The Philippines eTravel Card is a free, mandatory digital arrival form required for every traveler entering or leaving the Philippines.
It replaced the old paper eArrival Card in December 2022 and is still required in 2026 for all arrivals and departures.
Register at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before your flight to receive a QR code for immigration clearance.
What Is the Philippines eTravel Card?
The Philippines eTravel Card is a free digital arrival declaration form — not a visa — that all travelers must complete at etravel.gov.ph before entering or leaving the Philippines.
It collects your personal details, flight information, and health declaration in one centralized online system.
This replaces the need for paper forms at the airport entirely.
Launched on December 1, 2022, the Philippines eTravel Card was introduced by the Bureau of Immigration to modernize border entry.
The system operates under R.A. 11032 (the Ease of Doing Business Law), which mandates efficient delivery of government services.
The Philippines eTravel Card replaced two older systems:
- The paper eArrival Card — a physical document previously collected by immigration officers at the airport
- The One Health Pass (onehealthpass.com.ph) — the digital predecessor used during the pandemic period
Upon completing your registration, the system generates a unique QR code that immigration officers scan when you arrive or depart.
eTravel Card vs. Visa: Key Difference
The Philippines eTravel Card is not a visa and does not grant permission to enter the country.
Think of it as a digital arrival card — similar to Japan’s Visit Japan Web system — that streamlines immigration processing.
It is not a travel authorization like the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA.
- If your nationality requires a visa to enter the Philippines, you must still apply for one separately.
- If you are visa-exempt (e.g., US citizens, most European nationals, ASEAN country passport holders), you can enter under that program but must still complete eTravel registration.
The Philippines eTravel Card does not determine whether you can board a plane. It simply replaces paperwork at the airport.
eTravel Card vs. Old eArrival Card and One Health Pass
The Philippines eTravel Card replaced both the paper eArrival Card and the One Health Pass starting December 1, 2022.
The old One Health Pass website (onehealthpass.com.ph) was accessible for a limited transition period but is no longer the active system. All travelers must now use etravel.gov.ph.
The new system is simpler and requires less information than its predecessors. It features a more user-friendly interface and integrates immigration, customs, and health data in a single form.
Who Needs to Register for the Philippines eTravel Card?
Every person arriving in or departing from the Philippines must register for the Philippines eTravel Card — including foreign tourists, Filipino citizens, OFWs, and balikbayans — with very few exceptions.
The requirement applies regardless of nationality, visa status, or purpose of travel. It covers both air and sea entry points.
The only travelers exempt from eTravel registration are diplomats and officials holding special visas recognized by the Philippine government.
Foreign Tourists and Visa Holders
All foreign nationals entering the Philippines must complete the Philippines eTravel Card registration before arrival. This includes:
- Foreign tourists on short-term stays, regardless of nationality
- Business travelers and conference attendees
- Students and those with long-term visas
- Holders of visa-on-arrival or tourist visas
- Permanent residents returning to the Philippines
Whether you enter by air or sea, the Philippines eTravel Card is mandatory.
There are no nationality-based exemptions — every foreign passport holder must register.
Filipino Citizens, OFWs, and Balikbayans
The Philippines eTravel Card is not only for foreigners. Filipino nationals must also register, including:
- Filipino citizens returning home from abroad
- OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) returning to the Philippines
- Balikbayan travelers — Filipinos who have lived abroad and are returning under the visa-free balikbayan program
All of these travelers must complete the Philippines eTravel Card registration at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before their flight, just like foreign nationals.
Transit Passengers: Are They Exempt?
Passengers transiting through Philippine airports without clearing immigration (airside transit) are typically exempt from Philippines eTravel Card registration.
If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through Philippine immigration, you do not need to register.
However, if your transit involves clearing immigration and entering the Philippines — even temporarily — the eTravel Card registration is required.
When in doubt, check with your airline or the Bureau of Immigration before departure.
What Documents Do You Need for eTravel Registration?
To register for the Philippines eTravel Card, you need three core items: a valid passport, an active email address, and your confirmed flight details.
Here is the complete list of what to prepare before starting your registration:
| Document / Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Your passport number, full name, date of birth, nationality, and country of birth |
| Active email address | Used to receive a 6-digit OTP verification code and your QR code confirmation |
| Flight details | Arrival date, airline name, flight number, departure city, and seat number |
| Accommodation address | Your address or hotel in the Philippines |
| Health declaration | Countries visited before the Philippines and current health condition |
The Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) — managed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) — is built directly into the Philippines eTravel Card system.
You complete your travel and health details in one go, without needing to visit a separate website. Make sure all details match your passport exactly.
Even small discrepancies in your name or passport number can result in a rejected QR code or delays at immigration.
How to Register for the Philippines eTravel Card (Step-by-Step)
Registering for the Philippines eTravel Card takes under 10 minutes.
Create a free account, fill in your travel and health details, and download your QR code.
The process has two stages: creating your account and completing your arrival registration.
