Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our passengers and guests. If you can’t find the answer
to your query here, no need to worry. Feel free to contact us by phone or email and we’ll attend to you promptly.

I am concerned about missing my connecting flight. How do I ensure that I do not miss my
connecting flight?

Upon disembarkation, you will be met by your airline’s ground staff. Inform them immediately of your
connecting flight and you will be guided to the Transfer Desk for proper assistance.

Who will assist me if I left an item on my flight or at the airport?

For an item left on your flight, the airline representative at the airport will be on hand to assist you. For
an item left in the airport, inform any airport operations personnel on duty for assistance you or you may
call the Intelligence and Investigation Division, the office handling lost and found items at +63-2-877-
1109 local 3654.

Where can I find information about the Philippines upon arrival?

Brochures about the Philippines may be secured at the Tourist Information Counter and at the Concierge
Desks at the arrival lobby.  

Are there baby changing facilities at the airport?

Diaper changing tables outside the toilets.

How early should I arrive for check-in?

Departing passengers used to be advised to be at the airport two hours before the flight. Due to
additional security screening measures, however, it is best to be at the airport three hours before the
flight especially if the flight falls within the peak hours of the terminal.

Is there a pharmacy or medical clinic in the terminal? If so where can I find it?

All our terminals have medical clinics with well-trained medical staff. At NAIA Terminal 1, the clinic is
located on the left side past the Customs area as you exit to the Arrival lobby. In Terminal 2, it is at the
Rotunda, Arrival level. In Terminal 3, it is also located on the left side past the Customs area. In Terminal 4,
the clinic is at the pre-boarding area. There are concessionaires at the departure transit area and pre-
boarding areas selling common, non-prescription medicines.  

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Are there lockers or left luggage facilities at the terminals? How much do I have to pay and
how long?

Passengers may leave their luggage with a concessionaire, Luggage and More located at the arrival level
of NAIA Terminal 3.
http://www.protectabag.com.ph/luggage-more

How can I transfer from one terminal to the other or from the international terminal to the
domestic terminal and vice-versa?

We have airport shuttle buses that go around the airport complex at regular intervals. These buses are
deployed specifically to pick-up and drop off passengers in all the terminals. The shuttle ride is for
passengers with connecting flights are free of charge.

How do I claim for my lost luggage?

Checked-in luggages sometimes get misrouted and arrive at a later time. When this happens,
immediately proceed to the Interline Baggage Section to follow-up on your luggage. Be ready to present
your airline ticket and the copy of your baggage tag. The Interline Baggage Section at NAIA Terminals 1,
2-Northwing and 3 are located at the Baggage Claim Hall.

Do you have a smoking area in the terminal?

NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have concessionaires at the pre-boarding areas that have smoking rooms for
their clients. Other smoking areas are outside the building. 
At NAIA Terminal 4, the smoking is only outdoors, at the public area.

Are there hotels near the airport?

The nearest 5-star hotels are about 10 to 15 minutes drive from NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 4. There are
hotels right across NAIA Terminal 3. 
There are private lounges inside the NAIA Terminal. In NAIA Terminal 3, The Wings Transit Lounge have
facilities for sleeping. Please visit their website for details: http://jipang-group.com/thewings/

Is there an internet café at the airport or free Wi-Fi service?

There are no internet cafes in our terminals. Free Wi-Fi is available at the passenger movement areas. 

I will arrive in the evening at NAIA Terminal 1 and my connecting flight will depart at mid-
morning the following day. Is there a place inside the terminal where I can be comfortable,
catch some sleep and be able to freshen up while waiting for my flight?

NAIA Terminal 1 has a Day Room intended for transit passengers. It offers basic amenities including
shower rooms for a comfortable overnight stay. The Day Room is located near the Transfer Desk. Inform
the staff at the Transfer Desk for you to be endorsed to the Day Room.
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I am going on a 4-day trip. Can I park my car in the parking lot for the duration of my trip? Is it
safe? How much will it cost me?

You can park your car in our parking lot for the duration of your trip. Parking costs only P300.00 for a 24-
hour cycle plus P15.00 for every additional hour or a fraction of an hour. Click here to view the complete
parking rates.

