Field guides14 guides
Guides for getting through NAIA
Every Better NAIA field guide in one place: the paperwork, fees, and transport that catch travellers out at Manila's airport, and how to get past them. Pick a topic below.
Before you fly6
- eTravel declarationWho needs the QR code, when to submit it, and how to avoid the lookalike sites that try to charge you.
- Philippine Travel TaxCurrent rates, exemptions, where to pay online or at the airport, and how to claim a refund.
- BIMP-EAGA travel tax exemptionHow Mindanao and Palawan residents flying select BIMP-EAGA routes qualify for a reduced travel tax, and the papers to bring.
- Avoid getting offloadedWhy immigration defers departures, who gets questioned, the documents to prepare for every traveller type, and sample answers for the interview.
- Carry-on and checked baggage rulesWhat you can bring through NAIA security: liquids, vapes, lighters, power banks, and a quick reference table for the rest.
- Air Passenger Bill of RightsWhat you can ask for when your flight is delayed, cancelled, overbooked, or downgraded, plus who to contact at NAIA when it isn't honoured.
Transport3
- Getting to and from NAIAGrab, UBE Express airport buses, yellow taxis, the LRT/MRT workaround, and the NAIA–Clark shuttle.
- Moving between NAIA terminalsThe free inter-terminal shuttle, the UBE Express NAIA Loop, and PAL's transfer buses, plus which one to take and when.
- NAIA ParkingLive slot availability across every terminal, current rates, and which lot to pick before you drive over.
At the airport5
- Connecting flights at NAIAMinimum connection times, the same-terminal vs. terminal-transfer rules, baggage and immigration steps, and how much buffer to allow.
- Immigration e-gatesWho can skip the manned counter: arrivals, OFWs, and pre-screened Filipino passport holders, plus what to do if the gate turns red.
- Dining options at the airportEvery restaurant and café by terminal: what is open to everyone before security, and what waits past the gates.
- Smoking and vaping at NAIAWhere the designated smoking areas are at each terminal, and which lounges allow vaping airside.
- Luggage storage at NAIAWhere to stash your bags during a long layover or a side trip: terminal-by-terminal options, rates, and contacts.