What is eTravel Philippines and why does it matter?
The Philippine eTravel system is the government’s single, web-based travel declaration platform that replaces older arrival cards and centralizes passenger data for immigration, health screening, and border control. For most travelers arriving to or departing from the Philippines, eTravel is now the primary way to declare travel details and obtain the QR code you present to airlines and immigration on the day of travel. Because the system is official and free, knowing when to register, what information to provide, and how to avoid scams will save time and prevent denied boarding or delays at the airport.
Who must register in eTravel Philippines?
All arriving passengers and crewmembers, both Filipino and foreign nationals, are required to register in the eTravel system except for a few categories explicitly excluded by the government such as foreign diplomats and certain visa holders. Filipino passengers departing the country may also need to record departure information according to current rules. The platform is intended to cover entry and exit processing so travelers should treat it as a mandatory step in the pre-trip checklist unless they fall under an official exemption.
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When to register and how long the QR is valid
You should create or update your eTravel record no earlier than seventy-two hours (72 hours) before your scheduled arrival or departure. The system requires that the health declaration and other time-sensitive information be recent, so completing the registration within the 72-hour window ensures your QR code will be accepted for boarding and at entry. Airlines and immigration officers will often ask to see the QR code during check-in and at arrival, so keep a screenshot and an email copy accessible on your phone.
How to register, step by step (web or app)
Registration is done only through the official eTravel website or via the eGovPH mobile app; you do not need to download a separate app beyond eGovPH. To register, create an account using an active email address, enter your personal and passport details, and provide flight information, including airline and flight number. After completing the form and submitting, you will receive a QR code that must be presented at airline check-in and to immigration officers. Do not pay any fee for this service; the government platform is free, and any service that charges a fee is likely a scam.
Common information you’ll need when registering
You will be asked to provide standard travel and identity details, such as your passport number, nationality, flight or vessel information, expected arrival/departure dates, contact information, and a health declaration if required by current entry guidelines. If you are a returning resident, long-term visa holder, or crewmember, check the specific fields for those categories before submission. Completing your registration accurately minimizes immigration questions at the port of entry.
Official rules, scams to avoid, and how the government protects you
The eTravel system is endorsed and operated by the Philippine government agencies and must not charge users. Multiple government offices, including the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Health, have warned travelers about fraudulent websites and private services that demand payment for eTravel registration. If a website or agent asks for money to register you, refuse and report it to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Always use the official URL to avoid fraud and ensure your QR code is valid in the government system.
What changed from the old e-Arrival card
The eTravel platform consolidated previous entry and exit forms into one single digital record. Since December 2022, the government has removed the old e-Arrival card workflow and replaced it with the eTravel single QR process, so travelers now only have to register in one place for arrival and—where applicable , departure. The unified QR simplifies checks by airlines and border control but also makes it more important to register correctly because that single record is what border officials will scan.
Travel agency with Tabby payment
If you prefer to use a travel agency to manage bookings and documentation, many Philippines-focused travel agencies now accept flexible payment options, including buy-now-pay-later services like Tabby, for flights and packages. Using an established travel agency can be helpful when you need multi-leg itineraries or assistance with complicated visa or long-term residency returns, but remember that eTravel registration itself must be done via the official government site and remains free. If an agency offers to register you for a fee, verify that they are only charging for convenience services and not for the government registration itself, and always ask for a clear receipt showing what the fee covers.
Practical tips and troubleshooting before you fly
First, register inside the 72-hour window and keep copies of your QR code in your email and as a screenshot. Second, use a laptop or mobile browser recommended by the eTravel site and make sure your internet connection is stable when submitting. Third, double-check passport numbers, name spelling, and flight details; typos in key fields can cause mismatches at airline check-in. Fourth, watch for phishing pages and only type your passport or payment details into the official eTravel site or a verified travel agency checkout page. Finally, if an airline refuses your QR code, contact the eTravel helpdesk or the airline’s local office immediately and have screenshots and your account email ready.
