It had been years since I last visited the Philippines and I arrived in Manila unaware that eTravel registration, formally known as Philippine Travel Information System, is required to enter the country. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Guide: Mandatory Philippines eTravel System
Upon arrival into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), I was among the first off the aircraft and bolted for passport control since I wanted to try to catch an early flight to Bangkok. The line was not long and I soon reached the front.
An immigration official asked me for my QR code, which left me with a blank look on my face. He referred me to the front of the line, where a sign provided more details on eTravel. Looking around, it seemed like everyone on the United flight was being turned away to do the same thing.
We were given arrivals forms onboard, but those were for customs, not immigration.
The process was fairly straightforward and complimentary wi-fi was available in the terminal. Details were collected including passport information, flight details, and destination info within the Philippines. You can register here.
Once the process was complete, just click submit and a QR code will be generated, with a border in either green or red.
Data submitted in the eTravel is reviewed and verified by the Bureau of Quarantine (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.
I was thankful the QR code was generated instantly for me and was green.
I proceeded back to the immigration counter (and watched many more people from the United flight turned away) before reaching the front again and having no trouble entering the country.
CONCLUSION
Very simple: save yourself hassle and register in advance with the Philippines eTravel system. Theoretically, United should have checked this in San Francisco prior to boarding my flight, but since it was only United’s second day of service to MNL I understand that some gaps were still in place. Register in advance here.
I travel October 2023. I too did not know of QRCode requirement. Immigration official asked for code. Like you, I looked puzzled. Official said don’t worry, type into his system for two minutes, and said you are good to go.
I was denied boarding at Seattle airport for lack of Etravel QR code, Delta airlines staff thought it was mandatory at point of orogin outside the Philippines like in Seattle, it’s a hassle coz I have to pay my rebooked ticket to resume my flight to the Philippines
I ask for a refund for my rebooking cost at Delta as CAB authority ruled in my favor but Delta airlines just offered me 2000 dollars ticket voucher which I just took coz Delta airlines don’t offer cash refund just ticket voucher
Would you need that if we were in transit and catching a flight to Bangkok instead of entering the country?
No, it would not have been needed had I just proceeded to transit security.
I don’t believe there are any transit security areas at any of Manila’s 4 NAIA terminals. All arriving int’l passengers including transiting ones will have to clear immigration and customs…You should have been reminded upon check-in at your departure city about the mandatory e-travel requirement, ranging from 72 hours and up to 2 hours before departure. A few passengers have been deported and black-listed from future entry into the country due to this infraction.
There are inT3 but you have to ask an agent to take you. In T1 there is a clear separation for transit pax now that all PAL intl flights are using T1.
Singapore has something similar but it is registration, not QR code. There are about 3 computers to use by the checkpoint if you forgot. That’s nice for those without a phone.
Had similar experience in Bali last month. No mention by airline of qr code requirement. Filled it in while walking from plane to immigration (after ladies beside me told me it was a requirement)
it’s supposedly linked to passport but who knows with the filipino computer systems.. from a filipino
if one fills it out beforehand there is no need to display the QR code though since it is automatic
Have I missed the big news – is every human now born with an iPhone embedded in their forehead?
Not everyone has a working cellphone with them. What do they do? Not allowed into the country?
There are sets of iPads locked on the eTravel page in that area.
Having a cellphone while traveling just makes life so much easier when things go wrong. Don’t understand why anyone would travel without one.
There are two lanes for Etravel inspection in immigration the express lane for those with QR code entitled in BOQ scanning machine and for those with no QR code BOQ personnel will assist them thru manual verification
I had the same thing in March, had no idea I had to do this. In immigration I scanned a QR code on my phone and did it in a few minutes. This October I did it ahead of time, and was never asked for it.
@ Jance: You must search the entry requirements of all host countries that you plan to visit before booking air tickets or leaving home. Then you must bring USD, a passport with 2-6 months validity, hard copies of reservations of flights and accommodations plus your tech gadgets. You should be grateful that English and USD are widely common and accepted around the globe. All airlines will not allow you to board if you do not produce air ticket to the next country.
If you have no working phone overseas, you can eliminate many countries to visit on your list. Japan tops the list followed by South Korea, Taiwan, HK, etc.. Without a cell phone to navigate the transit system, you must be proficient at using it as well, you only choice is hiring a tour guide. These are basic knowledge and common practice for all travelers to any destinations.
I completed the online form prior to travel and got my QR code. Upon arrival at NAIA immigration nobody asked to see it. More inconsistent and pointless bureaucracy.
There are doubts in my mind that this is needed because in the three times I arrived in PH they never asked for the code (but I still did it knowing the requirements). Maybe it’s linked in the system so they’ll know if one registers or not