GUIDELINES ON DEPARTURE FORMALITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL-BOUND PASSENGERS IN ALL AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS IN THE COUNTRY

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003", and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the "Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995", as amended by Republic Act No. 10022 and other related laws, the following guidelines, providing for definite parameters in the strict enforcement of immigration departure formalities intended for the prevention of trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and other related offenses, are hereby promulgated for strict implementation/compliance by all concerned:

I. TOURIST TRAVELERS
A traveler intending to go abroad with a tourist/temporary visitor's visa shall be subjected to:

1. Primary Inspection
During primary inspection, the following documents shall be required from a traveler:
a. Passport
b. Visa when required
c. Roundtrip Ticket

2. Secondary Inspection
2.1 The Bureau of Immigration shall conduct a secondary inspection of a traveler, when deemed necessary, for the purpose of protecting vulnerable victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment and other related offenses, through the assessment of the following circumstances:

a. Age
b. Educational attainment
c. Financial capability to travel

i. If not financially capable to travel, an authenticated affidavit of support, indicating therein the relationship within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, together with the supporting documents, may be entertained; and

ii. An affidavit of undertaking/ guaranty may likewise be entertained.

2.2 Any passenger/traveler who will be subjected for secondary inspection shall be required to accomplish the Bureau of Immigration Border Control Questionnaire (BCQ) to be furnished by the Immigration Officer.

2.3 However, the following shall automatically be subjected to secondary inspection:

a. Travelers without financial capacity to travel escorted/accompanied by a foreigner who is not related;
b. Minor traveling alone or unaccompanied by either parent or legal guardian without the required travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
c. Repatriated irregular workers, in which case, travel may not be allowed without the clearance from the IACAT (generate data);
d. Partners and spouses of foreign nationals intending to depart to meet and/or marry his/her fiance without the CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate;
e. Passengers traveling to countries with existing deployment bans, alert levels and travel advisories and those in possession of a visas to the said countries; and
f. Passengers who stayed abroad for more than one (1) year during a previous departure from the country as a tourist/temporary visitor, intending to depart for the second and/or subsequent time.

2.4 Clarificatory questions may be propounded relating to the above-mentioned documents/purpose by the Bureau of Immigration.

2.4 A traveler found to be misrepresenting the purpose of his/her travel as tourist shall not be cleared for departure.

II. OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS

1. First Time Overseas Filipino Workers

1.1 Travelers under this classification shall present the following documents as validated by the Labor Assistance Center (LAC):

a. Passport
b. Visa
c. Airline/Sea craft Tickets
d. Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)

1.2 Allowable Visa Usage (Based on POEA Rules and Regulations)

Should there by any discrepancy in the actual job position/job title in the visa and in the Overseas Employment Certificate, travel may nevertheless be allowed provided that the POEA through its LAC, has validated and approved the variance based on the following:

a. The visa category is related to the workers' position or in line with the principal's nature of business;
b. The recruitment agency executes an Undertaking on Visa Usage; and
c. The worker is aware of the visa discrepancy situation and has executed a Declaration of Awareness and Consent.

1.3 Instance When Visa Usage is NOT Allowed (Based on POEA Rules and Regulations)

The use of Visa Usage Undertaking (VUU), however, does not, and can never, apply to Household Service Workers (HSW). The visa category should be strictly for household-based positions, otherwise, a traveler will not be cleared for departure and the aforementioned documents shall be confiscated for further investigation and appropriate actions.

1.4 For Acts Involving Reprocessing of Contracts and Other Documents

OFWs in possession of "reprocessed" documents shall not be cleared for departure.

Based on R.A. No. 10022, the following constitute acts of reprocessing:
1. The job description/position as indicated in the work visa is different from all other pertinent documents such as the Overseas Employment Certificate, the PDOS Certificate, among others;
2. The actual job as promised or offered is different from the actual overseas work as indicated in the pertinent papers; and
3. The name of the employer or hiring company as indicated in the work visa and/or OEC are not on and the same.

All documents used under the afore-mentioned provision shall be confiscated and turned over to the POEA for further investigation and appropriate action.

2. Balik-Manggagawa/ Returning Workers

2.1 The following OFWs fall under the category of Balik-Manggagawa/ Returning Workers:

a. Worker-on-Leave - a worker who is on vacation or on leave from employment under a valid and existing employment contract and who is returning to the same employer, regardless of any change in jobsite, to finish the remaining unexpired portion of the contract.
b. Rehire - a worker who was rehired by the same employer after finishing his/her contract and who is returning to the same employer; regardless of a change in jobsite.
c. POLO registered worker - a returning worker whose employment contract was not processed with the POEA but was subsequently verified and registered with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the jobsite and who is returning to the same employer either as a worker-on-leave or rehire, regardless of any change in jobsite. Same employer/principal refers to the current employer of the worker at the time he/she came home for vacation and to whom he/she is returning to resume employment upon return to jobsite.

