Travel Tax in the Philippines: Everything a Traveler Needs to Know

The Philippine travel tax is an additional fee you need to pay every time you go abroad. You can read up on it in greater detail under Presidential Decree 1183, but all you need to know about it is that you are required to pay this fee no matter which country you are headed to.

If you fall under any of the following demographic, you are required to pay the travel tax:

- Filipino citizens

- Taxable foreign passport holders

- Non-immigrant foreign passport holders who have stayed in the Philippines for more than a year

- Filipino citizens who are permanent residents abroad

- Balikbayan visitors who have stayed in the Philippines for less than a year

- Overseas Filipino contract workers

There are also other individuals who are exempted from paying the travel tax:

- Foreign diplomatic representatives in the Philippines

- United Nations employees

- US military personnel

- Members of an international carrier crew

- Philippine foreign service personnel

- Philippine government employees who are traveling on official business

- Students on scholarships

- Personnel of multinational companies

Depending on your case, you will need:

1. Original documents required by your embassy or agency, which can include but are not limited to:

- Proof of permanent residency

- A copy of your original passport

- Certification of work

- Overseas employment certificate

- A marriage certificate

2. Travel to the nearest TIEZA Travel Tax Field Office in the Philippines, either in the airports or in the provincial field offices.

Show your original documents, as well as photocopies.

3. Pay a PHP 200 processing fee.

Wait for your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate to be released, and present this to the authorities at the airport.

Depending on your ticket, your travel tax will vary. See the table below:

You can pay your travel tax in advance in several malls. Check out these mall counters that accept travel tax payments:

Government Service Center

5th Floor, SM City Manila

10 AM to 6 PM

Government Service Center

Lower Ground Floor, The Annex, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City

10 AM to 6 PM

Government Service Express

Level 2, North Parking Building

East Side, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

10 AM to 6 PM

Lingkod Pinoy Center

Ground Floor, Robinsons Galleria

EDSA corner Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong City

10 AM to 6 PM

You can also pay your travel tax on the day of your flight in the airport counters. You need to show your ticket and passport.

Departure Lobby

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1

Pasay City

24/7

Departure Lobby

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2

Pasay City

24/7

Departure Lobby

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3

Pasay City

24/7

Departure Lobby

Laoag International Airport

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

8 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday)

10:40 AM to 8:40 PM (Saturday and Sunday)

Departure Lobby

Clark International Airport

Clarkfield, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

24/7

Departure Area

Puerto Princesa International Airport

Rizal Avenue, Barangay San Miguel

Puerto Princesa, Palawan City

6 AM to 7 PM

Departure Area

Legazpi Airport

Legazpi City, Albay

5 AM to 7 PM

Departure Area

New Bacolod-Silay Airport

Baranga Bagtic, Silay City, Negros Occidental

5 AM to 7 PM

Departure Area

Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport

San Jose, Tacloban City, Leyte

4:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Monday to Friday)

7 AM to 3 PM (Saturday and Sunday)

Departure Area II A

Iloilo International Airport

Cabatuan, Iloilo

7 AM to 11 PM

Domestic Departure Area

Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 1

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

24/7

International Departure Area

Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

24/7

Departure Area

Bohol-Panglao International Airport

Tawala, Panglao, Bohol

5 AM to 5 PM

Departure Area

Kalibo International Airport

Kalibo, Aklan

8 AM to 6 PM

Departure Area

Davao International Airport

Barangay Sasa, Buhangin, Davao City

3 AM to 7 PM

Departure Area

Zamboanga International Airport

Moret Field, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City

4 AM – 8 PM

Meanwhile, there are also provincial offices and other government offices where you can pay the travel tax:

Department of Tourism Building

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City

8 AM to 5 PM

2nd Floor, Lupac Building, Quezon Avenue

San Fernando City, La Union

8 AM to 5 PM

Cebu Travel Tax Field Office

Andres Soriano Ave., cor. PJ Burgos St.

Centro, Mandaue City

8 AM to 5 PM

Casa Real Building, Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol

Iloilo City

8 AM to 5 PM

Door 12, Tourism Complex, Ramon Magsaysay Park

Davao City

8 AM to 5 PM

You can also pay online. Here's how:

1. Visit the website of the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System.

2. Create an account if it’s your first time using the online portal. If not, log in.

3. Select your type of travel—either First Class or Business/Economy Class.

4. Enter your ticket number or booking reference number, mobile number, departure date, and country of destination.

5. A reference number will be sent to your email or mobile number. The reference number expires 24 hours after it is generated.

6. Using the reference number, pay via your credit card, debit card, the Bayad Center Mobile App, or Bayad Center Branches nationwide.

7. An email containing an acknowledgment receipt will be sent to you confirming you have successfully paid the travel tax.

