Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco sees that the country’s eTravel platform would allow faster and easier processing for arriving passengers.
The system, which was launched on December 5, is an initiative of a sub-technical working group of the IATF, chaired by the BI.
Partner agencies are the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“The system will consolidate all data collection processes at the ports,” said Tansingco. “Instead of having to fill out several forms for different agencies, all will be consolidated into one platform to streamline entry procedures,” he added.
The use of the eTravel platform will replace the arrival cards, which were previously submitted upon arrival to the BI. Effective December 5, the BI will no longer require the submission of the paper-based arrival cards for arriving passengers.
Information from the platform will also replace the BOQ’s One Health Pass, and the BOC’s arrival form. Registration on the eTravel is free.
eTravel platform allows faster arrival process – BI
Tansingco sees that the project is a major achievement to ensure interoperable systems among government agencies.
“We are happy and proud to be part of this achievement. This is a product of working together with different government agencies, with the aim of improving our services for the public,” said Tansingco.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in the Philippine announced the CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.
All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding. This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or immigrants.
The CDC will consider exceptions to COVID-19-related vaccination requirements on an extremely limited basis. See our website for more information on how to apply for an exception through the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
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