2.2 Balik-Manggagawa OFWs shall be required to present the following:

a. Passport
b. Valid Visa
c. Airline/sea Craft Ticket
d. OEC issued onsite by the POLO or by the POEA

2.3 In case of incomplete or questionable documentary requirements, the OFW shall be referred to the POEA-LAC for further investigation and appropriate action.

3. Overseas Filipino Workers on vacation but visiting other countries before returning to original worksite/destination

A Balik-Manggagawa OFW with a valid visa and existing work contract who intendes to go to other countries while on vacation need not get a POEA travel exit clearance/OEC. Hence, he/she is considered a tourist and is not exempt from travel tax and terminal fee, but shall be allowed to travel.

4. Special Travel Exit Clearance

Pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement between POEA and BI, the following are required to secure Special Travel Exit Clearance from the POEA:

a. PEZA registered companies sending their employees to South Korea for training program with worker trainee visas;
b. Seafarers who are under the employment of a Philippine shipping company who are assigned to accompany or "conduct" a vessel that is being imported by the salad shipping company from a foreign port to the Philippines, also referred to as "conduction crew" since they remain to be under the employ of their local companies;
c. Filipino seafarers who are required to undergo special training abroad as prescribed by the prospective foreign employer;
d. Filipino workers and spouses who are covered by the Work to Residence Policy, and who applied for immigration to New Zealand with no pre-arranged employment with an employer prior to their departure; and
e. Filipino workers required to undergo final interview or qualifying examination abroad as prescribed by the prospective foreign employer.

III. IMMIGRANT OR PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA

1. Filipino emigrants/residence visa or permit holders/permanent residence card holders

Travelers falling under this category shall present the following documents for primary inspection:

a. Passport
b. Permanent residence visa/immigrant visa/permanent residence card
c. CFO Emigrant registration sticker
d. Airline/Sea Craft ticket

2. Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals

Travelers falling under this visa category shall present the following documents for primary inspection:

a. Passport
b. Permanent residence permit or visa/immigrant visa/permanent residence card
c. Guidance and Counseling Certificate
d. CFO Emigrant registration sticker
e. Airline/Sea Craft Ticket

3. Filipino J1 visa holders or Exchange Visitor Program Participants Departing for the USA

IV. SPECIAL CASES

1. For Final Interview/Qualifying Exam

Workers to undergo final interview/qualifying exam as required by their prospective employers shall present the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's (POEA) Special Exit Clearance. In the absence of thereof, passengers shall not be cleared for departure.

2. On the Job Training

Travelers intending to depart to another country for the purpose of on-the-job training shall present the following additional documents:

i. School certification on the need for on-the-job training
ii. Acceptance by the host company
iii. Certificate of Overseas Training by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

3. For relatives requesting for compassionate visit to an irregular worker abroad, a certification from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) must be secured.

4. Immediate family members of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) travelling with a tourist/ temporary visitor's visa shall be allowed without need of further inspection, provided, they establish relationship within the first civil degree of consanguinity or affinity (spouse, children and parents) with the OFW and provided further that they present photo copies of the following documents of the Overseas Filipino Worker:

a. Passport
b. Visa
c. Overseas Employment Certification
d. NSO authenticated birth/marriage certificate, as the case may be

5. Passengers who intend to depart for intra-company trainings abroad for less than three (3) months shall present an invitation from the host company reflecting the duration, entitlements, travel and other incidental expenses; while those exceeding three (3) months shall present the corresponding Trainorship Agreement containing all the above data.

V. GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Travelers presenting fake/fraudulent passports, documents, immigration stamp shall be confiscated by the BI without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against said passenger.

2. The Bureau of Immigration shall turn-over the confiscated passports and other fake/fraudulent documents to the DOG-IACAT for appropriate action.

3. Passengers who were not cleared for departure by reason of vulnerability to trafficking, illegal recruitment, or other related rimes, shall be immediately turned over by the Bureau of Immigration with the IACAT Task Force or to designated agency/ies for provision of mandatory services such as temporary shelter, legal assistance, or psycho-social interventions, and for more in-depths information gathering.

4. Immigration Officers, in the performance of their functions and duties, shall adhere to the principles of Courtesy, Accountability, Responsibility, Efficiency and Service (BI - C.A.R.E.S.). The Bureau shall, likewise, institute a mechanism for immediate feedback and redress of grievances of passengers.

5. All agencies and Task Forces designated for the purpose of combating trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and other related crimes are hereby directed to revise existing procedures and systems to complement these guidelines within one (1) month from the effectivity thereof, to be submitted to the IACAT and PTFAIR for review and evaluation.

