but the official name is the Philippine Travel Information System, or eTravel.
It is a free government system used to collect travel, immigration, health and customs information. It does not replace a visa, passport, return ticket or any other document you may separately need to enter the Philippines.
What is the Philippines eTravel Pass?
The eTravel System is the Philippines' electronic passenger information and declaration platform.
The government describes it as a single data-collection platform used for:
The official site is etravel.gov.ph.
You do not have to install a separate eTravel application. The website works in a normal mobile or computer browser. The service can also be accessed through the Philippine government's eGovPH application.
Who needs to register for Philippines eTravel?
According to the current official eTravel FAQ, registration or updating is required for:
- Arriving foreign passengers.
- Arriving Filipino passengers.
- Arriving foreign and Filipino crew members.
- Departing Filipino passengers.
| Traveler | eTravel? | Current rule |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign tourist arriving in the Philippines | Yes | Register or update eTravel before arrival. |
| Filipino passenger arriving in the Philippines | Yes | Arriving Filipino passengers must also register or update. |
| Foreign tourist departing the Philippines | Generally no | The official eTravel FAQ currently lists departing Filipino passengers, not ordinary departing foreign passengers. |
| Filipino passenger departing the Philippines | Yes | Departing Filipino passengers are included in the registration requirement. |
| Foreign or Filipino crew arriving | Yes | Arriving crew members are also included. |
| Certain diplomats and official-passport holders | Exempt | Official exemptions include specified diplomats, dignitaries, 9(e) visa holders and diplomatic or official/service passport holders. |
Limited exemptions currently include certain foreign diplomats and their dependants, foreign dignitaries and members of their delegations, holders of 9(e) visas, and holders of diplomatic or official/service passports.
When should I complete Philippines eTravel?
Complete it within 72 hours, or three days, before your arrival in the Philippines.
“Within 72 hours” is important. It means the system is designed for registration close to travel rather than several weeks before the flight.
You should not leave it until you are standing at the boarding gate either. Complete it while you have a reliable internet connection and enough time to correct any mistakes.
How do I register for the Philippines eTravel Pass?
What information do I need for Philippines eTravel?
The exact fields can change as the government updates the system, but prepare the basic information needed to describe yourself and your journey.
What does the eTravel QR code mean?
After completing eTravel, save the QR code generated by the system.
The official FAQ currently distinguishes between green and red QR codes.
Save the QR code before closing the page. The government advises passengers to have it available for the airline before boarding.
You can use a screenshot or print the QR code. If you lose it, the official system provides a way to retrieve your existing registration.
Do foreign tourists need eTravel when leaving the Philippines?
Under the current official eTravel FAQ, ordinary departing foreign passengers are not listed among the passengers required to register for departure.
Departing Filipino passengers are required to register or update their eTravel information.
This distinction is worth knowing because the eTravel system is used for both arrivals and departures, but the registration categories are not identical.
Is Philippines eTravel the same as a visa?
No. eTravel is not a visa and does not grant you permission to enter the Philippines if your passport or travel purpose requires a visa.
Philippine immigration treats the documents separately. An arriving foreign traveler may need:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of eTravel registration.
- A Philippine visa where applicable.
- A return or onward ticket for tourist travel.
- Accommodation information where required.
- Other supporting documents depending on nationality and admission category.
Do I need an onward ticket for the Philippines as well as eTravel?
Potentially, yes. The eTravel registration and the return or onward ticket are different parts of the entry process.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration lists a return or onward ticket for tourists among the additional documents that can be required during arrival inspection.
Certain visa-free entry rules also expressly require a return or onward ticket.
If you have not yet finalized your return journey, read our Proof of Onward Travel guide.
If you need a temporary flight reservation while finalizing your travel plan, see How Can I Book a Dummy Ticket? and How Dummy Flight Tickets Work.
Does eTravel include the Philippines customs declaration?
Yes. The Philippine Bureau of Customs uses the eTravel system to integrate customs information with the wider arrival process.
Arriving passengers complete the applicable Customs Baggage Declaration through eTravel before arrival.
Customs guidance also requires travelers to correctly declare regulated or dutiable goods and applicable currency amounts.
The Bureau of Customs currently says foreign currency above US$10,000, or the equivalent in another foreign currency, must be declared. Philippine currency above the permitted threshold is subject to separate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rules.
For current customs information, check the Philippine Bureau of Customs traveler guide.
Common Philippines eTravel mistakes
Philippines eTravel checklist
- Confirm that your passport is valid for your intended Philippine entry.
- Check whether your nationality requires a Philippine visa.
- Wait until you are within 72 hours before arrival.
- Go only to etravel.gov.ph.
- Do not pay an eTravel registration fee.
- Enter your passport details accurately.
- Enter your real flight and travel details.
- Complete the health and customs declarations accurately.
- Save the QR code to your phone.
- Keep your accommodation information available.
- Carry your return or onward ticket where required.
- Recheck the official rules shortly before travel because entry procedures can change.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an eTravel Pass for the Philippines?
Yes if you are an ordinary foreign passenger arriving in the Philippines, unless one of the limited official exemptions applies.
Is Philippines eTravel free?
Yes. The official Philippine eTravel registration is free. Use etravel.gov.ph and avoid websites that charge simply to register you.
How early can I fill out eTravel Philippines?
You can register within 72 hours, or three days, before your arrival in the Philippines.
Do I need to print the eTravel QR code?
No. The official FAQ says a screenshot or downloaded QR code can be used. Printing it is also allowed if you prefer a physical backup.
What happens if I lose my eTravel QR code?
You can retrieve an existing registration through the official eTravel system using the available registration search or edit tools.
Can I edit my eTravel registration?
Some information can be updated before your registration has been processed and verified by the relevant Philippine border authorities. Use the official Edit Registration function.
Do foreign tourists need eTravel when leaving the Philippines?
Under the current official eTravel FAQ, ordinary departing foreign passengers are not listed among those required to register for departure. Departing Filipino passengers are required to register or update.
Is eTravel the same as a Philippine visa?
No. eTravel is a passenger registration and declaration system. If your nationality or travel purpose requires a Philippine visa, you still need the appropriate visa.
Do I need a return ticket for the Philippines?
Tourists can be required to show a return or onward ticket. That requirement is separate from completing eTravel.