Travel Tax in the Philippines [Latest Rates: 2025]

Traveling out of the Philippines means dealing with taxes before you can enjoy your vacation. The saying goes, ‘There are two certainties in life: death and taxes.’

Travel taxes are imposed by the Philippine government on all citizens, residents, and foreigners over a year, but you may not know who is required to pay them, how much they cost, or how they could impact your travel plans.

This tax is important to understand whether you’re planning a leisurely vacation, taking a business trip, or sending loved ones off.

If you are considering the impact on your budget and preparing for your journey, understanding the nuances of the Travel Tax can serve as a guide to avoiding common pitfalls.

The key takeaways

• Travel tax supports tourism infrastructure and cultural heritage preservation in the Philippines by levying a fee on travelers leaving the country.
• It is possible for individuals exempt from paying the travel tax to work overseas, to return to a foreign country, or to be a Filipino citizen who has been living abroad for at least two years.
• Travel Tax Exemption Certificates (TEC) can be applied for online through TIEZA, along with the original passport.
• TIEZA’s website provides detailed information about current travel tax rates and applicable passenger categories based on destination, ticket class, and traveler category.

Taxes on travel

You’ll need to visit the TIEZA website to understand the specific requirements for exempting from travel taxes in the Philippines.

Travel taxes are imposed by Presidential Decree (PD) on individuals leaving the Philippines. They are designed to boost tourism infrastructure and preserve cultural heritage.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for a Travel Tax Exemption. For any application related to this exemption, you must present your original passport.

In order to ensure accuracy in your travel records and identification, this step is crucial.

Through TIEZA’s online portal, you can apply for a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC) from home if you’re eligible.

Your travel preparations become more efficient with this digital convenience.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the Consulate General’s website for any holidays that might affect consular service availability.

Your travel tax exemption application process can be made less stressful if you know these dates in advance.

Is there a Travel Tax in the Philippines?

There might be a question in your mind whether or not you have to pay travel taxes when leaving the Philippines.

To determine whether you are required to pay or exempt, it’s important to know your category.

What are the responsibilities of each party and what conditions might excuse you from paying?

Travelers who qualify

It is important to know who must pay the travel tax when departing the Philippines, as it generally includes all travelers except for returning residents and overseas contract workers.

In most cases, people who plan to leave the country will have to pay this tax unless they belong to a group that is exempt from paying it.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be sure to always have your Philippine passport on hand in case your identity needs to be verified or if you need to pay travel taxes.
• This exemption keeps more cash in the pockets of returning residents.
• It is a small relief for overseas contract workers (OCWs) that they do not need to pay this tax.
• Ex-Filipinos also enjoy exemption privileges, making visits to their ancestral homes easier.
• You can apply online for a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC) on the TIEZA website.

Criteria for exemption

Travel tax is generally required for most travelers before departure, but certain groups may not be required to pay it.

Specifically, returning residents, overseas contract workers, and former Filipino citizens are exempt from the travel tax in the Philippines.

Travel Tax Exemption Certificates (TECs) can be applied for online through the TIEZA platform. Original passports must always be presented to obtain these exemptions.

Category and rate information

There are different rates and exemptions available for different categories of passengers in the Philippines.

It’s important to know which tax category you fall into, as this determines the amount of tax you’ll pay, or if you’re exempt from paying it at all.

You can find detailed information about the current tax rates and applicable passenger categories on the TIEZA website before traveling.

Tax rates as of today

Travel taxes in the Philippines are collected by the TIEZA agency and vary based on the destination, ticket class, and traveler category.

Current tax rates are as follows:

TAXES ON TRAVEL	A FIRST-CLASS PASSENGER	PASSAGE FOR THE ECONOMY CLASS
Travel tax in full	PHP 2,700	PHP 1,620
The standard reduced travel tax	PHP 1,350	PHP 810
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their dependents enjoy reduced travel taxes	PHP 400	PHP 300

Category of Passengers Applicable

Now that you have an understanding of the current tax rates, let’s examine what passenger categories these rates apply to and what exemptions are available.

