Philippines eTravel: free arrival registration and visa-free stays
Every traveller arriving in the Philippines registers on eTravel, free, at etravel.gov.ph or in the eGovPH app, and shows the QR code at immigration.
By Simvito · Reviewed
eTravel
- Register at etravel.gov.ph or in the eGovPH app before your flight. Foreign visitors, crew and returning Filipinos all register.
- It's free. The Bureau of Immigration has warned about look-alike sites charging thousands of pesos; use only the government address.
- Keep the QR code on your phone or a printout for immigration.
Visa-free stays
Tourists from visa-waiver countries, including the US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN, are admitted for 30 days at first. Hong Kong and Macao SAR passports get 14 days. Mainland Chinese ordinary passports have had 14 days visa-free since 16 January 2026, arriving only through Manila NAIA or Mactan-Cebu, for an initial year; the stay can't be extended.
Local SIMs need registration
Under the SIM Registration Act, SIMs and eSIMs from Philippine operators must be registered before they work. Tourists register with a passport, proof of address in the Philippines and a return ticket, and tourist SIMs expire after 30 days. A travel eSIM bought abroad roams on local networks instead.
Data when you land
Install a Philippines eSIM before you fly, so your eTravel QR code and ride apps are ready at the airport.