“One less thing to worry (and carry) as you don’t need to bring a pen and fill up a paper departure card when you leave the country. Starting May 1, 2023, passengers will only need to answer an e-departure form via the online portal eTravel ([https://etravel.gov.ph](https://etravel.gov.ph)).  According to a statement from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the discontinuation of the use of paper-based departure cards is to “lessen the requirements of departing passengers.”  “The eTravel platform will soon be used for both arriving and departing passengers,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.  By answering online, you save a few precious minutes. However, you may only register within 72 hours (around three days) prior to your arrival or departure in the Philippines. An eTravel QR Code will be generated, which will be the one to be presented and scanned at the airport counters. A project of different government agencies (such as the DICT, DOT, DOJ, DOH, etc.) working hand-in-hand to digitalize government processes and forms, the online portal has a “save” mechanism that allows you to retrieve your previous details. Therefore, there’s no need to fill up your birthdate, passport number, etc. again and again when you have another international trip.    “This is a major step in streamlining documents presented by departing travelers, allowing for faster and more efficient immigration processing,” said Tansingco. The BI also reminds the public that accessing the eTravel website is absolutely free of charge. No bank details, credit card numbers, or online payment will be required from the website user.  Landing page of the eTravel portal. Starting May 1, this will be used for both departing and arriving passengers in the Philippines.
The paperless transaction is absolutely good news from the BI. Aside from being a faster process, imagine the resources (and money) saved from tons of paper used to print these departure cards, which may or may not be useful at all. This is definitely a win for the environment!  The digital details will also help the BI collect more accurate data, better screen passengers, and detect any anomalies or discrepancies faster. Digital tools will aid BI personnel as they implement their mandate and fulfill their role as they combat human trafficking, illegal recruitment, or unlawful border entries/ departures.  This new development also puts our country “at par” with other countries that do not require passengers to answer in any form of paper. All transactions at the airport are done on digital platforms, using apps or websites that have tabs for easy inputting of responses. It is also safer this way, as close contact is prevented, one of the lessons we learned from the pandemic. So, as part of your future travel, don’t forget to bookmark this website: ([https://etravel.gov.ph](https://etravel.gov.ph)). You save time, you help the planet, and you have a better travel experience.