Philippine Airlines: Travel Documents Required

When travelling with Philippine Airlines, it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure they have all the necessary travel documents, including visas, permits, IDs, and other related documents. The specific requirements depend on the destination and the nationality of the traveller. For example, citizens of Taiwan need to complete an online form and have a valid passport to obtain an eTA for the Philippines. It is important to note that a travel document is different from a passport and is only valid for one-way, direct travel to the Philippines. It is issued to Filipino citizens who need to urgently return home but cannot fully comply with the requirements for a regular passport due to emergencies.

Domestic travel documents

For domestic travel, Philippine Airlines requires passengers to present a valid ID upon check-in and at the boarding gate. Invalid, expired, or damaged IDs will not be accepted, and passengers may be required to present more than one form of identification. The name on the ticket must match the name on the ID or government-issued document exactly.

The following identification documents are accepted for domestic travel:

• Passport (Philippine & Foreign Issued)
• Driver's license
• Phil. Regulations Commission ID
• Philippine National ID
• SSS ID
• GSIS e-card
• Voter's ID
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
• Seaman's book
• Government office ID
• Alien Certification of Registration (I-Card)
• Company ID (Regulated by BSP, SEC or IC)
• Government-owned or controlled corporation ID
• Unified Multi-purpose ID
• School ID (Signed by Principal)
• Senior Citizen Card
• Postal ID
• TIN card
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance
• Philhealth ID
• OWWA ID
• OFW ID
• National Council of Disability Affairs ID
• DSWD Certification
• Barangay Certification
• NSO Birth Certificate (for children below 12 years old for Philippine domestic travel, accompanied by their parents/parent or an authorized guardian)

In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) has imposed a "no vaccination, no fly" policy for domestic flights to and from the National Capital Region (NCR), including travellers who reside outside NCR but work inside the region. This requirement will remain in place while the Metro Manila area is under Alert Level 3 or higher.

Fully vaccinated travellers must present physical or digital copies of a vaccine card issued by their local government unit (LGU), or a vaccine certification issued by the Department of Health (DOH), or any document prescribed by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease); as well as a valid government-issued identification card (ID) with their picture and address.

Unvaccinated individuals, including minors, may be accepted if they present:

• A duly signed medical certificate with the doctor's name and contact details, stating that their medical condition prevents full COVID-19 vaccination; or
• Appropriate proof (e.g. barangay health pass) that their travel is to procure essential goods and services (e.g. medicine, medical devices, medical and dental necessities, public utilities, etc.).

Children 11 years old and below can be accepted on PAL domestic flights without the need for a medical certificate, but they should still present proof of essential travel and must follow the LGU requirements for their destination.

International travel documents

International travel requirements vary depending on the destination country and the traveller's nationality. It is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure they have the correct documentation for their journey. Here is some information regarding international travel documents for Philippine Airlines:

Philippine Airlines requires passengers to present a valid ID upon check-in and at the boarding gate. Invalid, expired, or damaged IDs will not be accepted, and passengers may be required to present multiple forms of identification. For international travel, passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.

In addition to a valid passport, some countries may require a visa or travel permit. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination country. For example, citizens of Taiwan need to obtain an electronic visa waiver (eTA) to enter the Philippines, while citizens of certain other countries can enter visa-free for short-term stays.

All travellers must also meet the entry requirements of their destination country, which may include proof of financial means, return or onward tickets, and hotel or accommodation reservations. It is important to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and requirements, as they can change frequently.

For travel to the Philippines, all travellers need to complete the eTravel One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System. Additionally, a valid passport or equivalent travel document is required, which must be valid for at least six months after leaving the Philippines. Other requirements include proof of financial means, a completed visa application form, passport-style photos, and proof of travel purpose.

In the case of emergencies, such as serious illnesses or bereavement, Filipino citizens who need to urgently return home but cannot fully comply with regular passport requirements may apply for a travel document. This allows for one-way, direct travel to the Philippines but cannot be used for other destinations. The application process for this includes submitting a Travel Document Application Form, an Affidavit for Travel Document, proof of urgency, a copy of the airline ticket or itinerary, and a processing fee.

