The Philippines eArrival Card, part of the eTravel system, is an electronic registration requirement for all travelers entering the Philippines. This free online registration replaced the previous paper-based arrival cards and health declaration forms, streamlining the entry process at Philippine airports. Whether you're visiting Manila's bustling metropolis, exploring the stunning beaches of Palawan and Boracay, diving in Cebu's crystal-clear waters, or experiencing the famous Filipino hospitality, you'll need to complete your eArrival Card registration before departure.
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration implemented the eTravel system to modernize border control processes and improve the passenger experience. By collecting traveler information digitally before arrival, immigration officers can process passengers more efficiently, reducing wait times at airports. The system also supports public health monitoring and national security efforts while eliminating the need for manual form-filling upon landing.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Philippines eArrival Card in 2026, including step-by-step registration instructions, required information, common questions, and tips for a smooth arrival at any Philippine international airport.
What is the Philippines eArrival Card?
The Philippines eArrival Card is a mandatory electronic travel registration that all incoming passengers must complete before arriving in the Philippines. It is part of the broader eTravel system managed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and other government agencies.
The eArrival Card serves multiple purposes: it collects basic traveler information for immigration processing, gathers health-related data for disease surveillance, and helps authorities track visitor movements for security purposes. The registration generates a QR code that you must present at immigration upon arrival, linking your digital submission to your passport.
One of the biggest advantages of the eArrival Card is that it's completely free. There are no government fees for registration, making it a hassle-free requirement that simply requires a few minutes of your time before travel. The system is accessible from any device with internet connection and is available in multiple languages including English and Filipino.
Philippines eArrival Card Quick Facts
Cost: Completely FREE
Validity: Single entry for your declared arrival date
Registration window: Up to 72 hours before departure
Processing: Instant QR code generation
Required for: All travelers entering the Philippines
Entry points: All international airports and seaports
Who Needs to Complete the eArrival Card?
The Philippines eArrival Card is mandatory for all travelers entering the country through international airports and seaports. There are virtually no exceptions to this requirement:
- Foreign tourists: All international visitors regardless of nationality must register
- Returning Filipino citizens: Filipinos living abroad must complete the registration
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): All OFWs returning home need to register
- Balikbayans: Former Filipino citizens visiting must complete the eArrival Card
- Foreign residents: Non-Filipinos with residence visas must register for each entry
- Transit passengers: If clearing immigration, you need to complete registration
- Diplomats: Even diplomatic passport holders must register
- Crew members: Airline and ship crew entering the Philippines need to register
The eArrival Card requirement is separate from visa requirements. Even if you're from a visa-free country or already hold a valid Philippine visa, you still need to complete the eArrival Card registration. Similarly, completing the eArrival Card does not grant you entry permission — you must still meet the visa requirements for your nationality.
Information Required for Registration
Before starting your eArrival Card registration, gather the following information. Having everything ready will make the process quick and straightforward, typically taking only 5-10 minutes to complete.
- Valid passport with full name, number, and expiry date
- Email address (for receiving your QR code)
- Mobile phone number with country code
- Flight details including flight number and airline
- Accommodation address in the Philippines
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
- Countries visited in the last 30 days
- Emergency contact information
- Health declaration responses (symptom questions)
Enter Information Accurately
Your passport details must match exactly what appears in your travel document. Discrepancies between your registration and passport can cause delays at immigration or even denial of entry. Double-check your passport number, name spelling, date of birth, and nationality before submitting your registration.
How to Register for the eArrival Card
Registering for the Philippines eArrival Card is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps to complete your registration:
- Access the eTravel portal — Visit the official eTravel Philippines website. Ensure you're using the legitimate government portal to protect your personal information from phishing sites.
- Create an account or continue as guest — You can create an account for future trips or proceed as a guest for one-time registration.
- Select your travel type — Choose 'Arriving in the Philippines' and indicate your port of entry.
- Enter passport information — Input your full name, passport number, nationality, and passport validity dates exactly as shown in your travel document.
- Provide contact details — Enter your email address and phone number. Your QR code will be sent to this email.
- Add flight information — Input your flight number, airline, departure country, and expected arrival date and time.
- Declare accommodation — Enter your hotel name and address, or the address where you'll be staying in the Philippines.
- Complete health declaration — Answer questions about symptoms and recent travel history honestly.
- Review and submit — Check all information for accuracy, then submit your registration.
- Save your QR code — Download or screenshot your QR code immediately. Also check your email for the confirmation.
Register Early
Complete your eArrival Card registration at least 24-48 hours before your flight. While the system allows registration up to 72 hours in advance, registering early gives you time to resolve any technical issues. Some airlines may request to see your QR code during check-in.
