eTravel Departure Card

The Philippines eTravel Departure Card is a free, mandatory electronic registration that departing Filipino passengers must complete at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before leaving the Philippines.

Departing foreign nationals are not required to register — only arriving foreigners and departing Filipinos must use the system.

What Is the Philippines eTravel Departure Card?

The Philippines eTravel Departure Card is a free electronic travel declaration system that replaced the traditional paper departure and arrival cards previously issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

It was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce physical contact at airports and seaports — and it has remained in active use through 2026.

The system is officially called the Philippine Travel Information System (PTIS). It is accessible at etravel.gov.ph or through the eGovPH App (available on iOS and Android).

It operates under R.A. 11032 — the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act — which mandates the digitalization of government forms.

By integrating all CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) requirements into a single platform, the system eliminates the need for multiple paper forms at the port of exit or entry.

Key facts at a glance:

• Cost: FREE — no government fee for registration
• Platform: etravel.gov.ph or eGovPH App
• Registration window: Within 72 hours (3 days) before departure
• Output: A QR code sent to your email (green or red)
• Replaces: Traditional paper departure card

Who Needs to Register for eTravel Departure?

The Philippines eTravel Departure Card is required for departing Filipino citizens but not for departing foreign nationals.

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the system — the rules differ depending on whether you are arriving or departing, and whether you are a Filipino citizen or a foreign national.

Departing Filipino Passengers (Required)

All Filipino citizens departing the Philippines through any international airport or seaport must register in the eTravel system before their flight or voyage.

This requirement applies regardless of the purpose of travel — whether for tourism, business, work abroad (including OFWs — Overseas Filipino Workers), or transit.

Filipino minors are also required to register. The eTravel form for children must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.

Each traveler, including minors, needs their own individual registration linked to their specific passport number.

Departing Foreign Nationals (NOT Required)

⚠️ Important: Foreign nationals departing the Philippines do NOT need to register for the eTravel Departure Card. This requirement applies only to arriving foreign nationals and departing Filipino citizens.

If you are a foreign tourist, business traveler, or expat leaving the Philippines, you are exempt from the departure registration.

You were required to register when you arrived in the Philippines — but no eTravel registration is needed when you leave.

Exemptions from eTravel Registration

The following individuals are fully exempt from eTravel registration for both arrival and departure:

If you fall into one of these categories, you do not need to complete the eTravel form at any Philippine port of entry or exit.

How to Register for the Philippines eTravel Departure Card (Step by Step)

Registering for the Philippines eTravel Departure Card takes under 10 minutes at etravel.gov.ph or via the eGovPH App.

Complete the registration within 72 hours before your scheduled departure — not earlier, and not at the last minute.

Step 1 — Create or Log In to Your eTravel Account

Go to etravel.gov.ph on any device (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) with a stable internet connection.

If you are a first-time user, create a free account using your email address. Returning users can log in directly.

The Bureau of Immigration is procuring eTravel kiosks at international airports and seaports for travelers who do not have access to a smartphone or internet connection. These kiosks allow on-site registration before immigration processing.

Step 2 — Fill Out the Departure Form

Select the Departure registration type and complete all required fields.

Personal information:

• Full name (as it appears on your passport)
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport number and expiry date

Travel details:

• Flight number or vessel name
• Scheduled departure date and time
• Destination country

Declarations (integrated into the same form):

• Health Declaration (Bureau of Quarantine) — current health status, symptoms
• Customs Baggage Declaration (Bureau of Customs) — items being taken out of the Philippines
• Currency Declaration (Bureau of Customs) — if carrying currency above the declared threshold

Documents you need ready:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• Flight ticket or booking confirmation

Step 3 — Submit and Get Your QR Code

After completing and submitting the form, you will receive a QR code via email within minutes.

Download the QR code to your mobile device or print it out before heading to the airport.

At the immigration counter, present your QR code to the immigration officer at the port of exit. The officer will scan the code to verify your registration. A screenshot on your phone screen works fine — just make sure it is clearly visible and scannable.

💡 Tip: Register at least 24–48 hours before departure (within the 72-hour window) to give yourself time to resolve any issues before reaching the airport.

What Does the eTravel QR Code Mean? (Green vs Red)

After completing the Philippines eTravel Departure Card, you receive a QR code that indicates your clearance status.

The color of the QR code determines what happens at the immigration counter.

Green QR code: You are cleared to proceed through immigration. Show the green QR code to the immigration officer and continue with your departure process normally.

Red QR code: Your health declaration has triggered a flag. You will be directed to a health officer for a brief medical assessment before you are cleared to depart.

A red code does not automatically mean you will be denied departure — it means additional health screening is required.

Important rules about the QR code:

• Each QR code is linked to a specific passport number — it cannot be shared or transferred
• Every traveler, including minors, must have their own individual QR code
• The QR code is valid for your specific departure date and flight
• Check your email’s spam/junk folder if you do not receive the QR code within 30 minutes of registration

What Forms Are Included in the eTravel System?

The Philippines eTravel system consolidates four government forms into one single platform — immigration, health, customs baggage, and currency declarations.