Visa requirements

Philippine Airlines does not specify the visa requirements for entering the Philippines. However, the Philippine Consulate General outlines the requirements for obtaining a visa to enter the Philippines.

The requirements for a visa vary depending on the traveller's nationality and the intended length of stay. Some nationalities can enter the Philippines without a visa for short-term stays, typically up to 30 days, as long as they do not engage in paid work. Travellers from certain countries can obtain a travel permit online, while others must apply for a traditional visa through an embassy or travel agency.

All travellers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months after leaving the Philippines. Additionally, travellers may need to provide:

• A completed visa application form
• Passport-style photos
• Proof of the purpose of travel (tourism or business)
• Return or onward tickets as proof of intention to leave
• Method of payment for visa fees
• Proof of financial means, such as cash, debit or credit cards

It is important to note that visa requirements and conditions must be adhered to not only when applying but also during the entire stay in the Philippines.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (PBI) may consider the participation of foreigners in demonstrations or political rallies as a violation of the terms of admission, which may result in deportation. Additionally, certain foreigners must apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the PBI before departing the Philippines.

Travel advisories

Philippine Airlines requires passengers to present a valid ID upon check-in and at the boarding gate. Expired or damaged IDs will not be accepted, and passengers may be required to present multiple forms of identification. For international travel, passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. For domestic travel, the following identification documents are accepted:

• Passport (Philippine & Foreign Issued)
• Driver's license
• Phil. Regulations Commission ID
• Philippine National ID
• SSS ID
• GSIS e-card
• Voter's ID
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
• Seaman's book
• Government office ID
• Alien Certification of Registration (I-Card)
• Company ID (Regulated by BSP, SEC or IC)
• Government-owned or controlled corporation ID
• Unified Multi-purpose ID
• School ID (Signed by Principal)
• Senior Citizen Card
• Postal ID
• TIN card
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance
• Philhealth ID
• OWWA ID
• OFW ID
• National Council of Disability Affairs ID
• DSWD Certification
• Barangay Certification
• NSO Birth Certificate (for children below 12 years old for Philippine domestic travel, accompanied by their parents/guardian)

In addition to the above, passengers are required to comply with the travel requirements of their destination, including visas, permits, and other related documents. It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain, hold, and present all necessary travel documents from booking to arrival. It is recommended to check with relevant offices and embassies to stay updated on the required travel documents.

For domestic flights, the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) has imposed a "No vaccination, no fly" policy for travel to and from the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 3 or higher. Travelers must present proof of vaccination or a duly signed medical certificate stating their inability to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Unvaccinated individuals may also be accepted if they can provide proof of essential travel. This directive does not apply to other domestic flights outside of Manila.

When travelling to the Philippines, foreign citizens must meet the country's visa requirements, which vary depending on the traveller's nationality, reason for visit, and length of stay. Some nationalities can enter visa-free for short-term stays, while others need a travel permit or a traditional visa. All foreigners must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after their expected stay, a round-trip flight itinerary, hotel or accommodation reservations, and proof of financial means (cash, debit, or credit card).

Travel insurance

Philippine Airlines (PAL) offers its passengers travel insurance with Covid coverage. This insurance is available for passengers departing from the Philippines and travelling within the Philippines, and is underwritten by PAL's program partner, Alliedbankers Insurance Corporation. The Covid Max Protect travel insurance includes a comprehensive medical expense benefit of Php1.2 million for domestic travel and up to USD125,000 for international travel. The policyholder must be a minimum of one month old and no older than 75 years old to be eligible for coverage.

Each insurance package covers the following:

• Medical expenses incurred during Covid
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Travel cancellation in case you or a family member is infected with Covid within 30 days prior to flight departure
• Trip curtailment in case you are hospitalized due to Covid

PAL recommends that interested customers visit their website to avail of the PAL Travel Insurance with Covid coverage.

Note that most policies require you to settle your bills first, which the insurance company will reimburse you for after your claim has been processed and approved. After your policy expires, your other travels will not be covered anymore unless you purchase a new plan.

Frequently asked questions