The Departure Card Philippines — now called eTravel — is a mandatory free online registration required for all travelers arriving in or departing from the Philippines in 2026.

Registration takes under 5 minutes at the official portal etravel.gov.ph and must be completed within 72 hours before travel.

What Is the Departure Card Philippines (eTravel)?

The Departure Card Philippines (eTravel) is a free mandatory online travel declaration replacing paper arrival and departure cards since December 1, 2022. It is officially called the Philippine Travel Information System and is operated at etravel.gov.ph.

Every traveler — whether arriving in or departing from the Philippines — must complete the eTravel registration before their journey.

The system collects travel and health data, generates a QR code that serves as your digital travel declaration, and integrates data across 9 Philippine government agencies for border control, health surveillance, and economic data analysis.

Before eTravel existed, travelers filled out paper arrival and departure cards at the airport. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government introduced the One Health Pass as a digital replacement.

On December 1, 2022, the government upgraded the system to eTravel — a more streamlined, user-friendly platform with less information required and full integration with immigration and customs systems.

The eTravel system was mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and is legally grounded in R.A. 11032 (the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act).

From Paper Card to eTravel: A Brief History

The Departure Card Philippines has gone through three distinct phases:

  1. Pre-2020: Paper-based arrival and departure cards filled out by hand at the airport
  2. 2020–2022: One Health Pass — digital COVID-era health declaration
  3. December 1, 2022–present: eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) — integrated border management system

The transition to eTravel abolished the paper-based arrival cards, departure cards, and quarantine forms that travelers previously had to complete.

The old One Health Pass portal remained accessible for a limited transition period but is no longer valid.

Which Government Agencies Are Behind eTravel?

The eTravel Philippines system is a joint project of 9 Philippine government agencies:

  • BI — Bureau of Immigration
  • DOT — Department of Tourism
  • DICT — Department of Information and Communications Technology
  • BOQ — Bureau of Quarantine
  • BOC — Bureau of Customs
  • DOH — Department of Health
  • DOTr — Department of Transportation
  • DOJ — Department of Justice
  • NPC — National Privacy Commission

This multi-agency integration means your eTravel registration is verified across immigration, customs, health, and tourism systems simultaneously — which is why the QR code must be valid and from the official portal.

Is the Departure Card Philippines Still Required in 2026?

Yes — the Departure Card Philippines (eTravel) remains mandatory in 2026 for both arrivals and departures by air and sea.

There has been no announcement to discontinue or make eTravel optional. All travelers must complete the registration at etravel.gov.ph before crossing the Philippine border.

Without a valid eTravel QR code, you may be denied boarding at your origin airport or refused entry/exit at Philippine immigration.

The system is actively enforced at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, and all major Philippine seaports.

eTravel for Departure: Do You Need It When Leaving the Philippines?

Yes. The Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration is required when leaving the Philippines, not just when arriving. This is one of the most common points of confusion among travelers.

The eTravel system covers both directions of travel:

  • Arriving in the Philippines (inbound)
  • Departing from the Philippines (outbound)

If you are a foreign national who has been in the Philippines and is now flying home, you must complete a new eTravel registration for your departure.

Your arrival registration does not cover your departure — each trip direction requires a separate registration.

eTravel for Arrival: Do You Need It When Entering the Philippines?

All travelers entering the Philippines must complete the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration before their flight or sea journey.

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and all other carriers operating Philippine routes require passengers to present a valid eTravel QR code at check-in.

The registration must be completed within 72 hours before your scheduled departure from your country of origin — not 72 hours before landing in the Philippines.

Who Needs the Departure Card Philippines?

All travelers — foreigners and Filipino citizens alike — must complete the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration regardless of travel purpose. This includes:

  • Foreign nationals visiting the Philippines for tourism, business, or transit
  • Filipino citizens returning home or traveling abroad
  • Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) departing or arriving
  • Permanent residents of the Philippines
  • Transit passengers passing through Philippine airports
  • Cruise passengers arriving at or departing from Philippine ports

The eTravel requirement applies to all travel purposes — tourism, business, transit, medical travel, education, and family visits.

There is no category of traveler (other than the narrow exemptions below) that is excluded from the requirement.

Important: Each passenger must complete a separate eTravel registration. You cannot register for a group or family under one account — every individual traveler needs their own QR code.

Exemptions: Who Does NOT Need eTravel?

