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 Philippines arrival card and is now mandatory for most travellers entering the country.
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Here’s exactly what the Phillipines arrival card 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 you complete the Philippines arrival card 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 Philippines arrival card 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 Philippines arrival card 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 relying poor Wi-Fi.
How Far in Advance Can You Do the Philippines Arrival Card?
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 Arrival Card Online
To complete the Philippines 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. I recommend using a Google drive to store travel documents you may need to access while you travel.
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 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).
If you are planning a trip to the Philippines, my guide to visiting with autistic children is the best place to begin.
Continue Planning Your Travels With Autistic Kids
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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