At the Airport: What to Expect
Upon arrival at any Philippine international airport (NAIA in Manila, Mactan-Cebu, Clark, Davao, or others), you'll proceed through immigration. Here's what to expect with your eArrival Card:
- Have your QR code ready: Keep your phone charged or have a printed copy of your QR code easily accessible
- Immigration queue: Proceed to the immigration counters for arriving passengers
- Present documents: Show your passport and QR code to the immigration officer
- QR code scanning: The officer will scan your QR code to retrieve your registration information
- Brief interview: You may be asked a few questions about your visit purpose and accommodation
- Entry stamp: Once cleared, you'll receive an entry stamp indicating your allowed stay duration
- Proceed to baggage and customs: Collect your luggage and proceed through customs inspection
If you arrive without a completed eArrival Card registration, you may be directed to registration kiosks in the arrival area or asked to complete registration on your phone before proceeding. This can significantly delay your entry, so we strongly recommend completing registration before departure. The registration kiosks at airports can have long queues during peak arrival times when multiple international flights land simultaneously.
Immigration processing is typically efficient for travelers with completed eArrival Cards. Most passengers are processed within 5-15 minutes, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals and staffing levels. Immigration officers may ask additional questions about your travel plans, intended length of stay, proof of onward travel or return ticket, and sufficient funds for your visit. Having your hotel confirmation and return ticket readily accessible can help speed up the process.
Common Myths About Philippines eArrival Card
The eArrival Card replaces the need for a visa
The eArrival Card is completely separate from visa requirements. It is a travel registration form required for ALL travelers, regardless of visa status. If your nationality requires a visa to enter the Philippines, you still need to obtain that visa separately. The eArrival Card does not grant entry permission — it simply collects your travel information for immigration processing.
You can complete the eArrival Card at the airport upon arrival
While it is technically possible to complete registration at airport kiosks or on your phone after landing, this is not recommended. Doing so can cause significant delays in clearing immigration, especially during peak arrival times. The eTravel system is designed for pre-departure registration, and completing it in advance ensures a smooth and quick entry process.
Philippines
Capital: Manila
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Language: Filipino, English
Timezone: UTC+8 (PHT)
Processing: Instant (online)
Quick Facts
- eArrival Card: Free
- Required for all arrivals
- Complete 72h before travel
- 7,000+ islands to explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philippines eArrival Card really free?
How far in advance can I complete my eArrival Card?
What happens if I don't complete the eArrival Card?
Do Filipino citizens need to complete the eArrival Card?
Can I use my phone to show the QR code at immigration?
What if I make a mistake on my eArrival Card?
Do children need their own eArrival Card?
Is the eArrival Card valid for multiple entries?
Can I complete the eArrival Card for my whole family at once?
What if I'm only transiting through the Philippines?
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Comments(12)
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Just got back from an amazing 2-week trip to the Philippines! The eArrival Card was super easy - filled it out on my phone at the airport gate and had my QR code instantly. Immigration in Manila took about 10 minutes. Highly recommend visiting Palawan!
Quick question - I'm arriving in Cebu, not Manila. Does the eArrival Card work for all Philippine airports or just NAIA?
As a Filipina living in the US, I appreciate that the system is free and easy. OFWs and Balikbayans still need to register, but it only takes 5 minutes. Much better than the old paper forms!
Visited Boracay last month and it was incredible. Pro tip: save your QR code as a photo on your phone AND email it to yourself. My friend's phone died at immigration and it was a hassle.
I'm traveling with my 2 kids (ages 5 and 8). Do I need to fill out three separate forms or can I include them on mine?
The system was down when I tried to register the day before my flight. Had to do it at the airport and waited an extra 45 minutes at immigration. Lesson learned - register early!
Love that it's free! Some countries charge $10-50 for similar systems. Philippines keeping it accessible for everyone. The beaches were totally worth the trip!
Diving in Moalboal and Malapascua was incredible. The eArrival Card process was the easiest part of trip planning. Just make sure your passport details are entered exactly right.
First time visiting the Philippines next month! This guide answered all my questions. Already registered and have my QR code ready. So excited for Siargao!
Does anyone know if the eArrival Card is needed for cruise ship arrivals? We're doing a cruise with a stop in Manila.
I'm a digital nomad and have entered the Philippines 4 times this year. You definitely need a new registration every single time - there's no multi-entry option. But it only takes 5 minutes so no big deal.
The health declaration part asks about symptoms - just answer honestly. Immigration officers might ask follow-up questions if you indicate any symptoms. Overall a smooth process.