The Departure Card Philippines eTravel exemptions are very narrow. The following categories are exempt:

  • Foreign diplomats accredited to the Philippines
  • Foreign dignitaries on official visits
  • Holders of a 9E (official) visa issued by the Philippine government
  • Holders of official passports (government-issued diplomatic/official travel documents)

If you are a regular tourist, business traveler, OFW, or Filipino citizen, you are not exempt — you must complete the eTravel registration.

The exemptions apply only to a small group of official government representatives.

Do Children Need the Departure Card Philippines?

All travelers must complete the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration, regardless of age. There is no minimum age exemption — infants, children, and minors all require their own eTravel registration.

For children who cannot complete the registration themselves, a parent or legal guardian completes the eTravel form on their behalf.

The child’s passport details are entered into the form, and the resulting QR code is linked to the child’s passport number.

Departure Card Philippines Requirements

The Departure Card Philippines eTravel requires only a valid passport (6+ months validity), an email address, and an internet-connected device.

The requirements are minimal by design — the Philippine government simplified the process compared to the old One Health Pass system.

What you need:

Requirement Details
Valid passport Must not expire within the next 6 months from travel date
Active email address To receive the QR code confirmation and PDF
Internet-connected device Smartphone, tablet, or computer
Personal information Full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation
Passport details Passport number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
Travel details Flight/vessel number, departure date, destination
Residential address Address in your country of residence

What you do NOT need:

  • Payment or credit card (eTravel is free)
  • Visa (unless your nationality requires one for entry — separate requirement)
  • Travel insurance (not required for eTravel registration)
  • Hotel booking confirmation (not required for eTravel)
  • Return ticket (not required for eTravel)

Requirements are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements at the official portal etravel.gov.ph before your trip.

How to Get the Departure Card Philippines: Step-by-Step

Complete the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration free at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before your flight or sea departure.

The process takes under 5 minutes and requires no payment.

Step 1 — Go to the Official eTravel Portal

Open your browser and navigate to https://etravel.gov.ph — this is the only official government portal for eTravel registration.

Alternatively, download the eGovPH app on your smartphone (available on iOS and Android) — the app includes eTravel registration functionality and is the recommended method for cruise travelers.

Timing: Complete your registration within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled departure.

Registering too early (more than 72 hours before travel) may cause issues with the system. Aim for 24–48 hours before your flight to allow time to resolve any issues.

Step 2 — Fill In the Application Form

Once on the official portal, create an account or log in, then complete the eTravel application form. You will need to provide:

  • Personal details: Full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality, sex, occupation
  • Passport information: Passport number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
  • Travel details: Flight or vessel number, departure date, port of departure, destination
  • Residential address: Your home address in your country of residence
  • Health declaration: Basic health questions (varies by current requirements)

Double-check all details before submitting — especially your passport number and flight details.

Errors in the eTravel form can cause problems at immigration. The registration is linked to your specific passport number, so any mismatch will be flagged.

There is no fee at any point in the form. The official portal never requests payment — always verify you are on etravel.gov.ph before entering any personal details.

Step 3 — Submit and Receive Your QR Code

After submitting the form, you will receive an email confirmation with your eTravel document in PDF format. The document contains a QR code — if your registration is approved, the QR code will be green.

  • Green QR code = registration approved, you are cleared to travel
  • Save the PDF to your phone or download it to your device
  • Printing is not required — showing the QR code on your phone screen is accepted at all Philippine airports and seaports
  • Recommended: Take a screenshot of the QR code as a backup in case of connectivity issues at the airport

Present your eTravel QR code at check-in (airline staff will scan it) and again at Philippine immigration upon arrival or departure.

What If You Didn’t Register Before Your Flight?

If you arrive at the airport without completing the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration, you are not automatically denied boarding — but you will face delays.

At Philippine airports: Staff from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and airport personnel are stationed to assist passengers who have not pre-registered. They will help you complete the eTravel registration on-site before you proceed to immigration.

At origin airports (departing to Philippines): Some airlines may require the eTravel QR code at check-in. If you cannot present it, airline staff may assist you or ask you to complete it before boarding.

Recommendation: Always pre-register within the 72-hour window to avoid queues and stress at the airport. The process takes under 5 minutes and can be done from your phone.

eTravel QR Code: What to Expect After Registration

After completing the Departure Card Philippines registration, you receive a green QR code by email — show it at the airport or seaport check-in counter and at Philippine immigration.

The QR code is your digital proof of eTravel registration and is linked to your passport number.

The QR code is delivered as a PDF document to the email address you provided during registration. The entire process — from form submission to QR code delivery — typically takes a few minutes, though it can occasionally take up to an hour during peak periods.

