Last Updated: September 2026. Fact-checked against official Philippine government sources: Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) and the eTravel portal (etravel.gov.ph). This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change without notice.
The eTravel Pass is a free digital health and immigration declaration required for all arrivals, not a visa. It does not replace any visa requirement. UK citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days but must still complete eTravel requirements within 72 hours before arrival.
The eTravel Pass functions as a pre-arrival data registration, while a Philippine visa is an entry authorization issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The eTravel Pass vs Visa Philippines distinction is crucial for British travellers to prevent critical travel errors.
The eTravel Pass replaced the paper-based arrival card and the One Health Pass. Registration is mandatory for all arriving and departing passengers, with the exception of 9(e) visa holders.
What Is the eTravel Pass and How Does It Differ From a Visa?
The eTravel Pass Philippines is a mandatory digital health and immigration data declaration, not an entry authorization, while a Philippine visa is formal permission to enter the country issued by the DFA. The eTravel Pass Philippines operates as a digital single data collection platform managed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) under the Ease of Doing Business Law (Republic Act No. 11032). The portal at etravel.gov.ph collects health surveillance data and immigration details via an electronic health declaration card (eHDC).
What eTravel Replaces
The eTravel Pass Philippines consolidated the paper arrival card and the One Health Pass quarantine form into one web-based platform. The eGovPH mobile app is supplementary; eTravel is web-based and the app is not required.
eTravel Registration Requirements
Every arriving passenger must submit passport details, flight information, Philippine accommodation address, and health declaration data during the eTravel registration process. The system generates an eTravel QR code: a green QR code directs the traveller to immigration inspection, while a red QR code indicates incomplete data or communicable-disease exposure and triggers Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) review.
Philippine Visa Types Explained for UK Travellers
Philippine visa categories are distinct from the eTravel Pass Philippines, which is required regardless of which visa type you hold. Categories include the 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa (tourist, up to 59 days initial stay), the 9(b) Transit Visa, the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (valid 1 to 3 years), Immigrant Visas, visa-free entry under Executive Order No. 408, the Balikbayan privilege (one-year visa-free stay for former Filipino citizens), and 9(e) Diplomatic/Service Visas. Only 9(e) holders are exempt from eTravel registration.
Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens (Executive Order No. 408)
UK Travellers: You Don’t Need a Visa, But You DO Need eTravel.
UK passport holders enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days under Executive Order No. 408. Despite this visa exemption, the eTravel Pass Philippines remains mandatory and must be completed within 72 hours before arrival. British travellers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months and may be asked by a Bureau of Immigration officer to present proof of an onward or return ticket, as outlined in the UK requirements guide.
eTravel vs Each Philippine Visa Type – Do You Still Need It?
The eTravel Pass Philippines requires registration from every inbound traveller regardless of visa category, with only two exceptions: 9(e) diplomatic/service passport holders and airside transit passengers who do not clear immigration. The eTravel Pass Philippines supplements your visa status; it never substitutes for it.
| Visa Type | Issuing Authority | Validity | Cost | eTravel Required? | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9(a) Tourist (Temporary Visitor) | DFA | 3-12 months | Paid | Yes | Visa authorises entry; eTravel collects pre-arrival data |
| 9(b) Transit (airside) | DFA | Short | Paid | No (if not clearing immigration) | Airside transit avoids both eTravel and 9(b) visa |
| 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment | DFA/BI | 1-3 years | Paid | Yes | Work visa grants employment rights; eTravel does not |
| Immigrant Visa | BI | Permanent | Paid | Yes | Permanent residency vs single-use arrival declaration |
| Visa-Free (EO 408, UK citizens) | None | 30 days | Free | Yes | No visa needed, but eTravel still mandatory within 72 hours |
| Balikbayan Privilege | BI | 1 year | Free | Yes | 1-year visa-free stay for former Filipino citizens; eTravel per arrival |
| 9(e) Diplomatic/Service | DFA | Varies | Free | Exempt | Only category exempt from eTravel registration |
My Visa Is Valid for a Year – Why Do I Re-Register eTravel Every Time?
The eTravel Pass Philippines operates on an independent timeline from your visa. A 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa can remain valid for up to 12 months, but the eTravel Pass Philippines must be completed within 72 hours before each individual arrival. Visa validity authorises your legal stay; eTravel validity covers a single entry event.
How to Register for eTravel Pass and Use It at the Airport
Step-by-Step Registration
Visit etravel.gov.ph
Visit etravel.gov.ph on any device.
Enter your details
Enter your passport details, flight information, Philippine accommodation address, and health declaration.
Submit the form
Submit the form within 72 hours of your arrival or departure date.
Save your QR code
Save your QR code by screenshot, download, or print before closing the browser.
Edits before verification
Edits are permitted only before border control verification by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).
Lost your record?
Retrieve it at etravel.gov.ph/search using your reference number and date of birth.
Scam warning: The eTravel Pass Philippines cost is PHP 0. Fraudulent websites charge in USD (approximately PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000) for a service that is free of charge. Report scams to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) at cicc.gov.ph/report. For direct inquiries, contact the Bureau of Immigration: hotline (+632) 8-524-3769, trunk line (+632) 8-465-2400, email [email protected].
eTravel QR Code at the Airport
Airline check-in desks may verify your QR code before boarding. At immigration, the BI system links eTravel data directly to your passport record. At NAIA customs, personnel typically scan the QR code physically. If your eTravel Pass QR code is lost or inaccessible, fill out another pass with immigration assistance on arrival.
FAQ
Does the eTravel Pass replace a visa for the Philippines in 2026?
No, the eTravel Pass is a digital health and immigration declaration, not a visa. If you require a visa for entry, you must still obtain one. eTravel is an additional mandatory step required regardless of your visa status.
Do UK citizens need a visa for the Philippines in 2026?
No, UK passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days under Executive Order No. 408, but must still complete eTravel registration within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Is the eTravel Pass free of charge?
Yes, eTravel registration is completely free of charge (PHP 0). If a website requests payment in US dollars, it is fraudulent and should be reported to the CICC at cicc.gov.ph/report.
How long is the eTravel Pass valid?
The eTravel Pass is valid for a single trip. Registration must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival. You must re-register every time you travel, independent of your visa validity period.
What documents do I need for eTravel registration?
You need your passport details, flight information, Philippine accommodation address, and a health declaration. Register via the web-based platform at etravel.gov.ph.
Do children need a separate eTravel Pass?
Yes, each traveller must have an individual eTravel registration, regardless of age. Children cannot be included in a parent’s eTravel Pass.
Do I need eTravel for transit through Manila (NAIA)?
No, airside transit passengers who do not clear immigration at NAIA do not require eTravel registration or a 9(b) transit visa.
What are the most common eTravel mistakes?
Common mistakes include confusing the eTravel Pass with a visa, using fraudulent paid websites, assuming visa-free entry exempts you from eTravel, and failing to save the generated QR code.
Can I extend my Philippine visa without a new eTravel?
Yes, extending a tourist visa at the Bureau of Immigration inside the Philippines does not require a new eTravel submission.
Do I still need a return ticket if I have an eTravel Pass?
Yes, the eTravel Pass does not replace the immigration officer’s right to request proof of onward travel within your authorised stay.
Editorial note: This article was reviewed by our travel desk and fact-checked against primary sources from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) and the eTravel portal (etravel.gov.ph). For the latest updates, always verify current requirements at etravel.gov.ph or the nearest Philippine embassy.