I will arrive on Philippine Airlines from an international flight then catch a Philippine Airlines
domestic flight. How do I go from the international terminal to the domestic terminal?

You will arrive at NAIA Terminal 2’s Northwing. The terminal’s Northwing is used for international
operations while the Southwing is for domestic operations. You have to exit to the Arrival lobby of the
Northwing then walk past the Rotunda to the lobby of the Southwing. Take the stairs or the elevator to
go up to the Departure level of the Southwing.

What is the best advice to get me through security as smoothly as possible?

Pack all liquids into checked-in luggage. This will ensure a smooth journey through passenger security
screening areas. If it is necessary for you to have liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage, Click here to
view our policy in the carriage of liquids and gels.

Are there fees to be paid at the airport when departing?

The Domestic Passenger Service Charge (DPSC - better known as the Passenger Terminal Fee) of PhP 200.00 for
domestic travel has been incorporated in the airline tickets since August 1, 2012.

The International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC - better known as the Passenger Terminal Fee) of PhP 550.00 for
international travel was also incorporated in the airline tickets starting February 1, 2015.

The integration of passenger service charge into the price of airline tickets was implemented simultaneously by all
airlines. the entire process for the integration of the IPSC into the price of airline tickets will go through a transition
perod and is expected to be fully implemented when all tickets puchased/issued pror to February 1, 2015 shall have
been flown.

The integration will be by default for tickets purchased online or from ticketing offices and travel agents. Integration
will be upon booking or ticket purchase, whether purchased in the Philippines or abroad.

The scheme shall also recognize and honor all exemptions mandated by law.

However, a travel tax is required to be paid to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA).

For more information:

http://www.tieza.gov.ph/
 
 
What are the Travel Tax Rates?
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   First Class Passage Economy Class Passage

Full rate PHP 2700 PHP 1620

Standard reduced
PHP 1350 PHP 810
rate

Privileged
reduced rate for
dependents of
PHP 400 PHP 300
Overseas Filipino
Workers
(OFWs)

What is the maximum amount of money I can bring in to the Philippines?

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Public Advisory on BSP Regulations on Bringing of Legal Tender Local
and Foreign Currencies into or out of the Philippines

Local Currency
Any individual (either Philippine residents or non-residents) is allowed to bring into or take out of the
Philippines up to PHP50,000 without prior written authorization from the BSP.

In excess of this amount, prior BSP written authorization should be secured. The BSP allows cross-border
transfer of local currency in excess of the limit only for the following purposes:

1.    For testing/calibration of money counting/sorting machines; and

2.    For numismatics (collectors of currency)/educational purposes.

Foreign Currency
There is no quantitative restriction as to the amount of foreign currency as well as other foreign
currency-denominated bearer monetary instruments (such as travelers’ checks, other checks, drafts,
notes, money orders, bonds) that may be brought into or taken out of the country.

But if the amount exceeds US$10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currency, this must be declared in
writing (with information on the source and purpose of the transport of such currency or monetary
instrument) using the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) prescribed Foreign Currency and Other Foreign
Exchange-Denominated Bearer Monetary Instruments Declaration Form.  The BOC declaration form is
available at the BOC desk in the arrival/departure areas of all international airports and seaports in the
Philippines.  

-----------------------

Source: Section 4 of the BSP Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (FX Manual), as
amended. The FX Manual and its attachments may be downloaded from the BSP website using these
links:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/Regulations/MORFXT/MORFXT.pdf    and
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/Regulations/MORFXT/MORFXT-faas.zip. /
Reference: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/media.asp?id=4744&yr=2018

I will arrive with dutiable articles but will bring these items with me when I leave the
Philippines. What shall I do so that taxes and duties will not be imposed?

Upon arrival at the airport, you must inform the inspecting Customs Officer of your intention.  In this
case, you may be required to accomplish a re-exportation commitment form secured by a cash bond
deposit equal to the ascertained duty and tax on the article, refundable upon your departure with the
article, for which a corresponding Official Receipt will be issued. For more information on this matter,
please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

What is the number of cigarettes and liquor I can bring in to the Philippines without being
taxed?

