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eTravel: The Philippines Arrival Registration, Explained

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Arrival Guide · Philippines · Updated June 2026

If your clients are travelling to the Philippines, there is one short step they must complete before they fly: eTravel. It takes only a few minutes, it is free, and getting it right avoids delays at immigration. Here is a clear guide for travel partners and their clients.

What is eTravel?

eTravel is the Philippine government's official online arrival registration — a short digital declaration of travel and health details that replaces the old paper arrival cards. It is operated by the Bureau of Immigration and is mandatory for travellers entering the country. On completion, each traveller receives a QR code to present at the airport on arrival.

Who needs it?

  • All inbound travellers to the Philippines — both foreign nationals and returning Filipino citizens.
  • Each traveller needs their own registration, including children (a parent can complete it on their behalf).

When should it be done? The 72-hour window

eTravel should be completed within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival in the Philippines. Registering earlier than the window may mean it has to be redone, so the sweet spot is the day or two before the flight.

Partner tip: remind clients to complete eTravel 1–2 days before departure, and to save a screenshot of the QR code offline so it is available even without internet at the airport.

What clients need on hand

  • Passport details
  • Flight details (airline and flight number, arrival date)
  • Accommodation address / first hotel in the Philippines
  • Basic personal and travel information

How to register — step by step

  1. Go to the official site: etravel.gov.ph.
  2. Select arrival registration and enter passport and personal details.
  3. Add flight and accommodation information.
  4. Complete the short health declaration.
  5. Submit and save the QR code that is generated (screenshot it).
  6. Present the QR code at the airport on arrival.
Avoid scam sites. eTravel is completely free. Several unofficial websites and apps copy the eTravel name and charge a "processing fee." Only use the official address — etravel.gov.ph — and never pay to register.

A note for groups

For groups, it is worth collecting confirmation that each participant has completed eTravel before departure, and keeping the QR codes together with travel documents. Our destination team can include an eTravel reminder in pre-departure information for confirmed Philippines programs.

This guide is for general information. Entry rules can change — always confirm the current requirements on the official etravel.gov.ph site before travel.

Planning a Philippines or Asia program for your clients? Our team can build it and brief your travellers on arrival formalities.

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