Philippines to do away with paper-based departure cards starting May 1

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it would discontinue the use of paper-based departure cards starting May 1.

In a statement on Friday, March 31, the BI said the eTravel system, which consolidates all data collection processes at the ports, would be expanded “to lessen the requirements of departing passengers.”

“The eTravel platform will soon be used for both arriving and departing passengers,” Tansingco said.

“Travelers no longer have to fill out departure cards and instead may log in to the online portal prior to their flight,” he added.

According to eTravel technical working group chairperson Dennis Javier, beginning April 15, departing passengers may log in to the platform not later than 72 hours to not later than three hours from the scheduled time of their flight.

The eTravel website may be accessed at etravel.gov.ph.