Philippines eTravel Registration: How to Get Your Digital Arrival QR Code

Last updated: May 13, 2026

The Philippines requires most arriving passengers — Filipino and foreign — to register on the eTravel portal before their trip.

This free, mandatory digital form replaces the old paper arrival and health declaration cards and now supports customs declarations for Philippine international travel.

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What Is eTravel and Who Needs to Register?

The eTravel system is the Philippine government’s digital single data collection platform for border control, health surveillance, economic data analysis, and customs declarations.

It consolidates what used to be separate paper forms into one online registration.

According to the official eTravel FAQ, the following travellers must register:

All arriving Filipino passengers — regardless of where they’re coming from
All arriving foreign passengers — regardless of nationality, visa type, or travel purpose, unless they fall under an official exemption
All arriving Filipino and foreign crew members
All departing Filipino passengers — this is a separate registration for outbound travel

A small number of travellers are exempt from eTravel registration:

Foreign diplomats and their dependents
Foreign dignitaries and their delegation members
9(e) visa holders
Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports.

How to Register on the eTravel Portal: Step by Step

The only legitimate website for eTravel registration is etravel.gov.ph.

Registration is completely free, so never pay anyone to complete it on your behalf.

You can also register through the eGovPH mobile app, available on both Apple App Store and Google Play.

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Create an account. Go to etravel.gov.ph and click “Create an account.” Enter your email address and verify it using the code sent to your inbox.
Step 2: Set your password. Create your password. This lets you log back in if you need to edit your registration or retrieve your QR code later.
Step 3: Enter personal details. Input your full name, sex, date of birth, citizenship, country of birth, and passport number, exactly as they appear in your passport.
Step 4: Add contact information. Enter your mobile number with country code, email address, permanent country of residence, and your address while in the Philippines.
Step 5: Enter flight details. Input your flight number, airline, departure country, and expected arrival date and time.
Step 6: Complete the health declaration. The Electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) is built into the eTravel form. Answer the short health questionnaire about your current health status and any recent exposure to communicable diseases.
Step 7: Complete the customs declaration. The Bureau of Customs’ electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) and electronic Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF) are integrated into eTravel. All arriving passengers must complete the e-CBDF, while arriving and departing passengers must complete the e-CDF when bringing in or taking out currency above the allowed thresholds.
Step 8: Review and submit. Double-check every detail, especially your name and passport number. Incorrect or incomplete data can lead to a red QR code or extra checks on arrival.

After submitting, save or screenshot your QR code immediately. You can also print it.

You’ll need to show it to an airline representative before boarding and have it ready for border and customs processing in the Philippines.

If you’ve registered before, you don’t need to create a new account. Just update your details through the “Edit Registration” tab for each new trip.

Understanding Your eTravel QR Code

Your eTravel QR code determines whether you can proceed directly to immigration or need further review by the Bureau of Quarantine.

After registration, the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) reviews your submission and issues a colour-coded QR code.

Green QR code means your required information is proper and complete. You may proceed directly to immigration inspection upon arrival without further BOQ inspection.
Red QR code means something needs further review. According to the eTravel FAQ, this happens when your submitted data is incomplete or incorrect, or if you reported illness or exposure to a communicable disease in the past 30 days.

A red QR code does not automatically mean quarantine. The BOQ will inspect and verify your information before immigration formalities and determine whether any further action is needed.

Both QR codes work, the key difference is processing speed.

A green code means faster processing, while a red code means a manual check by health authorities before you clear immigration.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

The eTravel system is straightforward, but a few common mistakes cause delays at the airport. Here’s how to avoid them.

QR code not saved or downloaded: If you closed the page before saving your code, go back to etravel.gov.ph/search using your reference number and date of birth. The official FAQ says you can retrieve your personal QR code and view your data through the “Edit Registration” tab.
Passport details don’t match: Your name, passport number, and nationality must match your travel document exactly. Incorrect or incomplete data can trigger a red QR code or cause check-in delays.
Registered too early or too late: You may register only within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival into or departure from the Philippines. Submitting outside this window means you may need to register again inside the valid period.
Lost your QR code screenshot: Go to etravel.gov.ph/search, enter your reference number and date of birth, and retrieve it. You can also access it through the “Edit Registration” tab.

What to Expect at the Airport

Your eTravel QR code must be ready before boarding and during arrival processing at the Philippine airport. The exact check depends on your QR colour and customs lane.

Before boarding your flight, airline staff will ask to see your eTravel QR code along with your passport.

Without a valid QR code, you may be delayed or denied boarding — the Bureau of Immigration reminds travellers to have their registration ready before check-in.

Upon arrival at the Philippine airport, green QR code holders may proceed directly to immigration inspection. Red QR code holders undergo a manual BOQ check before immigration formalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eTravel registration really free?

Yes — eTravel is 100% free. The Philippine government warns against scam websites that charge fees for registration, so only use etravel.gov.ph.

Do I need to register for eTravel if I’m just transiting through the Philippines?

Yes, if you pass through immigration. Any passenger clearing Philippine immigration must have a valid eTravel registration; if you remain airside on a connecting flight without entering the country, check with your airline.

Can I register for my children or family members?

Each traveller needs their own registration. Parents or guardians can complete the form for children using each child’s own passport details, and every person arriving must have their own QR code.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?

It depends on your nationality and travel purpose. Nationals of 157 countries listed under Executive Order 408 may enter the Philippines visa-free for business or tourism for up to 30 days if they meet the passport and onward-ticket conditions, while Brazilian and Israeli nationals may stay visa-free for up to 59 days under bilateral agreements; check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or a Philippine embassy or consulate for your country’s current eligibility.

What if I don’t have internet at the airport to show my QR code?

Save your QR code offline before you travel. Screenshot it or print it; Philippine embassy advisories note that paper customs forms remain available at the customs area for passengers who could not access eTravel before arrival or departure, but relying on airport paperwork may cause delays.

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Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.