The eTravel Pass Philippines is a free, mandatory digital arrival declaration required for every traveller entering the Philippines in 2026. UK citizens must complete registration at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure. Failure to register risks delays, secondary inspection, or penalties at immigration.
The eTravel Pass Philippines is a free, mandatory digital registration system required for all travellers entering the Philippines in 2026. It replaces the old paper arrival card and must be completed online at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before your flight. UK citizens need it for every trip, regardless of visa-free status.
This guide was last reviewed and verified against the etravel.gov.ph portal on September 1, 2026. All requirements and procedures reflect current policies as of that date. This article is published by a UK travel information portal and is not affiliated with the Philippine government.
What Is the eTravel Pass?
The eTravel Pass is the Philippines’ mandatory digital immigration and health declaration system that replaced the paper arrival card. Formally named the Philippine Travel Information System, also referred to as the One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System, it consolidates border control, health screening, and travel declaration into a single online form accessible at etravel.gov.ph. It combines immigration clearance and the Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) managed by the Bureau of Quarantine into one form, reducing processing time at airports.
Legal Basis and Why It’s Required
The eTravel Pass Philippines operates under the Ease of Doing Business Law (R.A. 11032), which mandates streamlined government services. The system replaced the former paper-based arrival and departure cards in December 2022 pursuant to an IATF resolution and a Bureau of Immigration circular. It integrates the Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) managed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). Its purpose is to make border processing more efficient by generating a QR code that immigration officers scan upon arrival.
Is eTravel Pass Still Required in 2026?
Yes. The eTravel Pass is mandatory in 2026; no policy changes have been announced by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) or the Bureau of Immigration as of September 2026. The legal mandate under R.A. 11032 continues to apply at all Philippine ports of entry. UK citizens must complete the free registration at etravel.gov.ph before departure. Travellers should monitor the etravel.gov.ph portal for any updates, especially regarding potential integration with the e-Gate system at NAIA Terminal 3, which was expanded in June 2026.
Who Needs the eTravel Pass?
Every arriving passenger must register, except accredited diplomats, 9(e) visa holders, and holders of diplomatic or service passports. The eTravel Pass Philippines applies to all inbound foreign nationals and Filipino citizens arriving at any Philippine port of entry.
Complete Exemption Matrix
| Traveller Type | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign tourist | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| OFW | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Balikbayan | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Crew member | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Business traveller | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Diplomat / 9(e) visa holder | ❌ Exempt | ❌ Exempt |
| Child (with family) | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Cruise passenger | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
Who Is Exempt?
The eTravel Pass Philippines exempts foreign diplomats and their dependents, 9(e) visa holders, and bearers of diplomatic, official, or service passports from registration per Philippine government border rules and Bureau of Immigration circulars.
Traveling with Children
Each child, including infants, must hold an individual eTravel Pass registration and a unique QR code. A parent’s registration does not cover accompanying minors.
eTravel Pass Requirements & Cost in 2026
Documents needed: passport (valid 6+ months from arrival), flight number, accommodation address, email (OTP), and a well-lit selfie. Cost: free under R.A. 11032.
Documents Checklist
- ✅ Passport valid for at least 6 months from intended arrival date, with details matching all other travel documents
- ✅ Flight number and arrival/departure date
- ✅ Complete lodging address in the Philippines (hotel, Airbnb, or residence)
- ✅ Active email address (Gmail recommended) for receiving the six-digit OTP verification code
- ✅ Well-lit, front-facing digital selfie uploaded during profile setup
- ✅ Permanent residence address (house/building number and street)
- ✅ Travel history within the required period
Cost & Third-Party Scams
The eTravel Pass is FREE. You should never pay for it. Any third-party website demanding payment is not affiliated with the Philippine government. Register only at etravel.gov.ph.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Register at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure with these 5 steps:
Visit etravel.gov.ph
Select ARRIVAL or DEPARTURE to begin the eTravel Pass Philippines declaration.
Create an account
Enter your contact information and email address. The system sends a 6-digit OTP via email for verification.
Enter personal details
Include passport data, nationality, permanent address, and a well-lit, front-facing digital selfie uploaded during profile setup.
Enter travel details
Traveller type (tourist, OFW, resident, or business traveller), flight number, arrival date, and lodging address in the Philippines.
