Philippine Travel Tax
Philippine Travel Tax is a government fee collected from certain passengers leaving the Philippines on international flights. It is separate from the eTravel declaration, though most travellers end up dealing with both.
You can pay travel tax online through TIEZA's Online Travel Tax Services System. You don't need an account to pay online.
Check your airline booking or receipt before paying. Some airlines include or collect Philippine Travel Tax during booking, so paying again through TIEZA can double the charge.
Paying at the airport
You can pay Philippine Travel Tax at the airport too. TIEZA counters sit near the check-in area.
Paying by credit card adds a surcharge on top of the travel tax amount.
Who needs to pay?
Philippine Travel Tax applies to Filipino citizens, certain foreigners living in the Philippines as permanent residents, and foreign visitors who have stayed more than one year and are leaving the country.
Some travellers qualify for an exemption or a reduced rate. Eligibility depends on your status and supporting documents, so check the official TIEZA guidance before paying if you think you may be exempt or eligible for a lower rate.
Travel tax rates
| Travel tax type | First class | Economy class |
|---|---|---|
| Full Travel Tax | ₱2,700 | ₱1,620 |
| Standard Reduced Travel Tax | ₱1,350 | ₱810 |
| Privileged Reduced Travel Tax (dependent of an OFW) | ₱400 | ₱300 |
Who may be exempt?
Some travellers are exempt from paying Philippine Travel Tax, including OFWs, eligible Filipino permanent residents abroad, and infants two years old and below. Other exemptions may apply depending on the traveller's circumstances.
Rules vary by category, so check the official TIEZA exemption list and requirements before your flight.
One exemption catches a lot of travellers by surprise: fly out of Mindanao or Palawan to Brunei, Indonesia, or Malaysia, and you skip travel tax entirely, no residency required. See the BIMP-EAGA travel tax exemption guide for who qualifies and how to apply.
OFW travel tax exemption
OFWs are exempt from travel tax when flying to their country of employment, even on a connecting flight. The exemption depends on purpose, not routing.
The exemption is automatic once your OFW status is on record, so there is nothing to file and nothing to pay. Your exit clearance is what carries it: see OEC and OFW Pass.
The airport terminal fee works the other way round. It is charged inside your ticket, so you pay it up front and claim it back afterwards.
OFWs flying as tourists don't qualify, even with valid OFW status.
Dependents of an OFW don't get a full exemption, but qualify for the Privileged Reduced Travel Tax rate in the table above.
Tips before paying
- Check your airline receipt to see if it already charged travel tax.
- Match your name, passport number, flight details, and departure date to your booking and travel documents.
- Save a copy or screenshot of your payment confirmation and receipt after paying.
- If you are exempt or eligible for a reduced rate, confirm the requirements with TIEZA before paying the full amount.
- If you paid twice by mistake or paid while exempt, request a refund from TIEZA.
Travel tax refund
You can request a refund from TIEZA if you paid twice by mistake, paid while exempt, got offloaded, or your flight got cancelled.
Paying at the airport on the day of your flight qualifies you for a same-day refund.
Before you head to the airport
Travel tax is only one of the things to settle before an international flight. Make sure you have completed your eTravel declaration, and plan how you'll get to NAIA so you arrive with time to spare.
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