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Visit Bureau of Customs' Guidelines on Balikbayan Box and Parcel

The eTravel System is a digital single data collection platform for passengers arriving in and departing from the Philippines, which shall be utilized for border control, health surveillance, and economic data analysis.

What is the official website of the eTravel System?

The https://etravel.gov.ph is the only official website of eTravel.

Who are required to register or update in the eTravel?

The following shall be required to register/update in the eTravel System, except foreign diplomats, and their dependents, foreign dignitaries, and members of their delegation, 9(e) visa holders, and holders of diplomatic and official/service passport:

1. Arriving Filipino and foreign crewmembers
2. Arriving Filipino and foreign passengers
3. Departing Filipino passengers.

Do I need to pay to update or register with the eTravel?

No. eTravel regisration/update is absolutely free of charge, hence, it does not collect or require any form of online payment. Beware of fake, fraudulent, or scam websites/entities which require payment upon registration/updating.

Please report all those who claim otherwise to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) through this link: https://cicc.gov.ph/report/

Do I need to download an application to use the eTravel?

No. eTravel is a web-based online platform that is mobile-responsive. You can open the eTravel through either a mobile or a computer internet browser using smartphones, tablets, laptops, or personal computers.

Do I need an internet connection to use the eTravel?

Yes. eTravel is an online platform and therefore can only be used when you have an internet access. It is highly recommended to use eTravel with a good and stable internet connection.

Can I register in eTravel few days before flight (before I travel)?

Yes. You may register within 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival into or departure from the Philippines. Travelers are enjoined to present their proof of eTravel registration prior to boarding their flight.

Is the information required in eTravel also relevant in Health Declaration Card/Checklist?

Yes, so you can be categorized and easily assisted/guided by health border authorities, when necessary.

What is eHDC?

It stands for "Electronic Health Declaration Card", and is an essential part of the health surveillance of the Philippines to implement the mandate of Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) in ensuring security against the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, emerging diseases, and public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC).

What do I need to do after I register in the eTravel?

Take a screenshot or download your QR code before closing or exiting the eTravel website or application. You will be required to show said QR code to an airline representative prior to boarding your flight.

What happens if I have a QR code issued upon successful registation with eTravel?

Data submitted in the eTravel is reviewed and verified by BOQ, hence, if you receive a green QR code, you may directly proceed with immigration inspection upon arrival. However, if you receive a red QR code, you will be required to undergo further inspection by BOQ before immigration formalities.

What is the difference between green and red QR codes?

The green QR code is issued when your submission of required information is proper and complete. On the other hand, the red QR code is issued when the data submitted is incomplete/incorrect, and/or if for the past 30 days, you are sick or have a history of exposure to a person who is sick or known to have communicable/infectious disease prior to travel.

Can I print my eTravel QR code instead of screenshot?

Yes. You may print your eTravel QR code as well.

What should I do if I lose the screenshot of my QR code?

You may retrieve your personal QR code and view your data using the "Edit Registration" tab in the eTravel website. To open your profile, go to: https://etravel.gov.ph/search and enter your reference number and date of birth then press continue.

I made a mistake. Can I still edit my information after I have successfully registered?

As long as you have not been processed and verified by border control authorities (BOQ and Bureau of Immigration), you may still change some of your data through the "Edit Registration" tab in the eTravel website.

I have registered more than once in the eTravel website, which QR code should I use?

You may use either of the QR code but you should only choose one to present during inspection. Presenting different QR codes may cause delay or inconvenience.

I have already registered in the eTravel website before, do I still need to register every time I travel?

If you have already registered in the eTravel before then you may just update your details every time you travel (required categories stated under item 3). Passengers may update their status/e-Travel record under the "Edit Registration" tab of the e-travel, while crew members under the "Registered Crew".

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The following individuals are required by the Philippine Government to pay the Travel Tax  every time they depart the country for an overseas destination:

(a)  Filipino citizens

(b)  Permanent resident aliens

(c)  Permanent resident aliens

The following Filipino citizens are exempted from the payment of Travel Tax pursuant to Sec. 2 of PD 1183, as amended:

(a)  Filipino overseas contract workers.

(b)  Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay or visit in the Philippines is less than one year.

(c)  Infants (2 years and below).

Also exempted are foreign diplomatic representatives in the Philippines, United Nations employees, US military personnel, international carrier crew, Philippine foreign service personnel (i.e., officials and employees of the Philippine Government who are assigned in Philippine foreign service posts and who are returning to their country of assignment), Philippine government employees (who are on official travel), bona fide students on scholarships and personnel of multinational companies.

Non-immigrant aliens, who have not stayed in the Philippines for more than a year, is exempted from the Travel Tax.

