In a recent development, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has called upon airline companies to actively collaborate in the implementation of the cutting-edge one-stop electronic travel declaration system, known as eTravel.
This call comes as the holiday season unfolds, with the BI underscoring the importance of airline cooperation and urging them to assist their customers.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized that both arriving and departing passengers are required to register on the eTravel platform. This registration is deemed mandatory by immigration officers stationed at the bureau's counters in international airports and seaports.
Tansingco reiterated, "We have issued reminders to airline companies, urging passengers to complete the eTravel registration before embarking on their journeys to or from the country." Additionally, he disclosed plans for airlines to acquire eTravel kiosks, facilitating on-the-spot registration for individuals lacking access to smartphones or the internet.
Highlighting the efficacy of the eTravel registration, Tansingco stressed that it fortifies border control services, resulting in a streamlined and hassle-free travel experience. The registration process can be conveniently undertaken through the eGov PH App or the website https://etravel.gov.ph.
According to Tansingco, the eTravel mandate extends to arriving Filipino and foreign crew members and passengers, as well as departing Filipino passengers. Notably, exemptions from the registration requirement are granted to foreign diplomats and their dependents, foreign dignitaries and their delegations, holders of 9(e) diplomatic visas, and individuals possessing diplomatic and official/service passports.
Launched several months ago, eTravel stands as a collaborative initiative involving the BI, the Department of Information and Communication Technology, the Department of Tourism, and various other government agencies and stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector. This digital platform supersedes the traditional arrival and departure cards, reducing paper-based requirements by consolidating all necessary data on a unified platform.