Step 1 — Create Your eTravel Account
Before you can register your trip, you need a free eTravel account. Follow these steps:
- Go to etravel.gov.ph.
- Click “Sign In”.
- Select “Create an Account”.
- Enter your email address and click Continue.
- Check your inbox for a 6-digit OTP (one-time password) sent by the system.
- Enter the OTP on the website to verify your email.
- Create a password (minimum 8 characters) and confirm it.
- Submit your personal details: full name, sex, date of birth, citizenship, phone number, country of birth, and passport number.
- Enter your address and click Submit.
Your Philippines eTravel account is now active. You can use this same account for all future trips and to register family members traveling with you.
Step 2 — Complete Your Arrival Registration
Once your account is created, register your specific trip. Do this within 72 hours before your flight:
- Sign in to etravel.gov.ph with your email and password.
- Select “Current User” and choose your transportation method (air or sea).
- Click “Arrival” (since you are entering the Philippines).
- Complete the Travel Details form: occupation, purpose of travel, and country of origin.
- Enter your flight details: arrival date, airline name, flight number.
- Select your arrival airport and enter your seat number.
- Click Next.
- Complete the Health Declaration Form: list countries visited before the Philippines and answer health condition questions.
- Review all details carefully for accuracy.
- Click Submit — your eTravel QR code will be generated immediately.
- Screenshot or download your QR code and save it offline.
Alternative: Register via the eGovPH Mobile App
Travelers who prefer a mobile experience can register for the Philippines eTravel Card through the eGovPH app, available on:
- Google Play Store (Android)
- Apple App Store (iOS)
The eGovPH app provides the same registration functionality as the website.
Download it before your trip so you can complete registration and access your QR code directly from your phone.
When to Register: The 72-Hour Rule Explained
The Philippines eTravel Card must be completed within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled flight.
Registering too early may invalidate your QR code and require you to re-register closer to your departure date.
Here is what you need to know about the registration timing:
- Earliest: 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival or departure
- Latest: Before boarding — ideally completed before you reach the airport
- Too early: Registrations made more than 72 hours in advance may not be valid
- On arrival: If you forget, Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) staff and airport personnel can assist you in completing the form upon arrival in the Philippines
The 72-hour window applies to both arrival and departure registrations.
If your flight is rescheduled, use the “Edit Registration” tab on etravel.gov.ph to update your flight details before the new departure time.
Recommended timing: Register 24–48 hours before your flight.
This gives you enough time to correct any errors while staying within the valid window.
Your eTravel QR Code: What the Colors Mean
After completing Philippines eTravel Card registration, you receive a QR code by email and on-screen. A green QR code means you are cleared for entry.
A red QR code signals that additional checks are required at immigration.
Understanding what each color means can help you prepare for what to expect at the airport.
Present your QR code to the immigration officer upon arrival. You can show it on your phone screen or as a printed copy.
Always save it offline in case you lose internet access at the airport.
Green QR Code — Cleared for Entry
A green Philippines eTravel QR code confirms that your registration is complete and your details have been processed.
You are cleared to proceed through immigration without additional screening. This is the standard outcome for most travelers.
When you show a green QR code to the immigration officer, they scan it to verify your pre-submitted details and process your entry quickly.
Red QR Code — Additional Checks Required
A red Philippines eTravel QR code means that immigration or quarantine officers will conduct additional checks before you can proceed.
This may occur due to:
- Health declaration flags — answers that indicate potential health concerns
- Data mismatches — discrepancies between your eTravel registration and your passport
- Incomplete information — missing or unclear fields in your registration
A red QR code does not automatically mean you will be denied entry.
It simply triggers a secondary review process. Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) officers will guide you through the additional steps.
Registering for Departure from the Philippines
The Philippines eTravel Card is required not only for arrivals but also for all travelers departing from the Philippines.
Register for departure using the same etravel.gov.ph account, selecting “Departure” instead of “Arrival.”
Many travelers are unaware that the Philippines eTravel Card covers both directions of travel.
Whether you are a foreign tourist leaving after your holiday, a Filipino citizen going abroad, or an OFW departing for work, you must complete a departure registration.
How to register for departure:
- Sign in to your account at etravel.gov.ph.
- Select “Departure” under the Travel Registration menu (instead of “Arrival”).
- Complete your travel details, flight information, and any required health declaration.
- Submit and download your departure QR code.
The same 72-hour registration window applies to departure registrations.
Complete your departure eTravel registration within 3 days before your scheduled outbound flight.
eTravel for Children and Families
Every traveler — including infants and children — needs their own Philippines eTravel Card registration linked to their individual passport.
Parents or guardians complete the registration on behalf of minors.
Here is what families need to know:
- Each child requires their own registration — there is no family group registration option
- Each child receives their own unique QR code — linked to their individual passport
- Parents or guardians create and submit the registration using the child’s passport details
- One eTravel account can be used to register multiple family members traveling together
- Age-related requirements (such as parental consent or special waivers) are managed by immigration, not the eTravel system
Practical tip for families: Register all family members’ trips from a single eTravel account to keep everything organized.
