Onward ticket for the Philippines

Many nationalities can visit the Philippines without a visa. One of the conditions is a return ticket or a ticket on to your next destination, and the Philippines is one of the places where airlines enforce it most consistently.

If you are flying in one-way, expect the check-in agent to ask how you plan to leave.

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What the Philippines asks for

For visa-free entry, the Bureau of Immigration requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay and a return or onward ticket to your next destination. How long you can stay depends on your nationality; 30 days is common.

If you need a visa instead, the embassy will list its own documents, which usually include a flight itinerary. Check your nationality's rules on the Department of Foreign Affairs or Bureau of Immigration website.

Register on eTravel

Arriving travellers also register on eTravel, the Philippines' free online arrival form, within 72 hours before arrival. It asks for your travel details, so have your onward date ready.

Use the official eTravel site. Lookalike sites charge a fee for a registration that is free.

Date it inside your visa-free stay

The onward flight has to depart before your visa-free period ends. Extensions are possible at Bureau of Immigration offices, but they are granted inside the country, so the check-in agent goes by the period you're entering on.

Island-hopping within the Philippines doesn't count as leaving. The reservation has to leave the country, for example Manila or Cebu to Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur.

Time the hold for check-in

Airlines check the reservation when you check in for your flight to the Philippines, so it has to be active then. Holds last from a few hours to several days depending on the airline. Book close to departure and check the hold shown on each flight in the search results.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an onward ticket for the Philippines?+

Yes, for visa-free entry. The Bureau of Immigration requires a return or onward ticket to your next destination, and airlines check it at check-in.

Does a domestic flight within the Philippines count?+

No. The flight has to leave the Philippines. A domestic flight from Manila to Cebu doesn't show onward travel out of the country.

Is eTravel registration free?+

Yes. Register on the official eTravel site within 72 hours before arrival. Sites that charge for it are not the government service.

I want to stay longer than my visa-free period. What date do I use?+

A date within the visa-free period. You can apply for an extension once you're in the Philippines, then book your real departure.

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