The following are tax exempt:

Two (2) reams of cigarette or two (2) tins of tobacco

Two (2) bottles of liquor or wine not exceeding one (1) liter per bottle
For more information on this matter, please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

I have been living abroad for one-and-a-half years only. Am I already considered a balikbayan?

Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from
the date of last departure are already classified as balikbayans.

A Filipino overseas worker (OFW) or former FIlipino with foreign passport and members of his family (i.e.
spouse and children) who are traveling with him are also considered balikbayans.

For more information on this matter, please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

I will return to the Philippines as a balikbayan and I will bring with me a number of used items.
Are these tax exempt?

Balikbayan and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are entitled to a Ten Thousand (10,000,00) Peso duty
exemption on used personal and household effects. Any excess is subject to an ad valorem duty
(Executive Order 206).  In addition, OFWs are entitled to duty and tax-free privileges on used appliances
limited to one of every kind provided the total value does not exceed PHP10,000.00.  Any excess is
subject to duty and tax. The amount of duty to be paid shall be determined by the Customs Officer.
Please have all your receipts and / or supporting documents ready for presentation to the Customs
Officer.

For more information on this matter, please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

Do I have to declare all the articles I am bringing with?

Customs concerns:
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All passengers arriving in international airports of entry shall choose between the following types of
channels with regard to their accompanied baggage:

GREEN CHANNEL  – For passengers of international airlines with  NOTHING TO DECLARE  or having
with them no goods for purposes of import duties or taxes, or having with them only goods which can be
admitted free of import duties and taxes, and not having with them any good which are subject to import
prohibition, restriction or regulation – they  need not accomplish a Customs Declaration Form  for
purposed of clearing their accompanied baggage.

RED CHANNEL – For passengers of international airlines WITH GOODS TO DECLARE for purposes of

import duties/taxes, or having with then goods  above the exempted Customs  limits, or having with
them any goods or articles prohibited, controlled or regulated by several statutes – present a duly
accomplished Customs Declaration Form together with their Passport of the passenger before
commencing an examination or clearance of the accompanied baggage. (Source: Customs Administrative
Order No. 02-2014)

For more information, please contact:

(02) 705-6052, (02) 705-6067

For Your Customs Concern

E-mail:
Helpdesk2@customs.gov.ph
commissionerboc@gmail.com
Twitter:
@CustomsPH
 

For AMO Accreditation Concerns

Incoming calls only
0906-456-1086
0912-604-4099
 

Electronic-to-Mobile Customs (e2m)

705-6000 / 705-6095
help.desk@customs.gov.ph
 

Philippine National Single Window

705-6096 to 99
helpdesk@nsw.gov.ph
 

Customs Intelligence TIPLINE

0916-721-2498
boc_igeg@yahoo.com.ph
 

Office of the Commissioner

/
G/F, OCOM Bldg., Port Area, Manila
Telephone: (632) 527-4237
Fax: (632) 527-4537
Email: commisionerboc@gmail.com
 

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

BOC Bldg., NAIA, Pasay City
Telephone: (632) 877-1109 / 879-6003
Email: boc.naia@customs.gov.ph
 

Source: http://customs.gov.ph

Can I bring my pets to the Philippines?  What are the requirements?

A person planning to bring animal into the Philippines from abroad must apply in writing for an import
permit at the following address:

The Director
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Ave., Quezon City
Philippines
Attention: Animal Health Division
Tel. No. (+63 2) 928-1778, (+63 2) 928-2836, (+63 2) 927-0971, (+63 2) 926-6883 
Fax No. (+63 2) 926-6866, (+63 2) 928-2429, (+63 2) 928-2177 
E-mail address: webmail@bai.da.gov.ph, director@bai.da.gov.ph

A valid health and rabies certificate must be obtained from the agency concerned at the port of origin
shortly before shipment.  The certifcate will be required by hte Veterinary Quarantine Officer upon arrival
at the port of disembarkation.  Any pet without such a certificate will be detained by the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI) until cleared.

