Good news for travel buffs who’ve been stuck at home for the longest time: the world is gradually reopening to welcome more tourists! In fact, the Philippines recently joined some of the most visited countries in Asia, such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, in reducing the number of COVID-19 travel requirements.[1] There’s no better time than now to set your revenge travel plans in motion!
If you're reading this guide, you’ve probably already started preparing a budget for your next flight. Airline tickets and accommodation aside, you should also expect to pay airport fees in the Philippines. Here’s a complete guide before you pack your bags for your next adventure.
Airport Fees in the Philippines Every Traveler Should Know
Traveling isn’t always cheap. While you can find seat sales online to soften the blow on your budget, you’ll still have to pay the following fees before you step into the airport.
Travel Tax
Yes, there is such a thing as a travel tax in the Philippines. This serves as a levy on individuals who are about to leave the country, regardless of purpose or destination.
Under Republic Act 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009,[2] proceeds from the travel tax go to the following government agencies:
- Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – 50% of the proceeds
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – 40% of the proceeds
- National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) – 10% of the proceeds
Read more: Fun in the Land of the Rising Sun: How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa in 2022
Full Travel Tax
Every taxable Filipino and foreign passport holder who is of legal age is required to pay the full amount of the travel tax. The rate depends on your airline ticket class.
Standard Reduced Travel Tax
If you’re traveling with family, you can save on travel tax by applying for reduced travel tax rates. The following individuals are qualified to apply:
- Minors (from two to 12 years old on the date of travel)
- Accredited Filipino journalist traveling to complete a journalistic assignment
- Individuals authorized by the President for reasons of national interest
Privileged Reduced Rate
You can further reduce your travel tax by applying for a privileged reduced travel tax. The following individuals are qualified to apply:
- Legitimate spouse of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)
- Unmarried children (below 21 years of age) of an OFW
- OFW children with disabilities
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Travel Tax Exemption
If you’re eligible for the exemption, you can skip your travel tax altogether, which means more savings for you. If you belong to any of the following categories, you are completely exempted from paying this airport fee:
- Filipino citizens who are permanent residents abroad
- Balikbayan visitors who have stayed in the Philippines for less than a year
- Overseas Filipino contract workers
- Foreign diplomatic representatives in the Philippines
- United Nations employees
- U.S. military personnel
- Members of an international carrier crew
- Philippine foreign service personnel
- Philippine government employees traveling on official business
- Students on scholarships
- Personnel of multinational companies
How Much is Travel Tax in the Philippines
How to Pay Travel Tax in the Philippines
Note that you can pay your travel tax at the airport on the day of your flight. However, to save time, you can process your payment online.
Just follow the steps below:
- Create an account on the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System website.[3]
- Select your type of travel class, whether first class or economy class.
- Enter your ticket or booking number, flight details, and contact information.
- Wait for a reference number to be sent to your email or mobile number. This number will expire after 24 hours, so process your application within the day.
- Pay for your reduced travel tax via credit/debit card or the Bayad Center app.
- Once payment has been made, expect an acknowledgment email confirming your travel tax payment.
- Print two copies of the receipt. Present them when checking in at the airport.
How to Apply for Reduced Travel Tax
To save on additional airport fees in the Philippines, don’t hesitate to apply for reduced travel tax rates if you’re qualified. To begin, prepare the following requirements:
Reduced Travel Tax Requirements for Minors
- Original passport
- In case the original passport can’t be presented: original birth certificate and photocopy of the identification page of passport
- Airline ticket, if already issued
Reduced Travel Tax Requirements for Journalists
- Original passport
- Certification from the Office of the Press Secretary
- Certification from the traveler’s editor or station manager that said traveler is an accredited journalist
- Airline ticket, if already issued
Reduced Travel Tax Requirements for Individuals Authorized by the President
- Original passport
- Written authorization from the Office of the President expressly entitling the traveler to the reduced travel tax
- Airline ticket, if already issued
Reduced Travel Tax Requirements for Spouses of OFWs
- Original passport
- Original Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Certified True Copy of Balik-Manggagawa Form
- Original or authenticated marriage contract
- Certification from the manning agency that the seaman’s dependent is joining the seaman’s vessel
- Airline ticket, if already issued
Reduced Travel Tax Requirements for Unmarried Children of OFWs
- Original passport
- Original Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Certified True Copy of Balik-Manggagawa Form
- Original or authenticated birth certificate
- Certification from the manning agency that the seaman’s dependent is joining the seaman’s vessel
- Airline ticket, if already issued
Reduced Travel Tax Requirements for PWD Children of OFWs
- Original passport
- Original PWD ID card issued by offices established by the National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA)
- Original Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Certified True Copy of Balik-Manggagawa Form
- Original or authenticated birth certificate
- Certification from the manning agency that the seaman’s dependent is joining the seaman’s vessel
- Airline ticket, if already issued
How to Apply for Travel Tax Exemption
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- Prepare the following documents:
- Proof of permanent residency
- Copy of original passport
- Certification of work
- Overseas employment certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Submit your requirements to the nearest TIEZA office. Don’t forget to present photocopies of your documents.
