Quick Answer
eTravel is the Philippines' free online arrival and departure registration. Every traveler, including children, registers at the official website etravel.gov.ph (or in the eGovPH app) within 72 hours before arrival, and gets a QR code to show at the airport. There is no fee: websites that charge you for eTravel are not the official service. Save the QR code as a screenshot so you can show it without internet, and install a Philippines eSIM before you fly so you have data for Grab, maps and messages as soon as you land in Manila or Cebu.
The Philippines replaced its old paper arrival cards and health forms with one online system, eTravel. It is quick and free, but many travelers are confused by lookalike websites, by the 72-hour window, and by what to do if their flight changes. This guide explains how eTravel works step by step, and how to get your phone ready for the Philippines.
Key facts
- Official website: etravel.gov.ph. eTravel is also available in the eGovPH app.
- Cost: free. Paid "eTravel services" are not the official system.
- When: within 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in the Philippines. Filipino travelers also register before departure.
- Who: every traveler, including children and Filipino citizens. Each person needs their own registration.
- Result: a QR code that you show at the airport. Save it as a screenshot.
- Flight changes: if your flight date or number changes, register again so the details match.
- Mobile networks in the Philippines: Globe and Smart, and DITO in some areas.
- Emergency number: 911.
How to register for eTravel
- Open the official website etravel.gov.ph or the eGovPH app, no more than 72 hours before your arrival. Check the address carefully.
- Choose arrival, and enter your passport details, contact details and travel details, such as your flight number and the address where you will stay.
- Answer the health and customs questions.
- Check every detail against your passport and booking, then submit.
- Save the QR code: take a screenshot, download it, and keep the confirmation email.
- Show the QR code at the airport when you arrive. If your flight changes, register again with the new details.
Common eTravel mistakes
| Mistake | What to do |
|---|---|
| Using a paid lookalike website | Use only etravel.gov.ph or the eGovPH app. eTravel is free. |
| Registering too early | Register within 72 hours before arrival. |
| One registration for the whole family | Every traveler needs their own registration and QR code, including children. |
| Flight changed after registering | Register again with the new flight details. |
| QR code only in an email | Save a screenshot, so you can show it even without internet. |
Staying connected in the Philippines
The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands, and coverage is very different between cities and remote islands. Manila, Cebu, Davao, Boracay and the main areas of Palawan have good 4G, and 5G in parts of the big cities. On small islands, in the mountains and on boat trips, the signal can be weak or missing.
What helps:
- Install a Philippines eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly. Your plan starts when the eSIM first connects in the Philippines, so installing early costs you nothing.
- Skip the SIM queue at the airport. Local SIM cards must be registered with ID under the Philippines' SIM Registration Act, which takes time after a long flight. A travel eSIM works as soon as you land.
- Use Grab for taxis and food delivery in the big cities. You need mobile data to book.
- Download offline maps before island-hopping trips and boat tours.
- Keep your home line on for SMS codes from your bank, with data roaming switched off on it.
- Save your QR codes and bookings as screenshots: eTravel, boat tickets and hotel confirmations.
TripoSIM's Philippines plans connect to Globe or Smart, depending on the plan. Each plan page shows the networks before you buy. For more about coverage on the islands, read our Philippines eSIM travel guide.
How much data do you need?
| How you use your phone | Data per day | 1 week | 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light: maps, Grab, messages | 300–500 MB | 3–5 GB | 5–7 GB |
| Normal: plus social media and photo sharing | 1–1.5 GB | 7–10 GB | 15–20 GB |
| Heavy: video calls, stories and uploads | 2–3 GB or more | 20 GB | Unlimited |
Many of our Philippines unlimited plans give 1 to 3 GB a day at full speed, depending on the plan, and then a slower speed until the next day. Each plan card shows the daily amount. Our data calculator helps you estimate your own use.
Heading to Philippines?
Get a Philippines eSIM in minutes — instant QR by email, no roaming charges, with a discount applied automatically at checkout.
Festivals worth planning around
- Sinulog in Cebu: on the third Sunday of January, with parades and street parties for several days around it. Hotels in Cebu fill up early.
- Christmas season: the Philippines celebrates Christmas for months, with the biggest crowds from mid-December to early January. Flights and ferries are very busy.
- Holy Week: a major holiday in March or April, when many Filipinos travel home.
Frequently asked questions
Is eTravel free?
Yes. eTravel registration on etravel.gov.ph and in the eGovPH app is free. Websites that charge a fee for eTravel are not the official service.
When should I fill in eTravel?
Within 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. If you register earlier, the system may not accept your arrival date.
Do children need their own eTravel registration?
Yes. Every traveler, including children, needs their own registration and QR code.
What happens if my flight changes after I register?
Register again with the new flight details, so the information on your QR code matches your trip.
Do I need internet at the airport to show my eTravel QR code?
No, if you save the QR code as a screenshot or download it before you fly. You can show it from your photos without internet.
Does a travel eSIM work in the Philippines?
Yes. A travel eSIM connects to Globe or Smart, depending on the plan, and works as soon as you land, with no SIM registration queue.
The bottom line
eTravel is free and takes a few minutes: register on etravel.gov.ph or in the eGovPH app within 72 hours before arrival, one registration per person, and save your QR code as a screenshot. Set up a Philippines eSIM at home so you have data for Grab, maps and messages from the moment you land. Find plans for the Philippines, or for a trip through several countries, see our Asia regional plans.
Sources
Checked on 7 November 2026:
- eTravel: official Philippines travel registration
- Globe: eTravel Philippines guide
- Sinulog Foundation: Sinulog festival
What is the best eSIM for Philippines?
The best eSIM for Philippines is the plan that fits how much data you use and runs on a strong local network. For a typical trip, 5 GB for 30 days costs $8.50. If you stream, work online or share a hotspot, Unlimited costs $39.55 for 20 days. TripoSIM plans for Philippines start at $1.50, run on SMART, Globe, and the days only start counting when the eSIM first connects in Philippines, so you can install it before you fly.
| Your trip | Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| About a week of light use (maps, messages) | 1 GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 1–2 weeks of everyday use | 5 GB for 30 days | $8.50 |
| Heavy use, video calls or a long stay | 20 GB for 30 days | $19.04 |
| Streaming, hotspot or remote work | Unlimited for 20 days (1 GB a day at full speed, then slower) | $39.55 |
Live prices in US dollars, checked November 7, 2026. 20 plans for Philippines are available. See all Philippines plans →
Philippines eSIM — connected the moment you land
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