If you’re travelling to the Philippines, you’ll need to complete the Philippines Digital Arrival Card, officially known as the eTravel form. This has replaced the old paper arrival cards and is now mandatory for most travellers entering the country.
Here’s exactly what it is, who needs to do it, when to complete it, and some practical tips to make the process smoother—especially if you’re travelling as a family.
What Is the Philippines Digital Arrival Card (eTravel)?
The Philippines Digital Arrival Card (eTravel) is an online immigration and health declaration form required by the Philippine government. It collects:
- Passport and personal details
- Flight and arrival information
- Address of stay in the Philippines
- Basic health and travel history information
Once completed, you receive a QR code, which immigration officers scan on arrival.
There is no cost to complete the official eTravel form.
Who Needs to Complete the Philippines Digital Arrival Card?
The eTravel form is required for:
- All international travellers arriving in the Philippines, including:
- Tourists
- Returning residents
- Filipino citizens
- Adults and children (each traveller needs their own form)
Parents or guardians can complete the form on behalf of children.
Transit passengers who do not pass immigration usually do not need to complete it—but if you are unsure, it’s best to check with your airline.
Why Do You Need to Complete It?
The eTravel system allows Philippine immigration authorities to:
- Speed up arrival processing
- Reduce paperwork at the airport (or other arrival port)
- Carry out health and border screening more efficiently
If you arrive without completing it, you’ll usually be asked to fill it in at the airport—which can be stressful after a long flight and may involve queues or poor Wi-Fi.
How Far in Advance Can You Complete the eTravel Form?
You can complete the Philippines Digital Arrival Card:
- Within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival
You cannot submit it earlier than this.
How to Complete the Philippines Digital Arrival Card Online
You’ll need:
- Passport (for each traveller)
- Flight details (arrival flight number)
- Address of your accommodation (hotel, resort, or residential address)
Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code by email or on-screen—take a screenshot or save it offline.
Tips for Filling It In Smoothly (Especially With Kids)
1. Use the Official Website Only
There are many third-party sites that charge fees. The official eTravel form is free. This is the official website to do the eTravel form for the Philippines for free. You can also download an app to your mobile device to do the form within an app.
2. Complete Each Traveller Separately
Even babies and toddlers need their own form and QR code.
3. Save Screenshots
Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Screenshot each QR code before you land.
4. Use Your Accommodation’s Full Address
Copy it directly from your booking confirmation to avoid errors.
5. Don’t Stress Over Minor Typos
Small mistakes (like hotel spelling) usually aren’t an issue, but passport numbers must be correct.
6. Do It Before the Airport If Possible
Filling it in at home is much easier than juggling phones, bags, and children after landing.
Do You Need to Print the Philippines Digital Arrival Card?
No—printing is not required. A digital QR code on your phone is enough, though having a printout as backup never hurts.
Doing the eTravel form for a Philippines Digital Arrival Card helps to avoid delays and paperwork in the airport on arrival (and the eTravel government app even suggests you will need a QR code to be able to board a flight so it could cause other issues if you don’t do it in time).