A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Philippines Arrival Card

Ready for your Philippine adventure? Before you set off, you need to secure the Philippines Arrival Card. This mandatory document is vital for all travelers, ensuring a smooth entry into the country. 

It’s crucial to understand how to obtain this card, whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned traveler. In this article, Natvisa.com offers a concise step-by-step guide on how to secure your Philippines eArrival Card (aka Arrival Card). We attempt to simplify your travel preparations for an unforgettable journey. 

Before Your Application 

As you gear up to apply for the Philippines Arrival Card, a bit of preparation is essential. Start by gathering all required documents, ensuring their validity. 

Carry out some research to familiarize yourself with the application process. It’s also crucial to have a stable internet connection, as the application is done online. Be ready with your travel itinerary, which might be required during the application. 

Finally, have your debit or credit card at hand for processing fees. 

With these elements in place, you’re well-prepared to apply. This explanation on how to apply for a Philippines arrival card will ensure you a smooth application process. 

Step 1: Select Your Type of Passport 

As a passenger, whether you’re a foreigner or a Filipino traveler, you need to complete the Arrival Card registration.

The first step for you involves identifying your passport. 

Once you’ve accomplished that, you can select your type of travel. It’s crucial for you to specify whether you’re applying for the document to enter the Philippines or to leave the country. 

Next, you get to choose your mode of transportation. You can enter the Philippines either via sea or air. After you’ve done this, you are required to provide an email address. Please note that this will be the address that the Philippine authorities will use for communication. 

Declaration 

To apply for the electronic Arrival Card for the Philippines, you must confirm the accuracy of the information you provide. The information should be true, complete, and correct. 

Lying or leaving out information can be against the law, and you can be held responsible for it. 

By agreeing, you allow the Department of Information and Communications Technology to collect your data. The Departments of Health, Justice, Finance, and Tourism will use this data to process and provide arrival information.

You should also understand that your personal information is protected under R.A. 10173, the Data Privacy Act of 2012. 

Under Republic Act No. 11332, you are mandated to provide accurate information. Before proceeding with registration, make sure to read the full text of the Privacy Notice thoroughly. 

Step 2: Submit Your Personal Information 

As a traveler, it’s crucial for you to ensure that the information you provide matches your passport details exactly. This will help you avoid any unnecessary inspections during border formalities. Please take a moment to double-check the data you’ve entered to guarantee a smooth, hassle-free journey. Remember, any inconsistencies or inaccuracies could potentially cause delays. 

First Name: Your first name is the personal name given to you at birth or during infancy. It is the name that is typically used on a daily basis, and it comes before your surname or family name. 

Second Name: Your second name could mean one of two things, depending on the context. 

If you come from a culture where multiple names are common, your second name is the name that comes after your first name but before your surname or family name. 

In some cases, "second name" refers to your last name or family name. This name is typically shared by your immediate family members. 

Your last name is the part of your name that you get from your family and share with your close relatives. It is also known as your surname or family name. It usually follows your given name and identifies your family lineage. 

Suffix Name: In Western naming, a suffix follows your name and gives more info about you. 

This suffix can indicate generational designations, academic degrees, or professional titles. It is not a mandatory requirement. You can avoid giving the suffix name. 

Gender: You’re required to input your gender. 

Birth Date: The specific day, month, and year when you were born constitutes your birth date. Typically, we use it for identification purposes as it’s an important part of your personal information.

All travelers need to enter these details. Note that it must match the name on your passport. 

Citizenship: As an applicant for a Philippines Arrival Card, you’ll need to provide details regarding your citizenship. Your citizenship refers to the specific country where you hold legal rights and responsibilities, often due to birth or naturalization. 

Country of Birth: You’ll also need to provide information about your country of birth. This may be the same as or different from your country of citizenship. Your country of birth is simply the nation where you were born.  

Occupation: As an applicant, you’re required to share your occupation details. This refers to the job or profession you currently hold. Providing this information is essential as part of the application process. 

Step 3: Passport Information 

Passport Number: Your passport number is a unique identifier issued by your country’s government on your passport. It’s typically a combination of letters and numbers and is used to verify your identity during international travel. 

Step 4: Permanent Country of Address 

Your permanent country of residence is the country where you live on a long-term basis. As an applicant for the Philippines Arrival Card, you need to provide the address of your permanent residence. This address is typically where you spend most of your time and is considered your primary place of residence. You need to share your house number, street number, and name of the state etc. 

Step 5: Submit Travel Details 

As an applicant for the Philippines Arrival Card, you need to share your travel information, including the date of arrival. Following are the details that a foreign traveler applying for the document must share: 

• Date of Arrival 
• Country of Origin 
• Purpose of Travel 
• Name of the Airline 
• Special Flight 
• Flight Number 
• Seat Number: This is optional 

Purpose of Travel 

Note that based on the purpose of travel and duration of the stay, foreign travelers may need a visa. Citizens of a few eligible countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for a certain period. 

