Philippines eTravel Registration — The Complete 2026 Guide
The Philippines eTravel system replaced the paper arrival card. Here is exactly what to fill in, when to do it, and what to bring to immigration at Manila, Cebu, or Davao airports.
The Philippines replaced the paper arrival/departure card with the electronic eTravel system in 2022, requiring all arriving international passengers to pre-register online before landing. The system is straightforward but has confused many travellers who complete it at the wrong time, use the wrong URL, or arrive without the QR code. Philippines immigration at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) is one of Southeast Asia's busiest entry points, and the eTravel requirement adds a pre-travel step that isn't optional. Here is the complete process.
What the Philippines eTravel system actually is
The Philippines eTravel system is a government-managed online registration platform at etravel.gov.ph. It collects the information previously captured on the paper Arrival Card (also called the Bureau of Immigration Form) — personal details, flight information, accommodation address in the Philippines, and a health declaration — in a digital format that feeds Philippines immigration databases before you arrive. Registration produces a QR code that you present at immigration alongside your passport. The system is operated by the Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration. It is mandatory for all arriving international passengers including Filipino citizens returning from abroad. Departing passengers: the eTravel system also handles departure reporting for some travellers, though the departure card requirement has been simplified. The focus for most international visitors is the arrival registration. Domestic passengers: eTravel is not required for domestic flights within the Philippines — only for international arrivals.
How to complete the eTravel registration step by step
The registration process takes approximately 5–10 minutes and must be completed within 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. Access the form at etravel.gov.ph (the official government URL — avoid third-party sites claiming to assist with eTravel, which are often scam services charging for a free process). The form collects: personal information (full name as on passport, nationality, passport number, date of birth), flight details (airline, flight number, departure airport, arrival date and time, port of entry — NAIA Terminal 1/2/3, Mactan-Cebu, Clark, Davao), accommodation information (hotel name, address, or home address if staying with family/friends), and health declaration (standard yes/no questions about recent illness, contact with known cases, vaccination status). After submitting, the system generates a QR code. Save this as a screenshot or PDF — you'll need to show it at immigration. The QR code does not expire for the registered arrival date, but if your flight changes significantly, you should complete a new registration with updated flight details. Common timing mistake: many travellers register too early. The 72-hour window is strict — a registration completed 80 hours before arrival will show as invalid at immigration. Time your registration to the 72-hour window, not earlier.
Editor's tips
- Screenshot the QR code AND save the page as PDF — don't rely solely on a live internet connection at immigration to display it
- Register per passenger — each traveller (including children) needs their own separate registration, not a group submission
- If your flight itinerary changes after registration, complete a new registration with the updated details before arrival
At Philippines immigration — what to expect
Arriving at NAIA (all terminals), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, or Davao Francisco Bangoy International Airport, you will present: your passport, your eTravel QR code (on phone screen or printed), and your return or onward ticket if applicable. Immigration officers scan the QR code to access your pre-registered information. The process adds minimal time to immigration processing compared to filling paper cards — typically faster, particularly at off-peak arrival times. The main friction points: QR codes displayed on low-brightness phone screens in bright terminal lighting can be difficult to scan. Ensure your screen brightness is maximised. Older phones with smaller screens create scanning difficulty — a printed copy on A4 paper is the reliable backup. Some travellers encounter officers who ask for a printed copy rather than a digital one at specific immigration booths. Carry both digital and printed versions for NAIA to avoid negotiation. Visas: most nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival for tourism — extendable at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. Visa requirements vary by passport — check current requirements for your specific nationality at the Philippines Bureau of Immigration website.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes — eTravel registration is mandatory for all international passengers arriving in the Philippines, including Filipino citizens returning from abroad. It replaced the paper arrival card in 2022. Passengers who have not completed eTravel registration before arrival will be directed to complete it at airport kiosks, potentially causing delays at immigration.
The Philippines eTravel registration is a straightforward 5–10 minute pre-travel step that replaces the paper arrival card. Complete it at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival, save the QR code both digitally and in print, and present it with your passport at immigration. The system is free — avoid any third-party service charging for the registration.
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Camille Laurent
Senior Travel Editor · Based in Lisbon · Bali
Camille has spent the last 9 years living in or reporting from over 60 countries. Former contributor to Condé Nast Traveler and Monocle, she focuses on Southeast Asia, Mediterranean Europe, and the Middle East. Currently based between Lisbon and Bali.
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