Philippines to abolish paper departure cards from May 1, 2023

The Philippine Immigration Service (BI) announced that paper departure cards will be phased out from May 1, 2023.

Instead, passengers need to fill out an online departure card via the eTravel portal etravel.gov.ph.

Originally launched in December 2022, the platform "coordinates" and integrates immigration and health declaration procedures at the country's international travel portal.

What will happen from April 15

The bureau said that from April 15, paper cards will "gradually disappear".

Departing passengers should be able to access the website at the earliest 72 hours and no later than 3 hours before scheduled flight departure.

A health license platform was replaced.

The One Health Permit platform previously used by the government for travel health declaration lists has also been replaced by eTravel platforms.

According to Tansiongco Norman, the BI Commissioner: The expansion of the eTravel system will simplify the procedures for departing passengers and speed up the speed without affecting safety.

He wants the immigration process at the country's main travel gateway to be faster and more efficient. Eventually, he said, eTravel platforms will be used by both departing and incoming travelers.

Tansingco said in a statement: "This is an important step in simplifying the presentation of documents by departing passengers, and immigration procedures can be processed faster and more effectively."

how to use the e-Travel platform:

(1) Log on to the portal etravel.gov.ph before boarding

(2) Fill in all required fields in the online form.

(3) Click the Submit button.

(4) You will receive a confirmation email.

Data Privacy

The government ensures the privacy of customer data.

The National Privacy Council (NPC), the Ministry of Transport (DoTr), the Ministry of Health (DOH), the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Ministry of Tourism (DOT), the Quarantine Bureau (BoQ) and the Customs Bureau (BoC) are all partners in the eTravel systems project.