When traveling abroad from the Philippines, one of the key steps you’ll need to take care of is the Philippine Travel Tax.
This tax is a fee that the government collects from passengers flying out of the country, with the funds being used to support various national programs, including tourism infrastructure, education, and cultural projects.
But here’s the good news—not everyone has to pay the full travel tax, and in some cases, you may even be exempted entirely.
If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) heading back to work, a Balikbayan visiting family after a long time abroad, or a child traveling with an OFW parent, you might qualify for exemptions or reduced rates.
These options can help you save money on your trip, making travel more affordable, especially if you’re already balancing multiple costs like airfare, accommodations, and other expenses.
Understanding whether you’re eligible for these exemptions or discounts will make sure you’re only paying what’s necessary—and that you’re prepared before you head to the airport.
What is the Philippine Travel Tax?
The Philippine Travel Tax is a government-imposed fee on individuals departing from the Philippines for international travel.
This tax is regulated by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and is required by law for most travelers.
The tax collected is distributed as follows:
- 50% goes to the TIEZA for the development of tourism infrastructure.
- 40% goes to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to support educational programs.
- 10% is allocated to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to promote and preserve Philippine culture.
While the travel tax is mandatory for most, some travelers are exempt or eligible for a reduced rate, which we’ll explain further in this guide.
How Much is the Philippine Travel Tax?
In most cases, the amount of travel tax you pay depends on the class of your ticket.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the standard rates:
- PHP 1,620 for economy class passengers.
- PHP 2,700 for first class passengers.
These fees are typically paid at the airport or included in your airfare, but the payment method can vary depending on how you book your flight.
Luckily, there are ways to get exemptions or reduced rates if you meet certain qualifications.
Reduced Travel Tax: Eligibility and Requirements
If you’re eligible for a reduced travel tax, you won’t have to pay the full amount.
There are two main categories for reduced travel tax: STANDARD Reduced Travel Tax and PRIVILEGED Reduced Travel Tax.
1. STANDARD Reduced Travel Tax
You can qualify for the STANDARD Reduced Travel Tax if you fall into one of these categories:
- Children aged 2 years and 1 day to 12 years old:
- You’ll need to present the original passport and flight booking confirmation.
- If the original passport isn’t available, a birth certificate and a photocopy of the identification page of the passport will be required.
- Accredited Filipino journalists on official assignment:
- Required documents include the original passport, flight booking confirmation, certification from the Office of the Press Secretary, and certification from your station manager or editor.
- Individuals authorized by the Office of the President:
- Present the original passport, flight booking confirmation, and a written authorization from the Office of the President.
2. PRIVILEGED Reduced Travel Tax
The PRIVILEGED Reduced Travel Tax applies to certain family members of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) traveling to the country where the OFW is based.
Eligible travelers include:
- Spouse of an OFW:
- Documents required: original passport, OEC – Overseas Employment Certificate, marriage contract, and flight booking confirmation.
- Children of an OFW (unmarried and below 21 years old):
- You will need the original passport, OEC, birth certificate, and flight booking confirmation.
- Children with disabilities of an OFW (regardless of age):
- Bring the original passport, OEC, birth certificate, PWD ID card, and flight booking confirmation.
By presenting the right documents, you can significantly reduce your travel tax, especially if you’re traveling with your family.
Travel Tax Exemption: Eligibility and Requirements
Some travelers are exempt from paying the Philippine Travel Tax altogether.
Here are some of the most common categories eligible for exemption:
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs):
- You’ll need to present the original passport, OEC (for those hired via POEA), and your airline ticket.
- Balikbayans (returning Filipinos who have been abroad for less than a year):
- Present the original passport, flight ticket, and proof of last arrival and departure from the Philippines.
- Filipino permanent residents abroad who are staying in the Philippines for less than a year:
- Present your original passport, proof of permanent residence abroad (e.g., Green Card, Form 1000), and airline ticket.
- Infants (2 years old and below):
- Bring the original passport or birth certificate to qualify for an exemption.
These exemptions can be processed online or at a TIEZA travel tax office.
How to Pay the Philippine Travel Tax
There are three main ways to pay the Philippine Travel Tax, depending on what’s most convenient for you:
A: Upon Booking Your Flight
Some airlines, like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia, allow you to include the travel tax when you book your flight.
This option can save you time, especially if you want to handle all payments in one go.
B: At the Airport Travel Tax Counter
If your flight booking doesn’t include the travel tax, you can pay it at the TIEZA travel tax counter at the airport.
Bring your passport and flight booking confirmation, and once you pay, you’ll receive a receipt that you need to show at the check-in counter to get your boarding pass.
C: Via the TIEZA Website
To avoid airport queues, you can also pay the travel tax online via the TIEZA website.
Payment methods include GCash, GrabPay, credit card, or bank transfer.
There is a PHP 50 processing fee for online payments, and some payment options may charge an additional 1.4% processing fee.
Travel Tax Refund
In certain situations, you can file for a refund of the travel tax.
Some acceptable reasons for a refund include:
- You didn’t travel because your flight was canceled or you decided not to fly.
- You paid the full travel tax but were eligible for a reduced rate or exemption.
- You were downgraded from first class to economy class and paid the first-class travel tax rate.
- You were charged the travel tax twice for the same booking.
To file for a refund, you’ll need to provide your original passport, TIEZA refund form no. 353, and the TIEZA travel tax receipt, among other supporting documents depending on your case.
Refunds must be claimed within two years of the payment date.
Video: 🔴WHO ARE THESE TRAVELERS EXEMPTED TO PAY THE PHILIPPINE TRAVEL TAX WHEN THEY DEPART THE PHILIPPINES?
The travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals leaving the country, regardless of where the air ticket is issued or paid for, as mandated by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended.
Certain Filipino citizens are exempt from this tax.
These include overseas Filipino workers, Filipino permanent residents abroad staying in the Philippines for less than a year, and infants aged two years and below.
For convenience, payments can also be made online through the designated portal.
Conclusion
The Philippine Travel Tax is a government-mandated fee that supports various national programs, but not everyone needs to pay the full amount.
By understanding whether you qualify for exemptions or reduced rates, you can save on travel costs, especially if you’re an OFW, a Balikbayan, or part of an OFW family.
With multiple payment options—including online payments via the TIEZA website—you can settle your travel tax in the most convenient way possible.
Being informed about the Philippine Travel Tax ascertains that you’re prepared for your trip, without any surprises at the airport, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey.