The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has advised passengers traveling during Holy Week to arrive at airports at least three hours before their scheduled flights and to ensure all required documents are ready to avoid delays.
Among the mandatory requirements for both outbound and inbound travelers is the eTravel clearance, which can be accomplished through the eTravel.gov.ph website or the eGovPH super app. Passengers are encouraged to complete this at least 72 hours before departure.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency is bracing for a surge in passenger traffic at major international gateways.
He stressed:
“Our officers are fully deployed to ensure smooth and efficient processing, but we strongly advise the public to arrive early and come prepared with complete documents.”
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport operator, New NAIA Infra Corporation, projects around 1.35 million passengers will pass through the airport between March 28 and April 5.
Foreign nationals who have stayed in the Philippines for more than six months are reminded to secure Emigration Clearance Certificates before leaving. Registered foreigners with ACR I-Cards should also obtain reentry permits in advance, either from BI offices or at the BI one-stop shop at NAIA.
Filipino government employees traveling abroad, even for personal trips, must present a travel authority from their agencies.
Meanwhile, minors traveling alone or without their parents are required to secure clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Viado emphasized that completing requirements ahead of time helps ease congestion at immigration counters and ensures smoother travel. He added that the bureau’s e-gates system is fully operational, significantly cutting processing time and improving efficiency.