Complete the health declaration
Integrated Electronic Health Declaration Card managed by the Bureau of Quarantine, travel history, currency declaration if applicable, and submit with a digital signature. The eTravel Pass generates a QR code instantly upon submission.
The eTravel Pass Philippines can also be accessed via the eGovPH app as an alternative platform. The system architecture uses two different login systems: one for the web portal and one for the eGovPH app. Cruise passengers can scan a QR code displayed on board for ship-based registration.
Registration Tips & Troubleshooting
To avoid errors: double-check passport number, flight details, and register within 72 hours (recommended 24 to 48 hours before flight).
The 72-Hour Window
The eTravel Pass accepts registrations within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival or departure. Submitting earlier will cause the system to reject the form or generate a QR code that expires before your flight. Register 24 to 48 hours before departure to allow time to correct errors without risking an expired code.
eGovPH App vs. Browser
| Feature | Web Browser | eGovPH App |
|---|---|---|
| Download required | No | Yes (iOS/Android) |
| Works on any device | Yes | Smartphone only |
| Integrates with PH gov services | No | Yes |
| Recommended for UK tourists | ✅ Yes | For OFWs/residents |
How to Edit Your Registration
If you discover a typo in your passport number, an incorrect flight detail, or a wrong lodging address after submission, the eTravel Pass Philippines portal provides an Edit Registration function on the eTravel website. Use it to correct errors or update flight information rather than creating a new submission. Duplicate registrations linked to the same passport number can cause confusion at border control and may invalidate your original QR code.
What Happens After You Register?
After registering, the system generates a QR code instantly that determines your path: green means proceed to immigration, red means secondary inspection. Present it at check-in and again at the Philippine arrival hall.
Green vs. Red QR Code
A green QR code allows the passenger to proceed directly to immigration counters with no additional inspection. A red QR code requires the passenger to undergo secondary inspection by the Bureau of Immigration before entry is granted.
Backup and Offline Presentation
The eTravel Pass system recommends keeping a screenshot or printed copy of the QR code as a backup. An offline screenshot is accepted at the gate when roaming mobile data is unavailable. No Apple Wallet or Google Wallet integration exists; a screenshot or printout is the accepted offline method.
eTravel Pass for UK Citizens in 2026
UK citizens: visa-free for 30 days, but must have eTravel Pass QR code on arrival. Register within 72 hours. Departure not required. Passport validity 6 months.
- Visa-free entry: UK citizens enter the Philippines for tourism without a visa for 30 days; no visa fee applies for stays under this threshold.
- Arrival registration: Complete the eTravel Pass at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival.
- Departure exemption: Foreign nationals departing the Philippines do not need to register outbound; this applies only to Filipino citizens and crew members.
- Passport validity: The Bureau of Immigration mandates that your UK passport remain valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
- Visa extensions: Travellers wishing to stay beyond 30 days can apply for an extension at Bureau of Immigration offices in the Philippines.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
The most common eTravel registration errors are passport number typos, wrong flight details, and expired QR codes from registering too early.
Top Registration Errors and Fixes
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| OTP not arriving | Email delay or spam filter | Use a Gmail account; check spam folder; resend OTP |
| QR code not generating | Incomplete required fields | Verify all mandatory fields are filled before submission |
| Wrong passport number | Typo during entry | Use the Edit Registration function on etravel.gov.ph to correct it |
| Expired QR code | Registered more than 72 hours before travel | Re-register within the 72-hour window before departure |
Emergency Recovery at the Airport
If you arrive without a QR code, register on-site using free airport Wi-Fi at NAIA T1 to T3, Mactan-Cebu, Clark, or Davao; assistance kiosks are available. Expect delays and possible secondary inspection.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-registration does not cause automatic denial of entry but results in significant processing delays and possible secondary inspection by the Bureau of Immigration. Travellers may also face penalties under R.A. 11032 for non-compliance with mandatory government digital services.
eTravel Pass vs. Old Paper Arrival Card
The eTravel Pass replaced the old paper-based arrival and departure cards to make border processing more efficient. The Philippine eTravel Pass system consolidated immigration and health declarations into a single digital form, eliminating the manual cards that travellers previously filled out on the plane.
| Old Paper Arrival Card | eTravel Pass |
|---|---|
| Physical paper form completed by hand | Digital form submitted via web browser or eGovPH app |
| Submitted to immigration officer on arrival | Submitted online at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before travel |
| Manual processing at the immigration counter | QR code scanned upon arrival for faster clearance |
| Separate health checklist completed on paper | Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) integrated, managed by the Bureau of Quarantine |
| Single-use paper disposed after processing | Digital record, no paper waste generated |
The eTravel Pass Philippines system began replacing paper cards in December 2022 and remains the sole accepted declaration method for all travellers entering the country in 2026.
