This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Travel tax rules are set by TIEZA under Presidential Decree 1183, as amended, and can change. Always confirm on tieza.gov.ph before you fly.
The Philippine travel tax in 2026 is ₱1,620 for economy (including business class) and ₱2,700 for first class. It’s paid by Filipino citizens, permanent residents and foreigners who’ve stayed in the Philippines for more than a year, when they leave the country. Kids aged 2–11 pay a reduced ₱810, and OFW dependents pay ₱300. OFWs, infants under 2 and foreign tourists staying under a year are exempt. You can pay online through TIEZA’s Online Travel Tax Services System, the eTravel system or the eGovPH app, with GCash, Maya or a card, or at a TIEZA counter at the airport.
How much is the travel tax in 2026?
| Rate | Economy / business class | First class | Who pays it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full travel tax | ₱1,620 | ₱2,700 | Most departing Filipinos and qualified residents |
| Standard reduced rate | ₱810 | ₱1,350 | Children aged 2 to 11 on the travel date, and other categories TIEZA defines |
| Privileged reduced rate | ₱300 | ₱400 | The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an Overseas Filipino Worker |
Source: TIEZA travel tax rates page, checked October 2026. Business class is charged the economy rate. Online payments add a small convenience fee, about ₱20.
Who has to pay the travel tax?
- Filipino citizens leaving the Philippines for any international destination.
- Permanent resident foreigners living in the Philippines.
- Foreigners who’ve stayed in the Philippines for more than one year from their date of arrival.
It applies no matter where your ticket was bought or how you paid for it. Airlines shouldn’t let you check in without proof that you’ve paid, are exempt, or qualify for a reduced rate.
Who is exempt from the travel tax?
Common exemptions include:
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) With proof of OFW status, such as an Overseas Employment Certificate.
- Foreign tourists Non-resident foreigners who’ve stayed in the Philippines for less than one year.
- Filipinos permanently living abroad Who’ve stayed in the Philippines for less than one year, with proof of foreign residency.
- Infants Children 2 years old and below on the travel date.
- Diplomats and staff of international organizations Including foreign diplomatic and consular officials, and Philippine foreign service personnel assigned abroad.
- Government officials on official travel With the required travel authority.
- Airline and ship crew Operating crew members.
- Others listed by TIEZA Such as certain student grantees and travelers with a presidential exemption.
This is a summary. Each group needs specific documents; see TIEZA’s exemption page for the full list.
How to pay the travel tax online
- Go to TIEZA’s Online Travel Tax Services System From tieza.gov.ph, open the online travel tax service. You can also pay through the eTravel website or the eGovPH app.
- Enter your details Your name exactly as on your passport, passport number, destination, flight date and ticket class.
- Choose your rate Full, reduced or privileged. Reduced and privileged rates need supporting documents.
- Pay With a credit or debit card, GCash, Maya, other e-wallets, online banking, or over the counter at partner outlets. A small convenience fee applies.
- Save your receipt TIEZA emails an electronic acknowledgement receipt. Show it at the airline check-in counter.
At the airport: you can also pay at a TIEZA counter before check-in, but lines can be long during holidays, so paying online is faster.
How to apply for an exemption or reduced rate online
- Apply through the same TIEZA online system for a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate or a Reduced Travel Tax Certificate.
- Upload your documents, such as your passport, OEC, birth certificate for children, or proof of foreign residency.
- Processing is usually within a working day once documents are complete, and TIEZA lists no fee for the certificates.
- Apply early, not on the day of your flight, in case TIEZA asks for more documents.
- You can also apply in person at TIEZA offices, mall satellite offices or airport counters.
How to get a travel tax refund
You may be able to get a refund if you paid but didn’t travel, paid twice, paid the full rate when you qualified for a reduced rate or exemption, or downgraded from first class to economy. Apply through TIEZA’s online system or at a TIEZA office, with your receipt, passport and ticket details. Check TIEZA’s refund page for deadlines and requirements.
Before you fly abroad: departure checklist
- Travel tax paid, or an exemption or reduced-rate certificate ready.
- eTravel registration completed within the allowed window before departure.
- Passport valid for at least six months, plus any visa your destination requires.
- Immigration documents, such as return tickets, hotel bookings and proof of funds or employment, for questions at departure.
- Travel insurance, recommended for every trip abroad. See our travel insurance guide.
- Money: a card that works abroad and some foreign currency. See money in the Philippines.
Add flights, travel tax, hotels and tours in our free trip budget calculator, and see your total in pesos, dollars or pounds.
Philippine travel tax: FAQ
How much is the Philippine travel tax in 2026?
₱1,620 for economy and business class, and ₱2,700 for first class. The standard reduced rate is ₱810 economy, and the privileged rate for OFW dependents is ₱300 economy.
Who is exempt from the Philippine travel tax?
Exempt groups include OFWs, foreign tourists who’ve stayed less than one year, Filipinos permanently living abroad who’ve stayed less than one year, infants 2 years old and below, diplomats, airline and ship crew, and government officials on official travel, among others listed by TIEZA.
Can I pay the travel tax online?
Yes. Pay through TIEZA’s Online Travel Tax Services System, the eTravel system or the eGovPH app, using a card, GCash, Maya or other e-wallets. TIEZA emails a receipt to show at check-in.
Do foreigners pay the Philippine travel tax?
Foreign tourists who’ve stayed in the Philippines for less than one year are exempt. Permanent resident foreigners and foreigners who’ve stayed for more than one year must pay.
Is the travel tax included in my plane ticket?
Sometimes. Many tickets bought in the Philippines include it, while tickets bought abroad usually don’t. Check your e-ticket’s tax breakdown, and pay separately only if it isn’t included.
Is the travel tax the same as the terminal fee?
No. The terminal fee is an airport charge usually included in your ticket. The travel tax is a separate levy collected by TIEZA when you leave the country.
Do children pay the travel tax?
Infants 2 years old and below are exempt. Children aged 2 to 11 on the travel date pay the standard reduced rate of ₱810 economy or ₱1,350 first class.
Can I get a travel tax refund?
Yes, in cases like an unused ticket, double payment, paying the full rate when you qualified for a reduced rate or exemption, or a downgrade from first class. Apply through TIEZA online or at a TIEZA office.
Travel tax sorted? Protect your trip and plan your budget.
Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help Filipinos and visitors travel with confidence.