Philippines Arrival Card Guide: How to Complete Your Declaration

I just got back from a wonderful trip to the Philippines — island hopping in El Nido, lechon in Cebu, and catching the sunset at Manila Bay 🌅. Everything went smoothly… except for one thing I nearly forgot: completing the Philippine Arrival Card online before my flight! 😅

If you're a fellow Malaysian planning your own getaway to the Philippines — whether it's your first beach trip or a return adventure — trust me, this simple step can save you from long lines and unnecessary stress at immigration. Best of all, it’s entirely online and completely free.

So before you start planning your Boracay itinerary or mapping out food spots in Davao 🏖️, here’s a quick walkthrough of the Philippine Arrival Card process — step by step — to make your arrival seamless and stress-free.

📄 What Is the Philippine Arrival Card?

The Philippine Arrival Card is an online immigration form that travelers must complete before entering the Philippines. It’s part of the country’s move toward a faster, paperless arrival process. ✨

No more scrambling to fill out paper forms on the plane or rushing to complete them at the airport — this digital form helps streamline your entry experience.

🔍 In simple terms, it’s:

• A digital replacement for the traditional arrival and customs forms
• Completed online before your flight ✈️
• Requires your passport details, travel information, and accommodation address
• Generates a QR code that you’ll present at immigration and customs upon arrival 🛃

🛃 Why Is It Important?

✅ Speeds up the immigration process
✅ Eliminates the need to fill out forms mid-flight ✍️
✅ Helps ensure a smoother arrival experience at the airport

🧾 Is This a Visa?

No, it’s not! Malaysians can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days 🙌

The Philippine Arrival Card is not a visa — it’s simply part of the immigration and customs clearance process. Think of it as a digital version of the paper forms you used to fill out on the plane. Completing it online helps you save time and breeze through airport procedures.

🛂 Who Needs to Fill It Out?

If you're a Malaysian passport holder visiting the Philippines for tourism, business, or to visit friends or family, you are required to complete the Philippine Arrival Card before your trip.

This applies if:

• You’re arriving by air
• You’re staying short-term (30 days or less)
• You don’t hold a Philippine residence visa or long-term pass

📝 How to Fill Out the Philippine Arrival Card (eTravel)

💻 Step-by-Step Guide (Mobile-Friendly)

🔗 Go to: https://etravel.gov.ph

✅ Step 1: Access the eTravel Website

Visit the official website and select “Arriving” to begin your registration.

✅ Step 2: Fill in Your Travel Details

Provide the following information:

• Country of departure (e.g., Malaysia 🇲🇾)
• Date and time of arrival
• Port of entry (e.g., NAIA, Cebu, Davao)
• Mode of transport (usually “Air”)
• Flight number

✅ Step 3: Enter Personal & Passport Information

Fill in your:

• Full name (as in your passport)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Passport number and expiry date

✅ Step 4: Provide Accommodation Information

Add details of your stay in the Philippines:

• Hotel name or full residential address 🏨
• Local contact number or your mobile number

💡 Tip: You can copy the hotel address directly from your booking to avoid typos.

✅ Step 5: Answer Health and Customs Questions

Complete the health declaration and customs section, including:

• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
• Occupation
• Items you are bringing into the country (for customs declaration)

✅ Step 6: Submit and Save Your QR Code

📱 Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code via email or on the confirmation page.

📸 Take a screenshot or save it to your phone — you’ll need to present it upon arrival at the airport for immigration and customs clearance.

💼 What You Need to Complete the Philippine Arrival Card

🧳 Required Information & Items

🔍 Tip: Fill out the form at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid last-minute issues.

🧳 Pro Tips for a Smooth Arrival in the Philippines

🔌 Bring a Type A/B plug adapter – The Philippines uses a different plug type from Malaysia, so be prepared.

📸 Screenshot your QR code – Don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi; have your code ready on your phone.

🏨 Have your hotel name and address ready – You’ll need it for the arrival card and immigration form.

📱 Use your mobile browser – The eTravel website is mobile-friendly and easy to use.

📅 Complete the form a few days before your flight – Don’t wait until the last minute.

📶 Get a Philippine eSIM or travel SIM – Stay connected as soon as you land for easier navigation and communication.

😍 Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Philippine Arrival Card — It Makes Everything Easier!

As a Malaysian traveller who just returned from an incredible trip to the Philippines 🇵🇭 — from crystal-clear beaches in Palawan to street food adventures in Manila 🍢 — I can genuinely say that filling out the Philippine Arrival Card through the eTravel portal made my arrival experience so much smoother. No scrambling to complete paper forms mid-flight ✈️, no confusion at immigration, and no unnecessary delays — just a quick scan of my QR code and I was through in minutes! 😎

The entire process took me less than 10 minutes to complete on my phone the night before my flight. Simple, convenient, and such a time-saver — especially after a long journey when all you want is to check in to your hotel 🏨 or start exploring the city.

So if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines — whether it’s for island hopping in Cebu 🏝️, food tripping in Davao 🍽️, or visiting loved ones in Manila 🏙️ — don’t forget this one essential step. It’s completely free, quick to do, and will make your arrival much less stressful.

✈️ Book your flight to the Philippines now on Trip.com
🏨 Discover great hotel deals in Manila, Cebu, and Boracay
📱 Stay connected with a Philippine eSIM or travel SIM

Pack smart, plan ahead, and most importantly — enjoy every moment of your adventure in the Philippines. ✨See you at the halo-halo stand! 🍧💼

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