Transit Passengers and Special Cases
Transit passengers not clearing Philippine immigration may be exempt from the eTravel Pass Philippines requirement, while dual citizens must use their Philippine passport for entry.
Transit Passengers
The eTravel Pass does not apply to air passengers connecting through Philippine airports (e.g., NAIA) without passing border control, provided they remain in the sterile transit area. Travellers should confirm transit rules with their airline and the specific airport before departure, as terminal configurations may affect exemption status.
Dual Citizens Passport Selection
Dual citizens holding both UK and Philippine passports under Republic Act No. 9225 must register their Philippine passport details in the eTravel Pass system to ensure seamless entry status. Entering on a foreign passport while claiming Filipino citizenship may trigger secondary inspection by the Bureau of Immigration.
Data Privacy and Currency Declaration
Personal data submitted through the eTravel Pass is governed by the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) and used for immigration and health purposes. The integrated Currency Declaration Form requires travellers to declare cash amounts exceeding USD 10,000 equivalent; failure to declare may result in penalties at customs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do UK citizens need an eTravel Pass to visit the Philippines in 2026?
Yes, the eTravel Pass is mandatory for all inbound travellers regardless of visa-free status. UK citizens must complete the registration online at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival.
Is the eTravel Pass free, or is there a fee in 2026?
The eTravel Pass is completely free under R.A. 11032. Any third-party service requesting payment is not affiliated with the Philippine government.
How far in advance should I register for the eTravel Pass before my flight?
Register within 72 hours before departure; best practice is 24 to 48 hours before your flight. Registering too early may result in the system rejecting your submission.
Can I use the eTravel Pass QR code at automated e-Gates in Philippine airports?
e-Gates exist at select NAIA terminals, expanded in June 2026. Foreign passport holders may need manned counters; verify e-Gate eligibility upon arrival at your specific terminal.
What happens if I forget to register for the eTravel Pass before arriving in the Philippines?
Register on-site using airport Wi-Fi or assistance kiosks at NAIA, Mactan-Cebu, Clark, or Davao. Expect significant processing delays and potential secondary inspection.
Do I need an eTravel Pass if I’m transiting through the Philippines without entering the country?
Transit passengers who do not clear immigration may be exempt. Confirm your transit status and exemption eligibility with your airline before departure, as terminal configurations vary.
Which passport should I use for the eTravel Pass if I hold dual citizenship (Philippine and UK)?
Use your Philippine passport for entry and registration under R.A. 9225. This ensures seamless entry status and compliance with Bureau of Immigration mandates for dual nationals.
Is the eTravel Pass the same as a Philippine visa?
No, the eTravel Pass is a digital health and immigration declaration, not a visa. UK citizens enjoy 30-day visa-free entry for tourism but must still hold a valid eTravel Pass QR code on arrival.
Do children need their own eTravel Pass registration?
Yes, each traveller including infants must have an individual eTravel Pass registration and unique QR code. You cannot combine minors on a parent’s registration.
How do I update or correct my eTravel Pass after submitting it?
Use the Edit Registration function on etravel.gov.ph to correct errors or update flight details. Avoid creating duplicate registrations, as this can cause confusion at immigration.
What happens to my personal data submitted through the eTravel Pass?
Personal data is governed by the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) and used for immigration and health purposes by the Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Quarantine.
Do I need to declare cash or currency when filling out the eTravel Pass?
Yes, amounts exceeding USD 10,000 equivalent must be declared via the integrated Currency Declaration Form. Failure to declare may result in penalties at customs.
Register the free eTravel Pass at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure to avoid immigration delays when entering the Philippines.