For more information on travel tax exemption, read this  or contact the Philippines' Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) here 

The following individuals are required by the Philippine Government to pay the Travel Tax  every time they depart the country for an overseas destination:

(a)  Filipino citizens

(b)  Permanent resident aliens

(c)  Permanent resident aliens

The following Filipino citizens are exempted from the payment of Travel Tax pursuant to Sec. 2 of PD 1183, as amended:

(a)  Filipino overseas contract workers.

(b)  Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay or visit in the Philippines is less than one year.

(c)  Infants (2 years and below).

Also exempted are foreign diplomatic representatives in the Philippines, United Nations employees, US military personnel, international carrier crew, Philippine foreign service personnel (i.e., officials and employees of the Philippine Government who are assigned in Philippine foreign service posts and who are returning to their country of assignment), Philippine government employees (who are on official travel), bona fide students on scholarships and personnel of multinational companies.

Non-immigrant aliens, who have not stayed in the Philippines for more than a year, is exempted from the Travel Tax.

For more information on travel tax exemption, read this  or contact the Philippines’ Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) here 

All arriving travellers must accomplish a Customs Baggage Declaration Form (CBDF) which will be submitted to the assigned Customs Officer at the customs arrival area for clearance.

Arriving passengers are required to declare all goods carried/brought, indicating the quantity and value. If unsure of what to declare, please consult any Customs Officer on duty.

For more information, please contact:
Bureau of Customs-Customer Assistance and Response Services (BOC-CARES)
Telephone: +63 2 705 6000
Email: boc.cares@customs.gov.ph
Website: www.customs.gov.ph
Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BureauOfCustomsPH

Under Philippine laws, aliens holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas, who were issued an alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) are required to present themselves to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the first 60 days of the year for the annual report.

Virtual annual report is now available to all registered foreign nationals, who are holders of valid visas (except for those with paper-paper based ACR), present in the Philippines during the annual report period. It complements the physical reporting option available at two malls in Metro Manila, as well as other BI offices in the Philippines.

The virtual annual report is accessible at http://e-services.immigration.gov.ph. It provides a seamless experience where foreign nationals can book appointments, make payments, and submit their reports online.

For the 2024 Annual Report Guidelines and list of visas qualified for the virtual annual report, kindly visit https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/assets/files/2024_annual_report_guidelines.pdf .

Duty and Tax Free Privileges

Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP)  as amended by Executive Order No. 206 provides duty and tax free privileges to the following individuals, the extent of which depends on their particular status:

(1)  Returning Resident.  A Returning Resident is a Filipino national who had gone abroad and is now returning.  Only those Returning Residents who have uninterrupted stay abroad of at least six (6) months prior to their return to the Philippines are entitled to duty and tax-free privileges.

(2)  Overseas Contract Workers (OCW).  An OCW is a Filipino national who is working in a foreign country under an employment contract.  Only OCWs who have uninterrupted stay abroad for at least six (6) months are entitled to duty and tax-free privileges.

(3)  Former Filipino.  A former Filipino national is one who has acquired foreign citizens abroad and is now returning.  Only former Filipinos who are coming to settle permanently in the Philippines and have stayed abroad for six (6) months are entitled to the duty and tax exemption privileges.

What is the extent of duty and tax-free privileges of returning Filipinos or Balikbayans?

The extent varies as follows:

(1) Returning Resident - Personal effects and household goods used by him and abroad for at least six (6) months and the dutiable value of which is not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10,000.00) are exempt from duties and taxes. Any amount in excess of PhP10,000.00 is subject to fifty percent (50%) duty for the first PhP10,000.00 exemption across the board as provided for under Section 105 (F) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

(2) Overseas Contract Worker (OCW) - in addition to the privileges granted to Returning Residents as described above, an OCW may be allowed to bring in, duty and tax free Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10,000.00) worth of used home appliances provided:

• The quantity is limited to one of each kind.
• The privilege has not been enjoyed previously during the calendar year which must be declared under oath by the owner.
• The owner's passport is presented at the port/airport of entry.
•  Any amount in excess of PhP10,000.00 will be subject to taxes and duties.

Are family members of returning residents, OCW and former Filipinos also entitled to certain privileges?

Yes, provided they themselves satisfy the specifications outlined in Section 105 of TCCP.

What are the conditions and limitations attached to tax exemption privileges?

The following are the conditions imposed in availing of the duty and tax privileges:

(1)  The Bureau of Customs must be presented with a written endorsement from the relevant government agency
(2) The goods extended duty and tax-free privileges are not to be sold, bartered nor traded
(3) The quantity is not commercial.

(4) The goods are not prohibited importations. Goods that are restricted or prohibited require endorsement from the proper regulatory agency.

For more information on duty and tax free privileges, contact the Philippines' Bureau of Customs

What is a Waiver of Exclusion Grounds?

Visit Bureau of Customs' Guidelienes on Arriving Travelers