Before you embark on your travel journey in the Philippines, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of Travel Tax Philippines. Travel tax is a mandatory fee imposed on travelers departing from Philippine airports, and having a clear understanding of it can help you avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth travel experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about travel tax in the Philippines, from what it is and who needs to pay it to how to pay and exemptions you may qualify for.
Understanding Travel Tax: What Is It?
Travel tax in the Philippines is a fee levied on individuals departing from Philippine airports for international destinations. It is a mandatory charge imposed by the government and is collected to help fund various tourism-related projects and initiatives across the country. The amount of travel tax varies depending on several factors, including the class of travel, destination, and citizenship status of the traveler.
Who Needs to Pay Travel Tax in the Philippines?
The Travel Tax is a fee imposed by the Philippine Government on individuals departing from the country, no matter where they bought their plane ticket or how they pay. This is stated in Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, with amendments. The following people must pay the Travel Tax:
- Citizens of the Philippines;
- Foreigners holding a permanent resident visa Sec. 13 Quota or Preference Immigrant Visa
- Foreign tourists or expatriates who have stayed in the Philippines for more than one (1) year.
Foreign temporary visitors (tourists and businesspersons) and Filipino balikbayans (either expatriates working in other countries or former Filipinos who are now citizens of other countries) who stay in the Philippines for less than one year do not pay Travel Tax.
NOTE: In addition to the Travel Tax, all travelers leaving the Philippines must also pay a separate Airport Terminal Fee of ₱750.00. This fee is required for all travelers, and nobody is exempt from paying it.
| Description | First Class Passage | Economy Class Passage |
| Full Rate | ₱ 2,700 | ₱ 1,620 |
| Standard Reduced Rate | ₱ 1,350 | ₱ 810 |
| Privilaged Reduced Rate for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Dependents | ₱ 400 | ₱ 300 |
How to Pay Travel Tax in the Philippines
Paying travel tax in the Philippines is a straightforward process. Upon checking in for your flight at the airport, you will be directed to the travel tax counter, where you can settle the fee before proceeding to immigration. Payment can be made in Philippine pesos or other accepted currencies, as specified by the airport authorities. Keep in mind that some airports may also offer online payment options for added convenience.
Exemptions and Discounts: Who Qualifies?
The Travel Tax exemptions apply to certain individuals who must present proof of their status at the airport. Being “exempt” means they don’t pay the full amount; instead, they pay a reduced fee of ₱250 at the Philippine Travel Authority counter during departure.
- Foreign diplomatic representatives
- Employees of the United Nations (UN) Organization or its agencies. Their dependents are also exempt if travel is paid for and certified by the UN. (must present proof from the organization/agency).
- United States military personnel including dependents (must present proof from the organization/agency)
- United States nationals with fares paid for by the US Government or on US Government-owned/chartered transport facilities (must present proof from the organization/agency)
- Filipino Overseas Contract Workers (must present Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issued either by the POEA or by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office of the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in the country of hire)
- Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one (1) year (must present permanent residency card)
- Philippine Foreign Service personnel assigned abroad and their dependents (must present certification)
- Philippine Government employees on official travel (must present travel authority)
- Grantees of foreign government-funded trips (must present proof that travel is funded by a foreign government)
- Students with approved scholarships by appropriate government agency (must present certification from concerned Philippine government agency)
Conclusion
Navigating travel tax in the Philippines is an essential aspect of planning your travel adventure. By understanding what travel tax is, who needs to pay it, how to pay, and any exemptions or discounts you may qualify for, you can ensure a hassle-free departure from Philippine airports. Remember to factor in travel tax when budgeting for your trip and be prepared to settle the fee before your international departure. With this ultimate guide, you can embark on your Philippine adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Safe travels!
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