Airlines told: Obey eTravel registration rules

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday urged airline companies to cooperate in the implementation of the one-stop electronic travel declaration system (eTravel) amid the holiday season and reminded them to assist their customers.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco reiterated that all arriving and departing passengers should register, as eTravel registration is required by immigration officers manning the bureau’s counters in the international airports and seaports.

“We have sent reminders to airline companies to remind passengers to register on the eTravel platform prior to arrival or departure from the country,” Tansingco said.

He added that airlines are set to procure eTravel kiosks to allow individuals who have no access to smartphones or the internet to register on the spot.

Tansingco said the eTravel registration — which can be done through the eGov PH App or through https://etravel.gov.ph — strengthens border control services, resulting in a seamless travel experience.

Under the rules, those who are required to register on eTravel are arriving Filipino and foreign crew members and passengers, as well as departing Filipino passengers.

Passengers exempted from registering are foreign diplomats and their dependents, foreign dignitaries and members of their delegation, holders of 9(e) diplomatic visas, and holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.

Launched several months ago, eTravel is a joint project of the BI, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Department of Tourism, and other government agencies and stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry.

The eTravel replaced the arrival and departure cards that international passengers were required to fill out the form by the BI prior to being cleared by immigration officers. It lessened paper-based requirements by harmonizing all data needs on one joint platform.

Source: Airlines told: Obey eTravel registration rules (msn.com)