Philippines eTravel scams: the official site is free
- Official site
- etravel.gov.ph 1
- Official app
- eGovPH 1
- Fee
- Free 1
- Fake site charges
- ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 reported by the Bureau of Immigration 2
- Report to
- Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center 2
The official address and fee
eTravel is the Philippine Travel Information System. The official site is etravel.gov.ph. You can register there or in the eGovPH app on the App Store and Google Play 1.
The home page says “eTravel is FREE” 1. The UK government's travel advice links to the same site as the e-travel system 3.
When to register and what you get
The UK government's advice for British visitors says you must have a QR code showing you registered on the e-travel system within the 72 hours before you arrive in the Philippines 3.
It warns that some airlines will not let you board your flight if you cannot show the QR code 3. That deadline pressure is what copycat sites play on. The official form is quick and free, so there is no reason to pay a site to file it for you.
The UK advice confirms: “The e-travel registration is free of charge” 3. The official site offers English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese, and has a separate QR code for cruise travel registration 1.
What the Bureau of Immigration says
On 14 February 2024 the Philippine News Agency reported a warning from then Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco. He said: “The eTravel registration process is absolutely free of charge” 2.
The Bureau said travellers had been duped by fake websites that charged between ₱3,000 and ₱5,000, usually asked for in US dollars 2.
It told the public to “register only in the government's official website at https://etravel.gov.ph” and to avoid sites or people asking for online payment 2.
How the overcharge works
Fake eTravel sites look like a government form and ask for a fee at the end. The sums reported by the Bureau, ₱3,000 to ₱5,000, are charged for a form that costs nothing 2.
Quoting the price in US dollars can make it look like an official visa fee. eTravel is not a visa. It is a free travel information form 1.
What to do
- Use etravel.gov.ph or the eGovPH app only 1.
- Register within the 72 hours before arrival and keep the QR code on your phone 3.
- Never pay for eTravel 2.
- Report fake sites to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center at cicc.gov.ph/report 2.
- Call your card issuer about any payment and ask for a refund 4.
Common questions
What is the official eTravel website?
etravel.gov.ph, or the eGovPH app 1.
How much do fake eTravel sites charge?
The Bureau of Immigration reported charges of ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 2.
Is eTravel a visa?
No. It is a free travel information form 1. The UK government says British visitors can enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days 3.
Can an airline stop me boarding without eTravel?
Yes. The UK government warns that some airlines will not let you board if you cannot show the eTravel QR code 3. File it yourself on etravel.gov.ph for free 1.
When do I need to register for eTravel?
Within the 72 hours before you arrive, says the UK government. You need the QR code to show you registered 3.
Where do I report a fake eTravel site?
The Bureau pointed travellers to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center 2.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Sources
- Philippine Travel Information System: eTravel (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Philippine News Agency: eTravel registration free of charge, BI reminds travelers (14 February 2024)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Philippines entry requirements (updated 15 July 2026)
- US Federal Trade Commission: What To Do if You Were Scammed (updated 21 August 2026)
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