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| The Philippines has recently launched its new eTravel System, designed to streamline the travel registration process in the country. |
With travel returning to normal, many families reunite after years of travel delays and restrictions. As excited as we are to see our loved ones again, traveling can sometimes be a hassle. That's why the Philippine government has launched the new eTravel System to improve and make things easier for travelers.
This innovative platform simplifies the process of traveling, allowing you to have an electronic health declaration form embedded in the eTravel QR Code since you no longer have to worry about filling out paper Arrival Cards or obtaining a One Health Pass. All the information you need is easily accessible, and you won't have to worry about losing or having your documents stolen.
It streamlines the travel process and benefits both travelers and government agencies. For travelers, eTravel provides easier access to important documents and information through a QR Code, reducing travel stress and anxiety. For government agencies, eTravel allows for the digital collection and storage of travel information, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring the safety of all travelers. It also helps government agencies track and monitors the movement of individuals.
eTravel is a win-win for everyone involved. In this blog post, we'll explain the steps for registering with the eTravel System and how it can help simplify your travel plans.
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What exactly is the new eTravel System?
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| The new eTravel System website. Screenshot: www.etravel.gov.ph |
This means travelers will no longer have to stand in line and fill out paper forms upon arrival. Furthermore, as of December 5, the Bureau of Immigration will no longer require the paper arrival card. It was created in response to the Inter-Agency Task Force's (IATF) directive to streamline the entry process into the Philippines.
Before entering the country, travelers can use the platform to easily and conveniently complete the required health declarations and contact tracing information. This reduces the time spent on arrival processes and enables more efficient health screenings at the airport.
How to register with the eTravel System?
The eTravel System is an online platform that allows Filipino and foreign travelers to register for their flights to the Philippines. The system is designed to facilitate the registration process and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by providing a convenient way for travelers to provide their personal and health information. Registration on the eTravel System is free and easy.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to register:
Step 1 - Visit the eTravel website and choose your passport type
To begin, open your web browser and navigate to the eTravel website. Once you are on the homepage, you will see a registration form where you must choose the type of passport you own. Click on the "Philippine Passport Holder" or "Foreign Passport Holder" option to select your passport type.
Fill out the rest of the form, including the transportation type, date of arrival, and your email details. Be sure to check the box agreeing to the data privacy and affidavit of the undertaking. When you are finished, click "Continue" to proceed.
Step 2 - Fill out the Personal Profile form
On the next page, you must fill out a Personal Profile form. This form will ask for various personal information, including your full name, passport number, occupation, and contact details. It is essential to provide accurate information on this form, as it will be used to verify your identity and determine your eligibility to travel to the Philippines.
To complete the form, simply fill in the required fields with your personal information. Once you have entered all the necessary information, click the "Next" button to proceed to the next step.
Step 3 - Provide your Address Information
You will be asked to provide the address of your permanent country of residence. This information is necessary to help manage the flow of travelers and ensure that everyone can enter and leave the country smoothly.
It's important to ensure that you provide a complete and accurate address, as any errors or omissions may cause delays or problems with your travel plans. Once done, click on the "Next" button to continue.
Step 4 - Complete the Health Declaration form
You will be required to complete the Health Declaration form on the next page. This form will ask for details about your COVID-19 vaccination status and whether you have taken a negative antigen test within 24 hours. It will also ask for information about any countries you have visited or traveled to in the last 20 days, as well as any history of exposure to COVID-19 and if you have been sick in the past 30 days.
Once you have completed and answered all of the questions on the form, click the "Next" button to proceed.
Step 5 - Review the information you have provided and submit the form.
Once you have reviewed and confirmed all of the information you have provided, you can submit your registration form and complete the sign-up process. Congratulations! You are now registered and ready to travel to the Philippines. Be sure to keep your registration information up-to-date and accurate, as it will be used to manage the flow of travelers and ensure that everyone can enter and leave the country smoothly.
After submitting all the required information, a QR Code will be generated. This code will be scanned before boarding your flight and upon arrival in the country, and it is crucial that you take a screenshot of it before exiting the website. Remember, you cannot use the same code twice, so make sure to register again for each new trip.