A Philippines Arrival Card is not a replacement for a visa or any other travel document that you need to get to enter legally into the country. 

As an applicant, you can choose your purpose of the trip from a drop-down list that includes the following: 

• Business/Professional 
• Convention/Conference 
• Education/Training/Studies 
• Government/Official Mission 
• Health/Medical Reason 
• Holiday/Pleasure/Vacation 
• Incentive 
• Others 
• Religion/Pilgrimage 
• Returning Resident 
• Visit Friends/Relatives 

The option Holiday/Pleasure/Vacation indicates the purpose of tourism. Citizens of eligible countries, including the US, UK, and South Korea, do not need a visa for tourism. However, you need to review your Arrival card after 30 days. Note that the document is valid only for that period. 

Airport of Arrival 

All travelers must mention their airport of entry. You can choose from the below airports. 

• Bacolod Airport 
• Bohol-Panglao International Airport (New Bohol Int’l.) 
• Cagayan North International Airport 
• Caticlan Airport (MPH) 
• Clark International Airport (CRK) 
• Davao International Airport (DVO) 
• General Santos Airport 
• Iloilo International Airport (ILO) 
• Kalibo International Airport (KLO) 
• Laoag International Airport (LAO) 
• Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) 
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport T1 - (MNL) 
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport T2 - (MNL) 
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport T3 - (MNL) 
• Port of Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao 
• Port of Davao, Mindanao (PHDVO) 
• Port of Zamboanga (PHZAM) 
• Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) 
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan 
• Subic Bay International Airport (SFS) 

Step 6: Destination Upon Arrival in the Philippines 

Your destination upon arrival in the Philippines refers to the specific place or city where you plan to go once you land in the country. This could be a hotel, a home, or another type of accommodation. You’ll need to provide this information during your application process. Following are the details that you need to submit: 

• Name and Address of the Resort/Hotel 
• Contact Number of the Resort. 
• The Arrival Card for Philippines online application form has a list of the approved hotels and resorts. 

Step 7: Health Declaration 

A health declaration is a statement you make about your current health status and any potential exposure to infectious diseases. As part of your travel documentation, you’re required to disclose this information honestly to help ensure public health and safety upon your arrival. In this case, you need to share the following details: 

Countries Visited in the Last 30 Days: You need to give information about the countries that you visited in the 30 days prior to your entry into the country. This is very important for international travelers visiting the Philippines as part of a tour package, including other countries. 

Have you been sick in the past 30 days? Anybody applying for a Philippines Arrival Card needs to declare if he/she had been sick in the last 30 before his/her entry to the country. 

Step 8: Submit

This is basically the preview page. The preview page of your Philippines Arrival Card Application form is where you can review all the information you’ve entered. It’s your chance to ensure the accuracy of your details before you submit the form. You should carefully verify that all information aligns with your official documents to avoid potential issues during your travel. 

After you verify all your information, you can click the Submit Button. 

Step 9: Download the QR code 

After you complete your application, you’ll receive a QR code. It’s important that you download this image and save it as a soft copy on your device. 

Upon arrival, immigration officials at your port of entry will scan this QR code to access your information. Please ensure that you have this ready to present. 

A QR code is a type of barcode that you can scan using a smartphone or QR reader to access specific information quickly. 

The Philippine government tells travelers to get the Philippines arrival card 72 hours prior they arrive in the country. Citizens of eligible countries can also apply for this e-Travel Registration at the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) at the airports. This Arrival Card is a replacement for the Philippines Health Pass. 

Natvisa’s Arrival Card Application Form Review 

Using the eArrival Card application website is a breeze. The process is clear and simple. If you’ve got your passport and travel details ready, you can fill out the form in just a few minutes. 

Before you start, it’s a good idea to have your trip planned and tickets booked. This is because you’ll need to input your arrival date, entry port, and other details. Remember to also have the contact information of your stay in the Philippines, like your hotel or resort. 

A strong internet connection is crucial. A slow connection could make the process longer and more frustrating. 

Lastly, double-check everything you enter. Making sure all your details are correct will help ensure a smooth experience when you arrive.

Conclusion 

Securing your Philippines Arrival Card is a vital step in preparing for your trip to the Philippines. Through this guide, we’ve walked you through the entire process, from gathering your initial documents to downloading your QR code.

This step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Philippines Arrival card ensures your smooth travel. This ensures that you are fully equipped with accurate and comprehensive information to make your travel preparations less daunting. 

By following these steps, you’re not only ensuring a smoother entry into the country but also paving the way for an unforgettable adventure. Now, you’re ready to embark on your Philippine journey with confidence and ease.