You may be exempt from travel tax when you purchase your air ticket if you are a returning resident, an overseas contract worker (OCW), or a former Filipino.

Individuals departing the Philippines are subject to this levy, but there are exemptions for specific groups to ease the financial burden.

Check out the TIEZA website for the necessary requirements, including presenting your original passport. 

There are some conditions and limitations that apply, so be sure to review them thoroughly on TIEZA’s website before applying for a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate.

Also check: Documentary Stamp Tax

Exceptions and privileges

If you meet certain conditions listed on the TIEZA website, you won’t have to pay the travel tax if you depart from the Philippines.

As a traveler, you may be eligible for full or partial exemption from this levy, allowing you some financial relief.

You may qualify for an exemption or privilege depending on your travel plans. Here are some key points:

• Taking advantage of the exemption from the travel tax lightens the financial burden on Filipino Overseas Workers.
• Filipino students studying abroad can apply for a fifty percent (50%) exemption, lowering the cost of their education.
• International organization officials and diplomats are granted full waivers in recognition of their global service.
• Children under two years of age don’t have to pay the tax, which eases travel for young families.
• The Philippine Sports Commission offers full exemptions to athletes and delegates attending international competitions.

To find out more about travel tax exemptions and privileges and to apply for your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC), visit the TIEZA website.

You can save money on your travel expenses if you take advantage of these opportunities!

Process of payment

If you must pay the Philippine travel tax, you should know the steps to follow if you qualify for an exemption.

It is important to understand the payment process if you aren’t eligible for an exemption, or if you are just preparing for your travel requirements.

You should begin by visiting the official website of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

TIEZA is responsible for collecting travel tax in the Philippines. Their website contains clear instructions and forms.

As your primary identification, your passport must be presented when making the payment in order for the travel tax to be correctly assigned to you.

You can also pay for your travel taxes online using TIEZA’s online platform. You can do this from home or from the office.

The confirmation or receipt provided after completing an online transaction should be printed out.

When planning your travel tax settlement, remember to consider the method of payment. While the online option is often the most convenient, TIEZA has authorized physical locations where payments can be made.

The impact on travel budgets

You can make your Philippines trip more affordable by securing a travel tax exemption.

When you’re planning your trip, knowing that travel taxes might not be an issue can help ease your mind.

Travel expenses are eased for eligible individuals who leave the country by the Philippine government.

You can save money by taking advantage of the exemption by following these steps:

• Travel essentials can be purchased with the extra money you save from the tax exemption.
• Your trip can be extended or you can visit additional destinations because you’ve saved money.
• You may be able to opt for more convenient or direct flights with the exemption, helping you save on airfare.
• Upgrade your accommodation options with the funds.
• Experiencing culture: You’ll have more opportunities to immerse yourself in local cuisine or cultural events if you have extra cash.

How to avoid common problems

Be sure that you are familiar with the necessary requirements and have your original passport with you when claiming your travel tax exemption in the Philippines.

You must keep in mind that the Philippine government requires this document for all exemptions without exception.

Make sure you know the operating hours and official holidays so that you can plan your visit to the Consulate General ahead of time.

Preparation allows you to deal with any issues head-on and keeps you from being surprised.

Additionally, make sure you are aware of the fuel surcharge and refund policy before setting out on your journey, whether it is inside the country or out of it.

By knowing these things, you can manage your finances more effectively during your travels.

Pay particular attention to oxygen service and unaccompanied minors when researching your carrier’s fare conditions and services.

When you travel from or within an Enterprise Zone, being well-informed is crucial to preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that you receive the airline’s services.

Conclusion

You should guard your funds like a savvy traveler by securing your exemption before you travel to the Philippines to avoid paying a heavy Travel Tax.

Take action to save money on your travel expenses and leap onto TIEZA’s website to claim your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate.

You can make your travel budget bulletproof and your adventures absolutely epic if you follow these tips!