This is a significant improvement over the previous system, where travelers had to fill out multiple separate paper forms at the airport.

This one-stop CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) platform was designed in compliance with R.A. 11032 to reduce paper-based requirements and speed up border processing.

Airlines are also required to remind passengers to complete the eTravel registration before their flight.

For cruise ship passengers, a separate QR code registration process is available directly on the etravel.gov.ph platform under the “Cruise Travel Registration” section.

What Happens If You Don’t Register Before Departure?

Failing to complete the Philippines eTravel Departure Card before your flight can result in being denied boarding at the immigration counter.

The Bureau of Immigration has made eTravel registration a mandatory prerequisite for immigration clearance at all international ports of exit.

Consequences of not registering:

• Immigration officers will not process your departure without a valid eTravel QR code
• You may be turned away at the immigration counter even if you have a valid ticket and passport
• Airlines are responsible for informing passengers about the requirement — but the responsibility to register lies with the traveler

What to do if you forgot to register:

1. If you are still at home or en route to the airport, register immediately at etravel.gov.ph on your phone
2. If you are already at the airport without registration, look for the eTravel kiosk in the departure area
3. Allow extra time — last-minute registration at the airport may cause delays

⚠️ Do not wait until you are at the airport. Register within the 72-hour window before departure to avoid any risk of being denied at the immigration counter.

eTravel Departure Card vs Visa: Key Differences

The Philippines eTravel Departure Card is not a visa or ETA — it is a separate travel declaration requirement that does not grant entry rights into any country.

This distinction is critical for travelers who may confuse the two.

Key rule: If you are a foreign national arriving in the Philippines and your nationality requires a visa, you need both a valid visa/ETA and an eTravel arrival registration.

The eTravel system does not substitute for visa requirements — they are two completely separate obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need to fill eTravel when leaving the Philippines?

Departing Filipino citizens must register for the Philippines eTravel Departure Card before leaving. Departing foreign nationals do not need to register for departure — only for arrival.

Do I need to fill up a departure card in the Philippines?

Yes, but the traditional paper departure card has been replaced by the Philippines eTravel Departure Card, which is completed online at etravel.gov.ph or via the eGovPH App.

Is eTravel still required to travel to the Philippines in 2026?

As of 2026, the Philippines eTravel system remains mandatory for all arriving passengers (Filipino and foreign) and all departing Filipino citizens. The requirement has not been lifted.

When should I register for eTravel departure?

Register within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled departure. Do not register more than 72 hours in advance, as the form is tied to your specific departure date.

Where do I register for eTravel departure?

Register at etravel.gov.ph or through the eGovPH App. Both platforms are free and officially operated by the Philippine government.

What is the eGovPH App?

The eGovPH App is the official Philippine government mobile application that provides access to the eTravel system and other government services. It is available for free on iOS and Android.

Do foreigners need eTravel when leaving the Philippines?

No. Foreign nationals departing the Philippines are not required to register for the eTravel Departure Card. Only departing Filipino citizens and all arriving passengers (Filipino and foreign) must register.

Who is exempt from eTravel registration?

Exemptions include: foreign diplomats and their dependents, foreign dignitaries and their delegation members, holders of the 9(e) diplomatic visa, and holders of diplomatic or official/service passports.

Do children need to register for eTravel departure?

Yes. All travelers, including minors, must have their own individual eTravel registration. The form for children must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.

What documents do I need for eTravel departure registration?

You need a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. Have your flight booking confirmation ready to fill in the travel details section.

What does a green eTravel QR code mean?

A green QR code means you are cleared to travel. Present it to the immigration officer at the port of exit and proceed normally through the departure process.

What does a red eTravel QR code mean?

A red QR code means your health declaration has triggered a flag. You will be directed to a health officer for a medical assessment before being cleared to depart.

What happens if I forget to register for eTravel before departure?

You may be denied departure at the immigration counter. If you are still at the airport, look for an eTravel kiosk in the departure area. Always register at least 24–48 hours before your flight.

Does eTravel replace my visa?

No. The Philippines eTravel Departure Card does not replace a visa or ETA. If your nationality requires a visa to enter the Philippines, you still need to obtain it separately. eTravel is a travel declaration, not an entry permit.

Can I register for eTravel at the airport?

Yes — the Bureau of Immigration is deploying eTravel kiosks at international airports for travelers without smartphones or internet access. However, it is strongly recommended to register in advance to avoid delays.

Do OFWs need to register for eTravel departure?

Yes. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are Filipino citizens and must complete the Philippines eTravel Departure Card registration within 72 hours before their departure.

Is eTravel required for cruise ship departures?

Yes. Cruise ship passengers departing from Philippine seaports must also register. A dedicated Cruise Travel Registration option is available on the etravel.gov.ph platform.

How long does eTravel registration take?

The registration process typically takes under 10 minutes if you have your passport and travel details ready.

Can I register for eTravel on behalf of my child?

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can complete the eTravel registration on behalf of minors. Each child needs their own individual registration linked to their passport number.

Last updated: April 2026. For the most current requirements, always check the official Philippine government portal at etravel.gov.ph or the Bureau of Immigration website at immigration.gov.ph.