eTravel Philippines 2026: Who Must Register, When, and How to Spot the Fakes
Use the free official Philippine eTravel form with confidence. This 2026 guide covers the correct website, 72-hour window, QR code, Customs declarations, and scam warning signs.
eTravel is the Philippines’ free online registration for international travel, done at etravel.gov.ph or in the eGovPH app, in the 72 hours before your flight. Every arriving passenger needs it, Filipino or foreign, and so does every departing Filipino. It costs nothing. Any site that asks you to pay is a scam.
Philippine international airports · Checked October 27, 2026
Who has to register
| Traveler | Required? | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving Filipino | Yes | 72 hours before arrival |
| Arriving foreign national | Yes | 72 hours before arrival |
| Departing Filipino | Yes | 72 hours to 3 hours before departure |
| Departing foreign national | Not named in the October 2026 advisory | Declare cash above the limits |
That is the Bureau of Immigration’s list in its advisory of 5 October 2026, which also covers crew. Departing Filipinos who miss the 3 hour cutoff must register before they reach the immigration counter. Passengers who stay airside in transit are generally not asked to register.
eTravel · Philippines
Do you need it, and when
Pick who you are.
Yes
Arriving Filipino
Register in the 72 hours before you land, on etravel.gov.ph or the eGovPH app. Arriving passengers also file the baggage declaration in the same registration.
Yes
Arriving foreigner
Same window, same free site. Foreign nationals who knowingly give false information can be refused entry.
Yes, until 3 hours out
Departing Filipino
The window opens 72 hours before the flight and closes 3 hours before it. Miss it and you must register before the immigration counter.
Not listed
Departing foreigner
The Bureau of Immigration’s October 2026 advisory lists arrivals and departing Filipinos only. Departing foreigners are not named; if you are carrying cash above the limits, you still declare it.
From the Bureau of Immigration advisory of 5 October 2026 and the etravel.gov.ph homepage. Checked October 27, 2026.
How to register
- Go to etravel.gov.ph, typed in yourself, or open the eGovPH app from the official app stores. Nothing else.
- Enter your passport and travel details. Arriving passengers complete the baggage declaration in the same registration.
- If you carry cash above the limits, fill in the currency declaration too.
- Save the QR code to your phone and take a screenshot. One QR code covers immigration, quarantine and customs.
- Register again for every trip.
Cash limits
Foreign currency above US$10,000 or its equivalent must be declared in full, arriving or leaving. Up to ₱50,000 in pesos can go in or out without approval; more than that needs prior written authorization from the central bank and a customs declaration, or it can be seized. Customs repeated these limits in a February 2026 reminder.
Emigrants and long-term residents
Since 28 February 2025, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas certificate for emigrants, au pairs and some exchange visitors has been built into eTravel, so departing emigrants do it all in one place.
Scams to avoid
- Any site that charges a fee. eTravel is free.
- Look-alike addresses. The only web address is etravel.gov.ph.
- Third-party apps. The only official app is eGovPH.
- Anyone offering to register for you for a price. Report fake sites to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.
Related guides
Departing on an international flight also means the travel tax and terminal fees. For what goes in your bag, see what you can bring on a plane. More shortcuts in Philippine travel hacks.
Most of us register on the way to Manila. The MNL Airport tee is for the departure gate.
Suroy Wear · Global Collection
Frequently asked questions
Is eTravel free?
Yes. Registration at etravel.gov.ph or in the eGovPH app costs nothing.
When should I register for eTravel?
Within the 72 hours before your flight. Departing Filipinos must finish at least 3 hours before departure.
Do foreigners need eTravel when leaving the Philippines?
The Bureau of Immigration’s October 2026 advisory lists arriving passengers and departing Filipinos only. Departing foreigners still declare cash above the limits.
Is there an eTravel app?
Yes, the government’s eGovPH app. Avoid any other app.
How much cash can I bring into the Philippines?
Up to US$10,000 in foreign currency without declaring it, and up to ₱50,000 in pesos without central bank approval.