- Pay a processing fee of ₱200, and wait for your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate to be released.
- Present your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate when checking in at the airport.
Airport Terminal Fee
Aside from the travel tax, you will also have to pay an airport terminal fee, also known as the “passenger service charge” or “airport tax.” Unlike travel tax, the airport tax in the Philippines applies to both international and domestic flights. The amount varies from airport to airport, ranging from ₱50 to ₱300 for domestic and ₱650 to ₱850 for international flights.
Also, unlike travel tax, you don’t have to pay your airport tax separately because airlines typically include the airline terminal fee in the cost of airline tickets.[4] Still, some airports may require payments at their respective terminals. Your airport tax will be labeled DPSC, IPSC, or PH Passenger Service Charge on your receipt.
Airport Terminal Fees 2022 – Luzon Airports
Airport Terminal Fees 2022 – Visayas Airports
Airport Terminal Fees 2022 – Mindanao Airports
Luckily, you can also get exempted from paying your airport terminal fee. Here’s a list of individuals who can travel anywhere without having to worry about airport fees in the Philippines:
- Infants two years old and below on the date of travel
- Passengers connecting via Philippine airports, except for Manila, Cebu, Caticlan (Boracay)
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
- Muslim pilgrims endorsed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
- Athletes endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)
- Others authorized for exemption by the President
- Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines students (only for CAAP-operated commercial airports)
If you’re an OFW or a Muslim pilgrim, you can request an airport terminal fee refund at the airport after clearing immigration. Just present the required documents outlined below.
Airport Terminal Fee Refund Requirements for OFWs
- Airport copy of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
- Any of the following, which shows payment of the terminal fee:
- Boarding pass
- E-ticket
- Itinerary receipt with official receipt (OR) or invoice
Airport Terminal Fee Refund Requirements for Muslim Pilgrims
- Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Exemption Certificate
- Any of the following, which shows payment of the terminal fee:
- Boarding pass
- E-ticket
- Itinerary receipt with official receipt (OR) or invoice
FAQs on Airport Fees in the Philippines
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1. Do I still need to get a COVID-19 test if I’m going to travel outside the country?
No, travelers going to and from the country are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test anymore. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has lifted all mandatory travel insurance requirements in a bid to improve tourism in the Philippines.[5] However, you still need to present your vaccination card.
2. Is travel insurance still mandatory for outbound travel?
No, the IATF-EID has also lifted the travel insurance mandate for all travelers, which means extra savings for your next travel plans.
3. Can I pay my travel tax days before my trip?
Yes! You can pay online via the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System, or you can pay at your nearest TIEZA Travel Tax Office, Bayad Center branch, or any mall payment center that accepts travel tax payments.
4. I already paid my travel tax, but I’m eligible for a reduced travel tax rate. Can I still apply?
Yes, but you will have to apply for a travel tax refund onsite at any TIEZA Travel Tax Office or at the airport on the day of your flight. You can’t apply for a refund online.
5. How much is the terminal fee at NAIA?
The NAIA terminal fee as of 2022 costs ₱300 for domestic flights and ₱750 for international flights. You don’t need to pay at the airport because these costs are already included in your airline ticket.
Read more:
- Travelers: Watch Out for These 6 Airport Scams
- Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipino Tourists
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about airport fees in the Philippines, you won’t get shocked when booking airline tickets and finding out that the total price has suddenly spiked up.
As you now know, the government uses these additional fees to fund projects that promote tourism and keep the lights on in local airports. Don’t forget to factor in all these fees when preparing to visit top holiday destinations both in and out of the country.
Sources:
- [1] Asia Pacific Countries Join Global Trend in Reducing COVID Entry Requirements (Mondaq, 2022)
- [2] Travel Tax (TIEZA website)
- [3] TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System (TIEZA website)
- [4] Philippines Implements Integration of Airport Terminal Fee into the Cost of Airline Tickets (DFA website)
- [5] Philippines Ends Mandatory Travel Insurance, Eases COVID Testing Requirements (International Travel and Health Insurance Journal, 2022)
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