In short (updated October 2026): the “eTravel Pass” is the free online registration of the Philippine Travel Information System at etravel.gov.ph. It is not a visa. Every arriving passenger (foreign or Filipino) and every departing Filipino must register within 72 hours before travel and show the resulting QR code. The government charges no fee; sites that demand payment for “eTravel” are not official.
What is the eTravel Pass?
eTravel is the Philippines’ single digital data collection platform for passengers arriving in and departing from the country. Travellers often call it the “eTravel Pass” or “eTravel card”. It replaced the paper arrival card (December 2022) and the paper departure card (1 May 2023).
One registration feeds three agencies: the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), which uses the electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC), and the Bureau of Customs. Since 10 May 2024 travellers show a single eTravel QR code for immigration, quarantine and customs.
| Official name | eTravel – Philippine Travel Information System |
| Official website | etravel.gov.ph (also in the eGovPH app) |
| Government fee | None – eTravel is free |
| When | Within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival or departure |
| Result | QR code (screenshot, download or print) |
| Is it a visa? | No – visa rules apply separately |
Who must register for the eTravel Pass?
According to the official eTravel FAQ and the Bureau of Immigration’s October 2026 advisory, registration is required for:
- arriving foreign and Filipino passengers, by air or sea;
- arriving foreign and Filipino crew members;
- departing Filipino passengers, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Departing foreign nationals are not on the official list. Exempt from eTravel are foreign diplomats and their dependents, foreign dignitaries and their delegations, holders of 9(e) visas, and holders of diplomatic or official/service passports.
Is the eTravel Pass free?
Yes. The eTravel website states that “eTravel is FREE”, and the Bureau of Immigration has repeatedly warned travellers about fake sites that charge for registration. Such sites can be reported to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Always check that the address bar shows etravel.gov.ph before entering passport data.
Some travellers still prefer paid help with forms. If you choose our assisted service, you pay for the assistance, not for the registration itself, which is free on the official site.
How to apply for the eTravel Pass
- Wait until you are within 72 hours of your arrival in (or departure from) the Philippines.
- Go to etravel.gov.ph in any browser or open the eGovPH app, and sign in.
- Choose Arrival or Departure and enter your passport, flight or vessel and address details.
- Answer the health declaration and customs questions honestly.
- Submit and save the QR code. Show it to the airline before boarding and to officers on arrival.
Frequent travellers do not start from scratch: update your details for each trip through “Edit Registration”. You can edit until the BOQ and BI have processed your entry.
Requirements and QR code rules
- Passport – the one you will travel with.
- Travel details – flight or vessel number and date.
- Contact details – email address and address in the Philippines or abroad.
- Internet access – a stable connection; no app is required.
A green QR code lets you proceed to immigration. A red QR code means further BOQ inspection, issued for incomplete or incorrect data or if you were sick or exposed to a sick person in the past 30 days. Present only one QR code. If you lose it, retrieve it at etravel.gov.ph/search with your reference number and date of birth.
eTravel Pass FAQ
Is the eTravel Pass still required in 2026?
Yes. The Bureau of Immigration reminded travellers in October 2026 to register or update their eTravel information before travel.
How much does the eTravel Pass cost?
Nothing. Registration at etravel.gov.ph is free. Any fee you see elsewhere is charged by a private website, not by the government.
How early can I register?
Within 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in or departure from the Philippines.
Is the eTravel Pass a visa?
No. It is a travel declaration. If your nationality needs a visa for the Philippines, you must get it separately.
Do I need to download an app?
No. eTravel works in a mobile or desktop browser. The eGovPH app is an optional alternative.
Do foreigners need the eTravel Pass when leaving?
The official FAQ requires departure registration from Filipino passengers only. Foreigners register when arriving.
What if I lose my QR code?
Go to etravel.gov.ph/search and enter your reference number and date of birth to retrieve it.
Sources: eTravel – Philippine Travel Information System (etravel.gov.ph and its FAQ); Bureau of Immigration advisory on eTravel registration (immigration.gov.ph, October 2026); Bureau of Customs single eTravel QR code announcement (May 2024). Information checked in October 2026.