The E- visa bloody catastrophe, Again.

[JJReyes]

Love the facial recognition technology already in use at some ports like San Pedro.  They just scan your face; a green light indicates you have completed both immigration and customs.  It takes only a few seconds.  There were no lines.  On our last cruise return, more than 2,500 passengers were quickly processed.  Similarly, during all the foreign ports o' call, dockside security just scanned a medallion issued by the cruise line.  Your photo appears on the screen for a match.  This, in my opinion, is the future.  No more passports.  No more visas.  Of course, as Mike said, getting all these countries to agree would be "like trying to herd cats."

[GeoffH]

10 hours ago, JJReyes said:

No more passports.  No more visas.  Of course, as Mike said, getting all these countries to agree would be "like trying to herd cats."

Some countries already use Facial recognition, Australia and Singapore for two examples.

But there is still a passport document because we need one for countries where we can't use facial recognition.

However newer passports are e-passports which makes things quicker, if not as quick as facial recognition does.

There's also the security issue, it puts more of our information on a server somewhere and at risk of being compromised, which seems to be happening more and more often as the hackers get more and better hacking tools.

 

[Jollygoodfellow]

On 5/16/2024 at 7:56 AM, RBM said:

We are planning Thailand trip for next month, your making me nervous about this e pass thing as no idea what it is. Does my partner (Filipina) also need it? Sounds like a nightmare. Would you have a link for it, maybe easier to through a travel agent have them do it all.

Just to clarify, the topic title is not correct as it's not a visa, it's an Entry requirement that replaces the card you used to fill out on the flight before arriving. Here is the link,  https://etravel.gov.ph/

What is the eTravel System?

The eTravel System is a digital single data collection platform for passengers arriving in and departing from the Philippines, which shall be utilized for border control, health surveillance, and economic data analysis.

What is the official website of the eTravel System?

The https://etravel.gov.ph is the only official website of eTravel.

Who are required to register or update in the eTravel?

The following shall be required to register/update in the eTravel System, except foreign diplomats, and their dependents, foreign dignitaries, and members of their delegation, 9(e) visa holders, and holders of diplomatic and official/service passport:

Arriving Filipino and foreign crewmembers;
Arriving Filipino and foreign passengers; and
Departing Filipino passengers.

Do I need to pay to update or register with the eTravel?

No. eTravel regisration/update is absolutely free of charge, hence, it does not collect or require any form of online payment. Beware of fake, fraudulent, or scam websites/entities which require payment upon registration/updating. Please report all those who claim otherwise to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) through this link: https://cicc.gov.ph/report/

Do I need to download an application to use the eTravel?

No. eTravel is a web-based online platform that is mobile-responsive. You can open the eTravel through either a mobile or a computer internet browser using smartphones, tablets, laptops, or personal computers.

Do I need an internet connection to use the eTravel?

Yes. eTravel is an online platform and therefore can only be used when you have an internet access. It is highly recommended to use eTravel with a good and stable internet connection.

Can I register in eTravel few days before flight (before I travel)?

Yes. You may register within 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival into or departure from the Philippines. Travelers are enjoined to present their proof of eTravel registration prior to boarding their flight.

Is the information required in eTravel also relevant in Health Declaration Card/Checklist?

Yes, so you can be categorized and easily assisted/guided by health border authorities, when necessary.

What is eHDC?

It stands for “Electronic Health Declaration Card”, and is an essential part of the health surveillance of the Philippines to implement the mandate of Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) in ensuring security against the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, emerging diseases, and public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC).

What do I need to do after I register in the eTravel?

Take a screenshot or download your QR code before closing or exiting the eTravel website or application. You will be required to show said QR code to an airline representative prior to boarding your flight.

What happens if I have a QR code issued upon successful registation with eTravel?

Data submitted in the eTravel is reviewed and verified by BOQ, hence, if you receive a green QR code, you may directly proceed with immigration inspection upon arrival. However, if you receive a red QR code, you will be required to undergo further inspection by BOQ before immigration formalities.

What is the difference between green and red QR codes?

The green QR code is issued when your submission of required information is proper and complete. On the other hand, the red QR code is issued when the data submitted is incomplete/incorrect, and/or if for the past 30 days, you are sick or have a history of exposure to a person who is sick or known to have communicable/infectious disease prior to travel.

Can I print my eTravel QR code instead of screenshot?

Yes. You may print your eTravel QR code as well.