Tips and tricks for travel agents, long-term residents, and Filipino returnees
As a travel agent, include an eTravel reminder in confirmation emails and provide a short URL to the official site so clients don’t fall prey to copycat pages. Long-term residents returning to the Philippines should register before arrival and verify any residency fields required by the system. Filipino citizens departing the country who are accustomed to older departure cards must now confirm departure records in eTravel when applicable. For families traveling together, complete separate registrations for each passport holder, including infants and children, to ensure everyone has a valid QR. If you need proof for work or immigration, download and store the eTravel confirmation PDF.
Accessibility and mobile use
The eTravel site is mobile responsive and also accessible through the eGovPH app, so you can register from a smartphone or tablet. The government encourages the use of the official app for travelers who prefer mobile workflows, but keep a printed or screenshot copy of your QR code in case of phone battery issues at the airport. Remember, the platform requires an internet connection to create or update records.
What to do if your QR code is not recognized at check-in
If an airline or immigration officer cannot access your QR code, remain calm and present all supporting documents: confirmation emails, passport, flight booking, and screenshots. Ask the officer to advise whether you can re-enter your details on the spot or be directed to eTravel support. If you suspect you were scammed by a third-party site because your QR does not appear in the official system, immediately report the site to the CICC and your airline; bring transaction proof if you paid for a fraudulent registration. The Bureau of Immigration has issued public advisories instructing airport officers to assist travelers in these situations, but proactive documentation on your end speeds up resolution.
Safety, privacy, and data use, what the government says
The eTravel platform collects passenger data for border management, health surveillance, and statistical analysis of travel flows. The official site describes data governance and a privacy policy; travelers can review what is collected and how it is used on the eTravel portal. Because the system underpins national entry processes, avoid sharing your eTravel QR on social networks and only submit information through the official site or certified channels.
Why this guide is reliable
This article is based on official Philippine government sources, airline advisories, and public notices from immigration authorities. The practical tips are drawn from procedural guidance posted on the eTravel portal and from government warnings about fraudulent registration services. For authoritative procedural questions or unusual cases (for example, diplomatic exceptions or long-stay visas) contact the Philippine embassy or the Bureau of Immigration directly; the official eTravel site lists contact and support information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official eTravel website, and is there a fee?
The only official eTravel website is etravel.gov.ph, and registration is free of charge; any site asking for payment to register you for eTravel is fraudulent and should be reported.
When should I register for eTravel before my flight?
You should register no earlier than 72 hours before your scheduled arrival or departure so the travel and health declarations are valid for airline check-in and immigration.
Do all travelers need an eTravel QR to enter the Philippines?
Most arriving passengers and crewmembers must register in eTravel; exemptions exist for certain diplomats and official delegations. Check the official FAQ for full details on exemptions.
Can a travel agency register me for eTravel and charge a fee?
Agencies may offer paid convenience services for bookings, but the eTravel registration itself should never cost money. If an agency charges specifically to register in eTravel, ask for clarification and insist on seeing the government confirmation; otherwise, register directly on the official site.
What should I do if my eTravel QR is not recognized by the airline?
Present screenshots, confirmation emails, and your passport to the airline and ask them to verify. If you suspect a fraudulently purchased registration, report it immediately to the CICC and contact the airline for the next steps.
Is eTravel available on mobile, and does it replace paper arrival cards?
Yes, eTravel is mobile responsive and accessible via the eGovPH app; it replaced older paper or separate e-Arrival cards with a single QR process. Keep an offline screenshot of your QR in case of poor connectivity.
How is my data used, and is it safe?
The data you submit is used for immigration control, health screening, and travel statistics as described in the platform’s privacy policy; use the official site and avoid sharing personal information on unverified pages.
Final checklist before you travel
Complete eTravel Philippines registration within 72 hours of travel, keep the QR code accessible in email and as a screenshot, verify all passport and flight details, avoid paid third-party registration services that claim to be mandatory, and have printed backup copies if possible. If you use a travel agency that accepts Tabby or similar payment plans, confirm that their fee covers only convenience services and that eTravel registration remains free and independent. These small steps will reduce stress at the airport and keep your entry or departure smooth and predictable.