Each registration will generate a separate QR code — make sure you have all QR codes saved and accessible before reaching the airport.
For infants who do not yet have their own passport, check with the Bureau of Immigration or your airline for specific guidance, as requirements may vary.
What Happens If You Forget to Register?
If you forget to register for the Philippines eTravel Card before your flight, you may face delays at immigration.
Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) staff and airport personnel can assist you in completing the form on arrival in the Philippines.
However, the process will take longer than pre-registering, so it is best to complete it before you leave home.
Here is what to expect if you arrive without a completed eTravel registration:
- At the airport: BOQ staff will direct you to a registration assistance area
- Processing time: Completing the form on arrival takes longer than pre-registering, which may cause delays
- No automatic denial: Forgetting to register does not automatically mean you will be denied entry, but it will slow down your immigration processing
- Airline check-in: Some airlines may ask to see your eTravel QR code at check-in — registering before you reach the airport avoids any boarding complications
The strongly recommended approach is to complete your Philippines eTravel Card registration 24–48 hours before your flight.
This gives you time to correct any errors and ensures a smooth experience at immigration.
Tips to Avoid Common eTravel Mistakes
To avoid rejected QR codes or immigration delays, ensure your name and passport number match exactly, save your QR code offline, and use only the official etravel.gov.ph site.
These practical tips will help you complete your Philippines eTravel Card registration without issues.
- Match your passport exactly
Your full name, passport number, and date of birth in the eTravel form must match your passport character-for-character.
Even a single letter difference can cause a rejected QR code, check-in delays, or immigration issues.
- Save your QR code offline
Screenshot your QR code and save it to your phone’s camera roll.
You can also print it as a backup. Do not rely solely on email access at the airport — connectivity can be unreliable.
- Register within the 72-hour window
Do not register more than 3 days before your flight. Registrations made too early may be invalid.
The optimal window is 24–48 hours before departure.
- Update your registration if plans change
If your flight is rescheduled or your personal details have changed, go to the “Edit Registration” tab on etravel.gov.ph to update your information.
You can edit your registration as long as it has not yet been verified by border authorities.
- Recover your MPIN if forgotten
If you forget your 6-digit MPIN (mobile PIN), click “Forgot Password” on the etravel.gov.ph login page.
A reset link will be sent to your registered email address.
- Register children separately
Each child traveling with you needs their own Philippines eTravel Card registration and QR code.
Do not assume children are covered under a parent’s registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Philippines eTravel Card still required in 2026?
Yes — all travelers arriving in or departing from the Philippines must complete eTravel registration at etravel.gov.ph, regardless of nationality.
What is the Philippines eTravel Card?
A free digital arrival and departure declaration form that replaced the paper eArrival Card in December 2022. Register at etravel.gov.ph to receive a QR code for immigration clearance.
Do I still need the e-arrival card in the Philippines?
No. The paper eArrival Card was replaced by the Philippines eTravel Card on December 1, 2022 — registration is now done online at etravel.gov.ph.
How do I get the Philippines eTravel Card online?
Go to etravel.gov.ph, create a free account, and complete your registration within 72 hours before your flight. You’ll receive a QR code by email.
How many hours before my flight should I register?
Within 72 hours (3 days) before your flight. The recommended window is 24–48 hours before departure.
What is the QR code for?
Immigration officers scan it upon arrival or departure. A green QR code means cleared for entry; a red QR code means additional checks are required.
Do children need their own eTravel registration?
Yes. Each child needs their own registration linked to their passport. Parents complete it on their behalf.
Do I need to register for departure as well?
Yes. Select “Departure” in your etravel.gov.ph account when leaving the Philippines. The same 72-hour window applies.
Can I register for eTravel on my phone?
Yes — via the eGovPH app on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
What happens if I forget to register before my flight?
You may face delays at immigration. Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) staff at Philippine airports can help you complete the form on arrival.
Can I edit my eTravel registration after submitting?
Yes, until your registration is verified by border authorities — use the “Edit Registration” tab on etravel.gov.ph.
Do transit passengers need to register for eTravel?
Airside transit passengers (who don’t clear immigration) are typically exempt. Direct entry always requires registration.
Is eTravel the same as a visa?
No. eTravel is a digital arrival declaration, not a visa. If your nationality requires a visa, you must still apply for one separately.
I forgot my MPIN. What should I do?
Click “Forgot Password” on etravel.gov.ph — a reset link will be sent to your registered email.
Can one account register multiple family members?
Yes. One account can register multiple travelers, but each person receives their own individual QR code.
What is the eHDC?
The eHDC (Electronic Health Declaration Card) is the health declaration component built into the eTravel form, managed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).
Last updated: April 2026. Always verify current requirements at the official Philippines eTravel website: etravel.gov.ph
