Every Filipino traveling abroad and every foreign national arriving in the Philippines needs to complete one important step before their flight: registering with the Philippine eTravel system.
Despite being around since 2023, eTravel still confuses a lot of travelers — especially first-timers, families helping elderly relatives prepare for a trip, and OFWs who've been abroad for a while. This guide covers everything clearly, step by step.
What Is the Philippine eTravel System?
The Philippine eTravel system is the official government digital platform for collecting traveler information for immigration, health, and customs clearance. It replaced the old paper arrival and departure cards and the One Health Pass system.
Through eTravel, the government collects your personal details, travel information, customs declaration, and health declaration — all in one place, before you arrive at the airport.
After completing registration, you receive a QR code that serves as your digital clearance. You'll need to show this to airline staff at check-in and to immigration officers at the border.
Who Needs to Register?
Foreign Nationals Arriving in the Philippines
All foreign passport holders entering the Philippines — regardless of nationality — must complete eTravel registration before arrival. This includes tourists, business travelers, returning permanent residents, and even transit passengers clearing Philippine immigration.
Filipino Citizens Departing the Philippines
All Filipino citizens leaving the Philippines on an international flight must also complete eTravel registration before their departure. This includes OFWs heading back to their work assignment, balikbayans returning overseas after a home visit, and Filipino tourists flying out for a vacation.
Note: Foreign nationals departing the Philippines are currently not required to register. Only those arriving need to complete eTravel. Filipino citizens need it for both arrival and departure.
Children and Minors
Every traveler needs their own individual eTravel registration — including infants and children. Parents or guardians can complete the registration on behalf of minors. Do not skip this step even for a baby on your lap.
Before You Register — What to Prepare
- Valid Philippine passport (or foreign passport for visiting nationals)
- Flight details: airline, flight number, departure date and time
- Accommodation information: hotel name and address (for arrivals)
- Your email address (you'll receive your QR code here)
Step-by-Step: How to Register on eTravel
Official Website: etravel.gov.ph
Warning: Only use the official government website. There are fake lookalike websites that charge fees for this registration. The real eTravel system is 100% FREE. If a website is asking you to pay, leave immediately.
Step 1: Open the Registration Window
Register within 72 hours before your scheduled flight. Do not try to register a week in advance — the system may not accept future dates beyond 72 hours. The best time to register is the evening before your departure day, or the morning of your flight.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
First-time users need to create an account with an email address and password. Returning travelers can log in to their existing account. Creating an account speeds up future registrations because some of your personal details are saved.
Step 3: Enter Your Personal Details
Fill in your:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Citizenship
- Passport number
- Country of birth
- Contact information
Step 4: Enter Your Travel Details
- Flight number and airline
- Departure airport and arrival airport
- Travel date
- For arrivals: hotel or accommodation name and address in the Philippines
- Purpose of travel
Step 5: Complete the Customs Declaration
You'll be asked to declare whether you are carrying:
- Food, plants, or animals
- Medications or controlled substances
- Cash or monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent)
- Firearms or other regulated items
Answer honestly. This section is a legal declaration.
Step 6: Complete the Health Declaration
Answer the health questionnaire. This is mandatory and cannot be skipped. Questions typically cover recent symptoms, travel to restricted areas, and potential health risk factors.
Step 7: Review, Sign, and Submit
Review all your entered information carefully before submitting. Once submitted, corrections require re-registering. Provide your electronic signature and submit the form.
Step 8: Save Your QR Code
After successful registration, your QR code will be generated immediately. You'll also receive a copy via email.
- Screenshot or download the QR code immediately — do not rely on internet access at the airport to retrieve it
- You can also print it on paper if you prefer
What Do the QR Code Colors Mean?
When your QR code is generated, it will be one of two colors:
🟢 Green QR Code
Your information is complete and you can proceed normally through airline check-in and immigration. This is the standard outcome for most travelers.
🔴 Red QR Code
The Bureau of Quarantine will conduct an additional check before you continue to immigration. This may involve a document review and a short interview about your travel history. A red QR code is not a denial — it simply means you need a brief additional screening. Remain calm and cooperate with quarantine staff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering too early — the 72-hour window exists for a reason. Registering days in advance may cause issues.
- Typos in passport details — even a single wrong digit or letter in your name or passport number can cause delays.
- Forgetting to register for children — every traveler, including infants, needs their own registration.
- Not saving the QR code offline — always screenshot or download it. Mobile data is not reliable at all airports.
- Using a third-party or fake website — etravel.gov.ph is the only legitimate registration portal. It is free.
- Registering only for arrival and not departure (for Filipinos) — Filipino citizens need to complete eTravel for both international arrivals and departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eTravel a visa?
No. The eTravel registration is not a visa and does not replace any visa requirement. Foreign nationals who need a Philippine visa must still obtain one separately.
Do I need a new registration for every trip?
Yes. Each trip requires a separate eTravel registration. Your account saves your personal information, but you must fill out and submit a new form for every individual journey.
What if I made a mistake after submitting?
You may need to start a new registration with the correct information. You cannot edit a submitted form. If you notice the error before your trip, re-register with accurate details.
Is eTravel required for domestic flights?
No. eTravel is only required for international travel to and from the Philippines.
I am an OFW — do I need to do this every time?
Yes. Every departure from the Philippines requires a new eTravel registration. The good news: logging in to your existing account makes the process faster since your personal details are pre-filled. It typically takes just a few minutes once you're familiar with the system.
A Reminder from Wandertrift
At Wandertrift Travel & Tours, we remind all our clients — especially those joining group tours — to complete their eTravel registration as part of their pre-departure checklist. It's one of the simplest steps, but forgetting it can cause unnecessary stress at the airport.
If you're traveling with a Wandertrift group, your tour leader will confirm your eTravel completion before the group departs. For individual travelers and FIT clients, our team sends a pre-departure reminder with all the steps you need to follow.
Source: Philippine Travel Information System; etravel.gov.ph. Information is accurate as of July 2026. Requirements may be updated by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration — always check etravel.gov.ph for the most current guidelines before travel.
