Last updated: 14 September 2026. Requirements verified against the eTravel government portal as of this date.
AirAsia requires passengers to complete the Philippines eTravel Pass at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival and present the QR code at check-in. British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and PAL enforce the same mandate but differ in verification timing: AirAsia integrates eTravel verification into its Super App during online check-in, while BA and Singapore Airlines check the QR code manually at airport counters.
eTravel Pass Basics and Registration Rules
The eTravel Pass is a mandatory digital arrival card for the Philippines, replacing the One Health Pass, and must be completed at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival. Registration is free of charge on the government portal; avoid scam sites using non-.gov.ph domains that charge fees.
The 72-hour window follows a split rule: inbound arrivals must register within 72 hours before scheduled arrival time in the Philippines, while outbound Filipino citizens register within 72 hours before departure.
Select Arrival or Departure
Select Arrival or Departure on the eTravel portal.
Enter personal and passport details
Enter personal and passport details, which must match your passport exactly; a mismatch causes processing issues.
Provide travel information
Provide travel information, traveller type, and your local address in the Philippines.
Complete the health and travel history declaration
Complete the health and travel history declaration.
Generate your QR code
Generate your QR code and save a phone screenshot or printed copy for presentation at check-in and customs.
eTravel Pass vs AirAsia Requirements: Airline Comparison
AirAsia integrates eTravel verification into its Super App, while BA, Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and PAL verify the QR code manually at airport counters. AirAsia reported a ~20% non-compliance rate among international arriving guests in January 2023, causing queues at NAIA Terminal 3.
Cebu Pacific varies by route: the Melbourne to Manila service showed no check-in or gate verification, while the Denpasar route required QR presentation at the desk. BA and Singapore Airlines conduct manual checks at UK departure ports including Heathrow and Manchester.
| Verification Stage | AirAsia | Cebu Pacific | PAL | BA | Singapore Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online check-in | Super App integrated | Not available on Denpasar route | System-integrated | Manual | App or manual |
| Airport counter | QR shown if flagged | QR required (Denpasar); not checked (Melbourne) | Counter check | QR required at bag-drop | QR required at counter |
| Boarding gate | QR checked | Not required (Melbourne) | Counter-verified | Counter-verified | Manual at gate |
| Arrival (NAIA) | Immigration auto-fetch; customs QR scan | Immigration auto-fetch; customs QR scan | Immigration auto-fetch; customs QR scan | Immigration auto-fetch; customs QR scan | Immigration auto-fetch; customs QR scan |
* Non-compliance rate based on AirAsia Philippines data, January 2023.
Green vs Red QR Codes and Airport Verification
A Green eTravel QR code confirms clearance; a Red code, triggered by health declarations or recent travel to outbreak countries, requires an immigration health interview before clearance. Airlines check QR codes at check-in, but the colour classification is enforced at Philippine immigration, not by the carrier.
Passport scans at NAIA immigration auto-fetch eTravel data from the government system; officers occasionally request the QR code during system outages or spot audits. The customs and baggage exit gate consistently requires a mandatory QR code scan at electronic customs gates before leaving the terminal.
Exemptions and Common eTravel Pass Issues
Departing foreign tourists do not need an eTravel Pass; only outbound Filipino citizens must register before departure. Children require individual QR codes, and forgotten registrations can be completed on-site at Manila immigration with delays of 30-60 minutes.
- Foreign diplomats, dignitaries, and 9(e) visa holders are exempt from eTravel Pass requirements, as are holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports.
- Departing foreign tourists are not required to complete eTravel; only outbound Filipino citizens must register before departure.
- Children and infants each need an individual eTravel Pass QR code linked to their own passport details; AirAsia does not accept group-linked QR codes for minors.
- Transit passengers not clearing immigration at NAIA are generally exempt, though terminal transfers may require exiting and re-entering the secure area.
- Domestic Philippine flights do not require eTravel; only international arrivals and departures fall under the mandate.
- Forgotten registrations can be completed on-site at Manila immigration desks, but expect 30-60 minutes of additional delay; airport Wi-Fi and kiosk infrastructure at NAIA are limited.
FAQ
What is the difference between eTravel Pass requirements for AirAsia and British Airways?
AirAsia uses Super App integration; BA uses manual counter verification at UK departure ports. Both require a valid QR code before issuing a boarding pass to passengers travelling to the Philippines.
How many hours before my AirAsia flight do I need to complete eTravel?
At least 72 hours before scheduled arrival in the Philippines. For outbound Filipino citizens, the 72-hour window is anchored to departure time. Register as soon as flight details are confirmed.
Can I show a screenshot of my eTravel QR code, or do I need a printout?
Both digital screenshots and printouts are accepted at Philippine immigration and customs. Carry both as a precaution to avoid delays.
What happens if I forgot to complete eTravel before my AirAsia flight?
You will not be refused entry; complete on-site at immigration, expect 30-60 minutes of delay. Wi-Fi and kiosk availability at NAIA are limited.
Do I need a separate eTravel registration for my child?
Yes, every traveller, including infants, must have an individual eTravel QR code linked to their own passport details.
What does a Red eTravel QR code mean?
A Red QR code indicates your health declaration has been flagged for an interview, typically due to recent travel to outbreak countries or specific health history answers. You will undergo a health screening interview at Philippine immigration before clearance.
Do I need eTravel for domestic flights within the Philippines?
No, eTravel is required only for international arrivals and departures. Domestic flights, such as Manila to Cebu, do not require it.
Do departing foreign tourists need to complete eTravel when leaving the Philippines?
No, only departing Filipino citizens need eTravel. Foreign tourists and foreign residents are exempt when departing the Philippines.
