This guide is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Search for eTravel and you will see sites that look official and ask for a fee. This page gives the short answer on cost and timing, based on the government’s own eTravel FAQ, and shows where our sources disagree.
Short answer
Yes, it is free. The official eTravel FAQ says registration is free of charge and the platform does not collect or require any online payment. It also says the only official registration website is etravel.gov.ph.
On timing, the same FAQ says you may register only within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival in the Philippines. A Philippine consulate page adds that the window also applies to departure from the Philippines.
How the 72-hour window works
Count back from your scheduled arrival. If you land on Friday afternoon, the form should open from Tuesday afternoon. Trying earlier is the most common mistake: reports say the system will not accept an early submission, or you may need to register again inside the valid period.
The reason given by Philippine sources is that the health declaration must be recent. That is why a card filed a week ahead does not count.
- Arriving: register within 72 hours before you land.
- Departing from the Philippines: the same 72-hour rule applies, with a separate registration for the trip out.
- Delayed flight: if the delay pushes you outside the window you used, check the card again on the official site.
Who has to register
Sources say all international travellers must register, including Filipino citizens, foreigners, adults and children. A Philippine embassy advisory also says the QR code is shown to the airline before boarding. eTravel is a travel declaration, not a visa. If you need a visa, that is a separate step.
How to avoid fake sites
- Type etravel.gov.ph yourself. Do not click a sponsored result.
- If a page asks for a card payment at any step, close it. The government says the platform takes no online payment.
- Save the QR code to your phone, and take a screenshot as a backup.
Our page on arrival card scam websites lists the usual warning signs.
Where sources disagree
Guides repeat the 72-hour rule, so there is little dispute there. Differences are small: some blogs suggest filing around 48 hours before departure to leave time for corrections. That is advice from those sites, not a rule. If you file at 72 hours, the card is still valid for the trip.
Questions and answers
Is Philippines eTravel free?
Yes. The official eTravel FAQ says registration is free of charge and takes no online payment. The only official site is etravel.gov.ph.
How early can I register for eTravel?
Within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival in the Philippines, according to the official FAQ. The same window is reported for departure.
Do children need eTravel?
Sources say all international travellers register, adults and children. Check the portal for how to add a child.
More answers on this topic
Sources
Facts were seen in these sources on 2026-11-01. Where a source is a news report or travel guide and not an official site, we say "reported". Always confirm on the official portal.Published Nov 1, 2026 · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check facts