For countries declared to be rabies-free, the rabies vaccination is waived.  The appropriate authorities in
the country of origin can provide this information.

For pet fishes, in lieu of a health certificate, a prior import permit must be obtained from the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

All animals imported into the Philippines shall be subject to such quarantine and tests as may be
prescribed by the Director of Animal industry and those found to be infected with dangerous
communicable animal diseases shall immediately be condemned, killed and properly burned or buried in
the presence of a representative of the Bureau of Animal Industry at the expense of the importer.

Who must pay and who are exempted from the payment of travel tax?

What is Travel Tax?

/
The travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on the following individuals who are
leaving the country irrespective of the place where the air ticket is issued and the form or place of
payment, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended:

A. Citizens of the Philippines;

B. Permanent resident aliens whose immigration status maybe any of the following:

Sec. 13 Quota or Preference Immigrant Visa

Sec. 13 A Visa issued to an Alien Spouse of Philippine Citizen
Sec. 13 B Child born outside the Philippines by a 13A Mother
Sec. 13 C Child born in the Philippines by a 13A Mother
Sec. 13 D Loss of Citizenship by a Filipino Woman by her Marriage to an Alien
Sec. 13 E / RP# Returning Resident
Sec. 13 G NB Former Natural-born Citizen of the Philippines who was Naturalized by a Foreign
Country
TRV (LI #33) Temporary Residence Visa
RA 7919 Alien Social Integration Act of 1995
RC /RFC /IC Recognition as Filipino Citizen
RA 7837 Permanent Resident
EO 324 Illegal Aliens Who Entered the Philippines Before Jan. 1, 1984 and Continuously Resided in
an Unlawful Status
MCL-07-021 Granting Permanent Residence to Chinese and Korean nationals
MCL-08-003PD 730/PD 419 Granting Permanent Residence to Certain Alien Non-Immigrants

C. Non-resident aliens who have stayed in the Philippines for more than one (1) year.

Note: Non-immigrant aliens who have not stayed in the Philippines for more than a year are not covered
by the travel tax. However, TIEZA F356 need to be prepared by the ticketing officer for passengers with
the following immigration status except for FGO & their dependents (Sec. 9E) who have stayed for more
than a year, they have to secure Travel Tax Exemption Certificate.

9 Temporary Visitor coming for business or for pleasure or for reasons of health
9 B Transit Passenger
9 C Foreign Seamen
9 D Treaty Trader/Investor
9 E Foreign Government Officials (If more than 1 year secure TEC)
9 F Foreign Students
9 G Pre-Arranged Employee
47 A2 / PEZA Special Non-Immigrant Visa
47 B Refugees
APEC/ABTC APEC Business Travel Card
EO 408 Tourist/ non-visa required nationals admitted for 21 days
EO 226 Omnibus Investments Act of 1987
---SIRV Special Investors Resident Visa
EO 63 SIRV in Tourist-Related Projects and Tourist Establishments
EO 1037 Philippines Retirement Authority
---SRRV ---Special Retiree Resident Visa/ Indefinite
EO 191 Granting No-Visa Entry for initial stay of 7 Days for Chinese
/
 Nationals who are holders of Macao-Portuguese Passport
EO 758/SVEG Special Visa for Employment Generation effective March 9, 2009
LOI 911 Granting No-Visa Entry for initial stay of 7 Days for Chinese
Nationals for holders of HK-British-HK-SAR Passport
PD 1034 Executives of Multinational Companies
RA 6768 / BB 1yr Balikbayan
RA 7227 Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992
---SSIV ---Subic Special Investor Visa
---SSRV ---Subic Special Retiree's Visa
---SSWV ---Subic Special Working Visa
---SCWV ---Special Clark Working Visa
RA 7922/CEZA Cagayan Special Economic Zone
RA 9225 Dual Passport (if arrival is stamped in Philippine passport
w/ PP pax to secure TEC)
RA 9728/FWV/AFAB FAB Working Visa (Freeport Area of Bataan)
SSP Special Study Permit (Student Visa)
SWP Special Work Permit under Law Instruction 27
TVV Temporary Visitors Visa
TWP Temporary Work Permit 
US Military VFA-USA NS Pecos

As mandated by the law, the taxes are divided among the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprize Zone
Authority (TIEZA), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) for use in government projects and programs.

