Travel in the Philippines has resumed for the most part, with a few remaining documents, restrictions, and travel passes that need to be completed before flying to the country. One such important requirement was an e-travel card. Fortunately, Philippine authorities have recently replaced the e-Arrival card with the new e-Travel Card to further simplify the entry process.
Here is everything you need to know about the e-Travel Card and how to register for it in the Philippines.
Latest Updates on the e-Travel Card in 2023
The e-Travel Card has officially replaced the One Health Pass (OHP) as the entry requirement for arriving in the Philippines. This new card is easier to fill out and requires less information, aligning with the decision by Philippine health authorities to streamline the arrival process.
The e-travel system was fully implemented on April 15, 2023. Travelers to and from the country can now take advantage of this highly convenient immigration platform. Paper-based arrival and departure cards are discontinued by the Bureau of Immigration starting May 1.
With this new streamlined system, the Philippines aims to welcome 5 million international tourists in 2023.
What is the e-Travel Card?
The e-Travel Card serves as an online Health Declaration and Contact Tracing platform, aiming to facilitate the smooth movement of international travelers from their country of origin to their destination Local Government Unit (LGU). It allows the Philippine Government to have a database of all individuals entering the country for contact tracing purposes in case of a specific disease outbreak.
Who should apply for the e-Travel Card?
According to the latest rules of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), all arriving passengers, including foreigners and Filipino nationals (including infants and children), are required to register for the e-Travel Card.
e-Travel Card registration
The e-Travel Card is an information system accessible via mobile, tablet, laptop, or personal computer. To register, all you need is a smartphone or a device with an internet connection. You can access the e-Travel website using a mobile or computer internet browser.
When to register?
All inbound travelers, regardless of nationality, including infants and children, should individually apply for e-Travel registration at least 72 hours before their departure from the country of origin.
It is essential to complete the e-Travel registration form and be able to present proof of registration upon boarding.
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How to register?
To register for the e-Travel Card, follow these steps:
1. Visit e-travel.gov.ph.
In the computer browser visit to the site mentioned above.
2. Select your nationality as either a “Philippine passport holder” or a “Foreign passport holder.”
Select the Nationality
3. Enter your travel details and email address, then click “Continue.”
Enter all the details. If you have already registered then there is an option at the bottom of the form. Click on that option.
4. Provide your personal details and complete a health declaration form to finalize the registration.
After filling all the details, move to the next step and finish your registration.
e-Travel Card QR Code
After successful registration, you will receive a QR Code for your e-Travel Card. Make sure to take a screenshot or download your personal QR Code before closing or exiting the e-Travel website or application. You will need to present this QR code to an airline representative before boarding your flight. Upon arrival in the Philippines, you must present the QR code to Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) officers for verification.
Green QR Code
A Green QR Code will be issued to you from the e-Travel system when you have completed the required information and attachments. Once your Green QR Code is issued and your information has been approved, you qualify for the “Express Lane” at the airport. Your Green QR Code will be scanned and tagged with your arrival date and time. There may be no further interviews or document submissions required.
Red QR Code
If you have missing requirements, you will receive a Red QR Code. Upon arrival at the airport, a Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) personnel will interview you to manually verify and determine if you need to undergo facility-based quarantine and RT-PCR testing.
Some important Updates about the e-travel card:
1. Simplified Entry Process: The eTravel Card replaces the previous eArrival card, offering a simplified and more streamlined entry process for travelers arriving in the Philippines. Reduced Information Requirements: The eTravel Card requires less information compared to its predecessor, making it easier and quicker to fill out. 2. Implementation Date: The eTravel system was fully rolled out on April 15, 2023, marking the official start of its operation. 3. Discontinuation of Paper-based Cards: With the introduction of the eTravel Card, paper-based arrival and departure cards are no longer be used by the Bureau of Immigration starting May 1. 4. Contact Tracing: The eTravel Card serves as a platform for health declaration and contact tracing, enabling the Philippine government to maintain a database of individuals entering the country for effective disease tracking. 5. Registration is Mandatory: According to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), all arriving passengers, including both foreigners and Filipino nationals (including infants and children), are required to register for the eTravel Card. 6. Online Platform: The eTravel Card operates as an online system accessible via various devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and personal computers, providing convenience for travelers during the registration process. 7. Registration Deadline: Travelers should register for the eTravel Card at least 72 hours before their departure from the country of origin to ensure sufficient processing time. 8. QR Code Verification: After successful registration, travelers will receive a personal QR Code, which they must present to airline representatives before boarding their flights and to Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) officers upon arrival in the Philippines. 9. Green and Red QR Codes: Depending on the completeness of the submitted information, travelers will receive either a Green QR Code, which grants them access to the Express Lane at the airport, or a Red QR Code, which indicates missing requirements and may result in further verification and potential quarantine measures. Remember to stay updated on the latest guidelines and requirements regarding the eTravel Card when planning your trip to the Philippines.
What is the cost of the e-Travel Card?
Registration for the e-Travel Card is completely free of charge and does not require any form of online payment. Be cautious of fake or fraudulent websites and entities that may ask for payment during the registration process.
The introduction of the e-Travel Card in the Philippines marks a significant step towards streamlining the travel process and enhancing efficiency for both travelers and authorities. By implementing this online platform, the country aims to facilitate a seamless and convenient travel experience while ensuring necessary health protocols are followed.
So, if you’re planning to travel to the Philippines, make sure to familiarize yourself with the e-Travel Card and complete the registration process before your departure. Enjoy your journey to the beautiful islands of the Philippines!