What Does the Green QR Code Mean?

The green QR code in your eTravel confirmation means your registration has been approved and verified in the Philippine Travel Information System.

When immigration or airline staff scan your QR code, the system confirms:

  • Your identity matches your passport
  • Your travel details are on record
  • Your health declaration has been submitted
  • Your registration is linked to the official eTravel database

If your QR code doesn’t scan or shows an error, your registration may not be in the official system. Register immediately at etravel.gov.ph to obtain a valid QR code before proceeding to immigration.

Can You Use a Digital QR Code or Must You Print It?

Digital is accepted. You do not need to print your eTravel QR code. Showing the QR code on your smartphone or tablet screen is fully accepted at all Philippine airports and seaports.

Best practices:

  • Save the PDF to your phone’s local storage (not just email) so you can access it without internet
  • Take a screenshot of the QR code as a backup
  • Ensure your screen brightness is high when presenting the QR code for scanning
  • Printing is optional — useful as a backup if your phone battery dies

Departure Card Philippines for Cruise Travelers

Cruise passengers completing the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration should use the eGovPH app or scan the QR code at the terminal.

The same eTravel requirement applies to sea travel as to air travel — all passengers arriving at or departing from Philippine ports must have a valid eTravel registration.

For cruise travelers:

  • Download the eGovPH app (iOS or Android) — it includes a dedicated cruise travel registration feature
  • Alternatively, complete registration at etravel.gov.ph on any browser
  • A QR code scan is available at cruise terminals for passengers who need assistance
  • The 72-hour rule applies: complete registration within 72 hours before your vessel’s scheduled departure or arrival
  • The same exemptions apply (diplomats, 9E visa holders, official passport holders)
  • Children on cruise trips must also be registered individually

If you are on a multi-port cruise itinerary that includes the Philippines as one of several stops, you must complete the eTravel registration for each Philippine port entry or exit.

FAQs About the Departure Card Philippines

What is the departure card Philippines?

The Departure Card Philippines is the common name for the eTravel registration — a free mandatory online travel declaration required for all travelers arriving in or departing from the Philippines.

Do I need a departure card to leave the Philippines?

Yes. The Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration is required when leaving the Philippines, not just when entering.

Where can I get a departure card Philippines?

The Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration is completed online at the official government portal https://etravel.gov.ph — it is free and takes under 5 minutes.

How long does eTravel registration take?

The eTravel Philippines registration typically takes 3–5 minutes to complete. After submission, you receive your QR code by email within a few minutes (occasionally up to 1 hour during peak periods).

When should I complete the eTravel Philippines?

Complete the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled departure. Do not register more than 72 hours in advance.

The recommended window is 24–48 hours before your flight to allow time to resolve any issues.

Do children need the departure card Philippines?

Yes. All travelers must complete the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration regardless of age — including infants and children.

Who is exempt from eTravel Philippines?

The eTravel Philippines exemptions are very narrow: foreign diplomats, foreign dignitaries, holders of a 9E (official) visa, and holders of official passports.

What documents do I need for eTravel Philippines?

For the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration, you need: a valid passport (not expiring within 6 months), an active email address, an internet-connected device, your flight or vessel details, and your residential address.

What is the eTravel QR code?

The eTravel QR code is the digital proof of your Departure Card Philippines registration.

Do I need to print my eTravel QR code?

No. Printing your eTravel Philippines QR code is not required. Showing the QR code on your smartphone screen is fully accepted at all Philippine airports and seaports. Save the PDF to your phone’s local storage and take a screenshot as a backup.

What if I didn’t register before my flight?

If you arrive at the airport without the Departure Card Philippines eTravel registration, Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) staff and airport personnel at Philippine airports will assist you in completing the registration on-site.

What replaced the paper departure card Philippines?

The paper Departure Card Philippines was replaced by the eTravel digital registration system on December 5, 2022, when the Bureau of Immigration discontinued the paper-based arrival and departure cards.

Can I use eTravel for cruise travel?

Yes. The Departure Card Philippines eTravel requirement applies to both air and sea travel.

What happens if my eTravel QR code doesn’t work?

If your eTravel Philippines QR code cannot be scanned or shows an error at immigration, your registration may not be in the official system.

Last updated: April 2026. Information based on official sources: Bureau of Immigration Philippines (immigration.gov.ph) and Philippine Travel Information System (etravel.gov.ph). Requirements are subject to change — always verify current requirements at etravel.gov.ph before travel.