8. Print two copies of the acknowledgment receipt and present these when checking-in at the airport.

As per Section 73 of the Republic Act No. 9593, the money earned from the travel tax is divided accordingly:

50% to TIEZA (or the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority)

40% to the Commission on Higher Education’s tourism-related educational programs and courses

10% to the National Commission for Culture and Arts

You qualify for a refund if you fall under one of the following conditions:

- You have an unused ticket

- You are exempted but you already paid

- Your ticket was downgraded from first-class to economy-class

- You paid twice

- You were offloaded from your flight

- Your flight was canceled

Depending on your case, prepare the following:

- Original passport, plus photocopies

- A filled-out TIEZA Refund Application Form 353

- Airline ticket showing travel tax collection

- Any supporting documents that prove your claim, especially if you fall under the previous travel tax exemptions

- The official receipt of your travel tax if you paid directly to TIEZA

- Proof that your ticket was not subject to tax

- Certification from an airline-authorized signatory

1. Do I have to pay travel tax in the Philippines?

Yes, you may need to pay the Philippine Travel Tax if you're departing the Philippines on an international flight. The exact amount depends on your flight class (economy, business, etc). Be sure to check with your airline or travel agent to confirm the specific tax amount that will apply to your ticket. In most cases, you'll be able to pay the travel tax directly at the airport before checking in for your flight.

2. Are foreigners exempted from Philippines travel tax?

Foreign tourists visiting the Philippines for less than one year are exempt from paying travel tax. However, you may encounter a terminal fee upon departure from some airports which is often already included in your airline ticket price, especially if departing from major airports like Manila. The Philippine travel tax applies to non-immigrant foreign passport holders who have resided in the Philippines for more than a year.

3. How much is the Philippines’ travel tax in 2024?

The Philippines' travel tax in 2024 varies depending on your departing flight class and eligibility for any exemptions. Full Travel Tax applies to passengers departing in business class or economy class who don't qualify for any reductions. Full Travel Tax is PHP 2,700 for business class and PHP 1,620 for economy class.

Passengers in economy class may be eligible for a reduced rate of PHP 810 and PHP 1,350 for first-class passenger. Dependent family members of registered Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) departing in economy class can enjoy the lowest travel tax rate of PHP 300 and PHP 400 for first class.

4. How much is the terminal fee in the Philippines?

While the travel tax applies to all departing passengers from the Philippines, the terminal fee is a separate charge collected by individual airports to cover maintenance and improvement costs. This fee varies depending on the airport you're departing from and the type of flight (domestic or international).

Domestic terminal fees typically range from PHP 50 to PHP 300, while international terminal fees can be higher, from PHP 650 to PHP 850. Be sure to check with your airline or the specific airport website for the most up-to-date information on terminal fees applicable to your departing flight.

5. How to refund travel tax in the Philippines?

Yes, you can get a travel tax refund under certain circumstances. You may need your passport, fill out the TIEZA Refund Form, attach the payment proof, and your flight ticket. Refunds can be claimed within two years from the date of payment.

6. Who needs to pay travel tax in the Philippines?

Yes, most travellers departing the Philippines will need to pay a travel tax. This levy is imposed by the Philippine government on all individuals leaving the country, regardless of where their air ticket was purchased or how they paid for it. This regulation is based on Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended

7. How do I know if I paid travel tax in the Philippines?

After successfully paying your travel tax online or at the airport counters, you'll receive an email containing an Acknowledgment Receipt (AR). This email serves as your official confirmation. For a smooth check-in process, be sure to print two copies of your Acknowledgment Receipt. Present both copies to the airline check-in counter before boarding your flight.

8. Is travel tax the same as terminal fee in the Philippines?

No, travel tax and terminal fee in the Philippines are two distinct charges on air passengers. Travel Tax is a government-imposed on individuals departing the Philippines by air. Meanwhile Terminal Fee is the maintenance and development of airport facilities.

In short, as a tourist staying less than a year in the Philippines, you won't be subject to travel tax. However, you might still need to pay the terminal fee depending on your departing airport

9. Is there a departure tax at Manila Airport?

While there isn't a separate departure tax for domestic flights leaving Manila Airport, international travellers need to settle the Philippine Travel Tax before their flight. This travel tax is a mandatory fee collected by the Philippine government from passengers departing the Philippines for international destinations.

10. How do I claim my Philippine travel tax back?

Claiming your Philippine Travel Tax refund can be done within two years from your date of departure. You may need your passport, fill out TIEZA refund application form, and proof of payment. In some cases, the travel tax might be included in your airline ticket price. If so, your airline ticket serves as proof of payment.

Now you know the basics of your travel tax. Make sure you keep them in mind when planning and booking your trip with Traveloka! Book your flight tickets to the Philippines, accommodation, and tourist attractions tickets just got easier.