What types of QR Codes will you receive after completing your registration?
After completing your registration for eTravel, you will receive one of two types of QR codes: the Green QR Code or the Red QR Code.
- The Green QR Code signifies that the submission of your required information and attachments is complete and compliant with the latest IATF entry protocols. This QR Code allows you to enter the country without additional screening or quarantine measures.
- The Red QR Code indicates that you have missing requirements and will need to be interviewed by a BOQ (Bureau of Quarantine) personnel upon arrival at the airport to determine whether you will need to undergo facility-based quarantine and RT-PCR testing. This additional screening is necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the general public's safety.
How does an eTravel system simplify your travel plan?
An e-travel system is a tool that can help you plan a trip to another country. Using an e-travel system will save a lot of time and effort because you will not have to deal with multiple websites or agencies to plan your trip.
Furthermore, many e-travel systems provide convenient features such as personalized itineraries and the ability to track your flights and accommodations, making it easier to stay organized and on top of your travel plans. In the Philippines, it only stores information such as vaccination status, permanent residence address, and passport number.
Here are some other things that a more advanced eTravel system might have:
Here are some other things that a more advanced eTravel system might have:
- A user-friendly interface that makes it easy to plan and manage your trip.
- Customized itineraries to assist with trip planning.
- Tracking capabilities for flights and accommodations.
- Additional services, including travel insurance and visa processing.
- The ability to compare prices and alternatives to find the best travel deals.
- The convenience of being able to make changes to your travel plans quickly.
- User-friendly interfaces for trip management and planning.
- The opportunity to save money by booking travel accommodations in advance.
- The capacity to avoid problems such as flight cancellations and missed connections.
The eTravel System in the Philippines is a mandatory requirement for all inbound Filipino and foreign travelers, including infants and children. It is important to register on the eTravel System at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure you are allowed boarding.
By using the eTravel System, you are not only complying with the rules set by the Philippine government, but you are also contributing to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring that you are eligible to enter the Philippines. It provides a convenient and efficient way to register for flights and simplifies the process of entering the country.
What is the purpose of the new eTravel System?
The purpose of eTravel is to provide a convenient and efficient way for international travelers to declare their health status and contact information when entering the Philippines.
This information is used by the Philippine government for contact tracing in the event that a traveler is diagnosed with a specific disease. All foreign and Filipino travelers, including infants and children, must register with eTravel before their flight to the Philippines.
What are the entry requirements for travelers to the Philippines as of 2022?
As per IATF Resolution No. 2 (s. 2022) on the entry, quarantine, and testing requirements of inbound travelers to the Philippines:
- Fully vaccinated travelers (Filipino and foreign) are not required to present a pre-departure COVID-19 test, but must have received the second dose in a two-dose series or a single-dose vaccine at least 14 days prior to departure.
- Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers (Filipino and foreign) must present a remotely supervised/laboratory-based rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. Those who fail to present a negative pre-departure test will be required to undergo a laboratory-based antigen test upon arrival at the airport.
- Accompanied minors under the age of 15 who are not vaccinated must follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or accompanying adult/guardian.
- Unaccompanied minors under 15 who are not vaccinated must follow the protocols for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers.
- Any inbound traveler who tests positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test will be subject to the latest quarantine and isolation protocols of the Department of Health.
Why do I need to sign up for the eTravel System?
Starting on September 1, 2021, all incoming travelers to the Philippines will be required to register with the eTravel system as mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution No. 135, which was issued on August 26, 2021.
The eTravel registration is necessary for the Philippines government to monitor and control the influx of travelers, as well as to ensure the health and safety of both travelers and the general public.
Is eTravel registration free of charge?
Yes, eTravel registration is free and does not require any online payment. It's important to be cautious of fake or fraudulent websites that may ask for payment upon registration.
Is it necessary to download an app to use eTravel?
No, eTravel is a web-based platform that is mobile responsive. This means that you can access it using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or personal computer without the need to download any app. Simply open the eTravel website using a mobile or computer internet browser.