eTravel Philippines: How to Register Free and Get Your QR Code
eTravel is the Philippines' free online arrival and departure registration. Here is who needs it, when to fill it in and how to avoid paid fake websites.
In this article
eTravel Philippines is the government's free online registration for travellers arriving in or departing from the Philippines, done at the official website etravel.gov.ph. You fill in your personal, travel and health declaration details, usually within 72 hours before your flight, and receive a QR code to show when asked at the airport. It costs nothing, so any website asking you to pay for eTravel is not the official service.
eTravel Philippines at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Online travel and health declaration for the Philippines |
| Official site | etravel.gov.ph |
| Cost | Free |
| When to register | Within 72 hours before your scheduled flight |
| What you get | A QR code to present at the airport when asked |
| Replaced | The earlier One Health Pass system |
Rules can change, so check the official site and your airline's advice shortly before you travel.
Who needs to register on eTravel?
In general, eTravel registration applies to:
- Arriving passengers, both Filipino citizens and foreign nationals, on international flights into the Philippines.
- Departing Filipino passengers leaving the Philippines on international flights, where departure registration is required.
- Children and minors, who can be registered by a parent or guardian.
Requirements for specific groups, such as aircrew, transit passengers or travellers arriving by sea, may differ. If you are unsure, check etravel.gov.ph or ask your airline. Domestic flights within the Philippines, for example Cebu to Davao, do not use eTravel.
When to register
Register within 72 hours before your scheduled departure or arrival. Registering too early may not be accepted, and leaving it until the airport queue is stressful when mobile signal or Wi-Fi is weak.
A good routine:
- Check in for your flight online.
- On the same day, or the day before departure, complete your eTravel registration.
- Save the QR code as a screenshot and keep the confirmation email.
How to register on eTravel: step by step
- Go to etravel.gov.ph on your phone or computer.
- Choose arrival or departure depending on your trip.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Enter your travel details, such as flight number, airline, travel date and destination.
- Answer the health declaration questions honestly.
- Add companions if the system allows you to include family members travelling with you.
- Submit and receive your QR code. Download it or take a screenshot.
The process usually takes only a few minutes. If you make a mistake, follow the instructions on the site to update your entry or register again.
The eTravel QR code
After you submit, eTravel generates a QR code linked to your registration. Airport staff may ask to see it at check-in, at the departure area or on arrival. Keep it ready on your phone and, if possible, print a copy in case your battery dies.
- Each traveller should have their own QR code, including children.
- The QR code is free. You never need to pay to "activate" it.
- Make sure the name and passport number match your passport exactly.
Beware of fake paid eTravel websites
Because many travellers search for "eTravel Philippines" in a hurry, unofficial websites have appeared that look like the government service but charge a fee. Some may simply submit the same free form on your behalf; others may misuse your personal data.
How to stay safe:
- Only use etravel.gov.ph. Check the address bar carefully.
- Never pay. The official registration is free of charge.
- Ignore ads that claim to offer faster or "guaranteed" approval.
- Do not share your QR code or passport details on social media.
- Report suspicious sites to your airline or the relevant government agency.
Online scams are common, so it helps to know the warning signs. Our guide on how to spot fake news and fake sites in the Philippines covers the basics.
eTravel and other travel documents
eTravel does not replace your passport, visa or other entry requirements. It is one step in your preparation.
| Document | Who needs it | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | All international travellers | DFA for Filipinos; see our passport requirements guide |
| Visa | Depends on nationality and destination | Embassy or consulate of the destination country |
| eTravel QR code | Arriving travellers and departing Filipinos | etravel.gov.ph (free) |
| Return or onward ticket | Often required for foreign visitors | Your airline or travel agency |
Departing Filipinos may also need to meet immigration requirements, such as showing supporting documents about the purpose of travel. These rules are separate from eTravel.
Tips for arriving in Cebu and Davao
Both Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao handle international flights. After arrival:
- Have your passport and eTravel QR code ready for immigration and quarantine checks.
- Change only a small amount of money at the airport if rates are poor; use our currency converter to compare.
- Arrange your ride. Our guides to Mactan airport taxis and the Davao airport taxi procedure explain the options.
Common eTravel mistakes
- Typing errors in passport numbers. Double-check before submitting.
- Registering too early. Stay within the 72-hour window.
- Using a fake site. Always check the web address.
- Forgetting family members. Every traveller needs a registration, including children.
- Relying on mobile data at the airport. Save the QR code offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eTravel Philippines free?
Yes. Registration at the official site, etravel.gov.ph, is free. Any website asking for payment is not the official government service.
When should I register on eTravel?
Register within 72 hours before your scheduled flight. Doing it a day before departure is usually convenient.
Do Filipinos need to register on eTravel when leaving the Philippines?
Departing Filipino travellers on international flights are generally required to register. Check etravel.gov.ph for the latest rules before your trip.
Do I need eTravel for domestic flights like Cebu to Davao?
No. eTravel is for international arrivals and departures, not for domestic flights within the Philippines.
What if I lose my eTravel QR code?
Check your email for the confirmation, or follow the instructions on the official site to retrieve your entry or register again. Saving a screenshot in advance avoids this problem.