What should I do if I lose the screenshot of my QR code?

You may retrieve your personal QR code and view your data using the “Edit Registration” tab in the eTravel website. To open your profile, go to: https://etravel.gov.ph/search and enter your reference number and date of birth then press continue.

I made a mistake. Can I still edit my information after I have successfully registered?

As long as you have not been processed and verified by border control authorities (BOQ and Bureau of Immigration), you may still change some of your data through the “Edit Registration” tab in the eTravel website.

I have registered more than once in the eTravel website, which QR code should I use?

You may use either of the QR code but you should only choose one to present during inspection. Presenting different QR codes may cause delay or incovenience.

I have already registered in the eTravel website before, do I still need to register every time I travel?

If you have already registered in the eTravel before then you may just update your details every time you travel (required categories stated under item 3). Passengers may update their status/e-Travel record under the “Edit Registration” tab of the e-travel, while crewmemebrs under the “Registered Crew”.

[manofthecoldland]

On 5/15/2024 at 4:22 PM, scott h said:

Sometimes I really hate "progress" just for the sake of progress. At times I also believe these types of things (automated checkouts, self gas stations etc.)  are put in place so that 1. they dont have to deal with customers directly, 2. don't have to hire, train, deal with and pay employees 3. make the bottom line look better and 4. "hey look, aren't we the bomb! Look how cutting edge we are!" I remember the last time I went state side and they had the automated immigration kiosks, I stood there for 5 minutes trying to figure out what to do .

I guess I am just turning into an old curmudgeon. While I have no plans to travel in the near future, if I did I would be sorely tempted just to buy a ticket, show up, and when asked for this  E-travel crap just go  . "Don't know sir 

 

I'm leaving the cold land ( +5*F here now) to come over for the winter tomorrow.  The site is not - functioning for etravel.gov.ph. and I have wasted 2 hours trying. I had no problem last year, or when I helped my 75 yr. old buddy use it a month ago. Now.....Zilch. I'll deal with it when I get there, it seems. After 21 years of arrivals in the PI, the inefficiencies continue to amaze me.

[RBM]

4 hours ago, manofthecoldland said:

I'm leaving the cold land ( +5*F here now) to come over for the winter tomorrow.  The site is not - functioning for etravel.gov.ph. and I have wasted 2 hours trying. I had no problem last year, or when I helped my 75 yr. old buddy use it a month ago. Now.....Zilch. I'll deal with it when I get there, it seems. After 21 years of arrivals in the PI, the inefficiencies continue to amaze me.

We had same issues when arriving recently, there are a few young guys just before immigration whom quickly sort it.

[JJReyes]

On 5/16/2024 at 3:49 PM, GeoffH said:

But there is still a passport document because we need one for countries where we can't use facial recognition.

We also have passport cards for use at Mexico-USA and Canada-USA land border crossing.  The size is similar to a credit card.  I was hoping this would replace the regular passport, but many countries still use a physical stamp system for entry/exit.   Others require a visa obtained before or during entry.

[JJReyes]

4 hours ago, manofthecoldland said:

I'm leaving the cold land ( +5*F here now) to come over for the winter tomorrow.  The site is not - functioning for etravel.gov.ph. and I have wasted 2 hours trying. I had no problem last year, or when I helped my 75 yr. old buddy use it a month ago. Now.....Zilch. I'll deal with it when I get there, it seems. After 21 years of arrivals in the PI, the inefficiencies continue to amaze me.

Keep trying.  Every 4 hours until the system works.  During my last entry, the immigration officer claimed my information was incomplete.  How could that be if their system gave me a green check mark?  Rather than argue, I kept quiet.  She said, "Next time do it correctly." to show off that she was a person of authority.  Still puzzled as to what was wrong with my application.

[Freebie]

Sorry to diasgree with the OP but the epass couldnt be any easier.

And if you do it on the same device , and log in, you will find that it will auto fill the tedious stuff ie home address etc.

Last time was perhaps 2 minutes at most.

[Onemore52]

A relative of my gf told me that I am wasting my time with any online services that I am doing in the Philippines because they don’t want it to work.

 

 

[hk blues]

1 hour ago, Onemore52 said:

A relative of my gf told me that I am wasting my time with any online services that I am doing in the Philippines because they don’t want it to work.

 

 

I'm not sure I'd totally agree with that - the BIR online tax system works perfectly. I have no experience of other online services so maybe others are less effective.