For more information:

Contacts:
 
Travel Tax Secretary
Address:
142 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Makati City
1229
Philippines
Email: traveltax@tieza.gov.ph
Phone: 551-9533
Fax: 463-9934
http://www.tieza.gov.ph/
 

 
 
TIEZA CENTRAL OFFICE

 
 
Florencio V. Abenes
Manager
/
Travel Tax Department
 
142 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village,
Makati City
(behind Makati Cinema Square)
Tel. No.: (02) 551-4517
 
 

Edna E. Mangalino
Manager
Privilege Administration Division
 
Travel Tax Department
142 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village
Makati City
Tel. No.: (02) 551-9533
 

What are the requirements for exemption from travel tax?

Filipino Overseas Contract Workers

Valid passport
Employment certificate
Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from POEA if hired through this agency.  The OEC serves
as the travel tax exemption certificate; workers do not need to go to PTA for exemption.
For those directly hired abroad, a certificate of work or employment issued by the employer and noted
by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate ot he Employment Contract authenticated by the Philippine
Embassy / Consulate.
 

Filipino Permanent Residents Abroad

Copies of ID pages of passport and stamp of last arrival in the Philippines

Proof of permanent residence in foreign country which may, among others, be the official document
issued by the foreign government concerned showing the grant of permanent resident status to the
Filipino citizen
For those between 18 to 60 years old and are employed, Philippine Income Tax Return (ITR) for the
previous year
    The ITR may either be
    - An Information Return (BIR Form 1701C or 1703) for those who do not derive income in the
Philippines
    - The appropriate ITR form prescribed by the BIR for those who derived income in the Philippines

Infants

Photocopy of passport /
 Certified true copy of birth certificate
 

Can I bring my pets to the Philippines? What are the requirements?

Please verify with your airline regarding their policy about bringing pets.

Requirements Prior to the Shipment of Pet Animals

A person planning to bring any animal into the Philippines from abroad must apply in writing for an
import permit at the following address:

The Director
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Ave., Quezon City
Philippines
Attention: Animal Health Division
Tel. No. (63 2) 966-883, (63 2) 980-971, (63 2) 926-6883, (63 2) 927-0971
Fax No. (63 2) 926-6866, (63 2) 928-2429, (63 2) 928-2836

A valid health and rabies certificate must be obtained from the agency concerned at the port of origin
shortly before shipment. The certificate will be required by the Veterinary Quarantine Officer upon arrival
at the port of disembarkation. Any pet without such a certificate will be detained by the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI) until cleared.

For countries declared to be rabies-free, the rabies vaccination is waived. The appropriate authorities in
the country of origin can provide this information.

For pet fishes, in lieu of a health certificate, a prior import permit must be obtained from the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

All animals imported into the Philippines shall be subject to such quarantine and tests as may be
prescribed by the Director of Animal industry and those found to be infected with dangerous
communicable animal diseases shall immediately be condemned, killed and properly burned or buried in
the presence of a representative of the Bureau of Animal Industry at the expense of the importer.

What are the quarantine and regulatory agency restrictions and conditions to the importation
of household plants?

Requirements Prior to Shipment of Household Plants

A Phytosanitary Certificate must be obtained from the government agency concerned at the port of
origin and presented to the Plant Quarantine Officer. Plants arriving in the country without this certificate
as well as those falling in the alert list may be detained.

For pertinent rules and regulations on shipment of household plants, write to

The Director
Bureau of Plant Industry
692 San Andres
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Malate, Manila
Tel. No. (63 2) 525-7857, 525-7909
Fax No. (63 2) 521-7650
For Inquiry e-mail address: buplant@yahoo.com or bpi.information@yahoo.com
Personnel Section e-mail address: bpi_personnel@yahoo.com.ph
Website: bpi.da.gov.ph