Filipinos are raring to travel abroad, specifically in Asian countries like Thailand and Japan, according to the SEA Travel Insights 2023 report.[1] After more than two years of being in lockdown, the Pinoy travel bug is definitely back!
The survey also noted that Filipino travelers are meticulous and financially prudent when it comes to their travel budget. Not only do they create a budget but also stick to it. If you're this type of travel planner, among the expenses you must prepare for your next flight are the airport fees in the Philippines like travel tax and terminal fees.
Here’s a complete guide before you pack your bags for your next adventure.
🛡️ Going Out of the Country? Don't Forget Your Travel Insurance
Before you leave the country, make sure you're financially covered in case of emergencies such as accidents and lost luggage. Avail of travel insurance for as low as ₱299 via Moneymax today.
Compare different providers based on your budget and travel duration below:
Provider
|
Starting Premium
|
Medical/Accidental Death or Disablement Coverage
|
Trip Cancellation Coverage
|
Baggage Loss/Damage
|
OONA Travel Insurance
|
₱299
|
Up to ₱5 million
|
Up to ₱128,000 | Up to ₱42,600 subject to ₱4,000 per item |
PGAI Travel Shield Insurance
|
₱361
|
Up to ₱2.5 million
|
Up to ₱200,000 | Up to ₱50,000 subject to ₱10,000 per item |
PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus
|
₱463
|
Up to ₱2.5 million
|
Up to ₱70,000 | Up to ₱5,000 per item |
Cocogen Travel Excel Plus
|
₱263
|
Up to ₱4.2 million
|
Up to ₱214,000
|
Up to ₱102,000 subject to ₱12,700 per item
|
Airport Fees in the Philippines: Rates and Charges as of 2023
Traveling isn’t always cheap. While you can find seat sales online to soften the blow on your budget, you’ll still have to pay the following fees before you step into the airport.
💸 Travel Tax
Travel tax serves as a levy on individuals who are about to leave the Philippines, regardless of purpose or destination.
Under Republic Act 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009,[2] proceeds from the travel tax go to the following government agencies:
- Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – 50% of the proceeds
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – 40% of the proceeds
- National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) – 10% of the proceeds
Full Travel Tax
Every taxable Filipino and foreign passport holder who is of legal age is required to pay the full amount of the travel tax. The rate depends on your airline ticket class.
Standard Reduced Travel Tax
If you’re traveling with family, you can save on travel tax by applying for reduced travel tax rates. The following individuals are qualified to apply:
- Minors (from two to 12 years old on the date of travel)
- Accredited Filipino journalist traveling to complete a journalistic assignment
- Individuals authorized by the President for reasons of national interest
Privileged Reduced Rate
You can further reduce your travel tax by applying for a privileged reduced travel tax. The following individuals are qualified to apply:
- Legitimate spouse of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW)
- Unmarried children (below 21 years of age) of an OFW
- OFW children with disabilities
Related articles:
- Prepare These Requirements for Travel Abroad Before You Fly Out
- Beat the Rush: 8 Options for Airport Lounge Access in the Philippines
How Much is Travel Tax in the Philippines?
Travel Tax | First Class | Economy/Business Class |
---|---|---|
Full Tax | ₱2,700 | ₱1,620 |
Standard Reduced Tax | ₱1,350 | ₱810 |
Privileged Reduced Tax | ₱400 | ₱300 |
How to Pay Travel Tax in the Philippines
You can pay your travel tax at the airport before boarding your flight. However, to save time, you can process your payment over the internet through TIEZA's new Online Travel Tax Services System.
Paying travel tax online can be done through the TIEZA website or the MYEG website. MYEG, TIEZA's accredited partner, is an e-government solutions and payment services provider. Either way, the websites will direct you to the Online Travel Tax Services System form. Also, account registration is not required to access the online payment facility.
Just follow the steps below:
- Access the TIEZA Full Travel Tax Payment form at traveltaxservices.tieza.online/public/fulltax.[3]
- Fill out the online form. When you're done, click the Proceed button.
- Select your preferred payment option (GCash, Maya, Palawan Pawnshop, etc.).
- Pay the required amount for the travel tax.
- Once payment has been made, expect an acknowledgment email confirming your travel tax payment.
- Print two copies of the receipt. Present them when checking in at the airport.
Notes:
- At the moment, only full travel tax payments can be processed using TIEZA's online payment system.
- A convenience fee of ₱50 is charged per transaction. If you use a debit or credit card, an additional 2% fee applies.
How to Apply for Reduced Travel Tax
To save on additional airport fees in the Philippines, don’t hesitate to apply for reduced travel tax rates if you’re qualified. To begin, prepare the following requirements for reduced travel tax:
- Original passport
- In case the original passport can’t be presented: original birth certificate and photocopy of the identification page of the passport
- Airline ticket, if already issued
- Original passport
- Original Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Certified True Copy of Balik-Manggagawa Form
- Original or authenticated marriage contract
- Certification from the manning agency that the seaman’s dependent is joining the seaman’s vessel
- Airline ticket, if already issued
- Original passport
- Original Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Certified True Copy of Balik-Manggagawa Form
- Original or authenticated birth certificate
- Certification from the manning agency that the seaman’s dependent is joining the seaman’s vessel
- Airline ticket, if already issued
- Original passport
- Original PWD ID card issued by offices established by the National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA)
- Original Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Certified True Copy of Balik-Manggagawa Form
- Original or authenticated birth certificate
- Certification from the manning agency that the seaman’s dependent is joining the seaman’s vessel
- Airline ticket, if already issued
Who are Exempted From Paying Travel Tax in the Philippines?
If you’re eligible for the exemption, you can skip your travel tax altogether, which means more savings for you. If you belong to any of the following categories, you are completely exempted from paying this airport fee:
- Filipino citizens who are permanent residents abroad
- Balikbayan visitors who have stayed in the Philippines for less than a year
- Overseas Filipino contract workers
- Foreign diplomatic representatives in the Philippines
- United Nations employees
- U.S. military personnel
- Members of an international carrier crew
- Philippine foreign service personnel
- Philippine government employees traveling on official business
- Students on scholarships
- Personnel of multinational companies
How to Apply for Travel Tax Exemption
- Prepare the following documents:
- Proof of permanent residency
- Copy of original passport
- Certification of work
- Overseas employment certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Submit your requirements to the nearest TIEZA office. Don’t forget to present photocopies of your documents.
- Pay a processing fee of ₱200, and wait for your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate to be released.
- Present your Travel Tax Exemption Certificate when checking in at the airport.
See also:
- Heads Up, Travelers: How to Avoid Offloading at Philippine Immigration
- Be a Wiser Traveler: Learn the Air Passenger Bill of Rights
✈️ Book Your Trip Now, Pay Later with #UNOnow Loan!
Fulfill your travel goals without worrying about your budget. UNO Digital Bank has got your back! You can easily apply online for an #UNOnow Loan—no collateral needed—and get extra cash for booking your trips.
Enjoy quick approval and disbursement, as well as flexible payment terms, so you can travel now and pay later. Apply via Moneymax now!
💸 Airport Terminal Fee
Aside from the travel tax, you'll also have to pay an airport terminal fee, also known as the passenger service charge or airport tax. After payment, the airport tax will be labeled DPSC, IPSC, or PH Passenger Service Charge on your receipt.
Unlike travel tax, the airport tax in the Philippines applies to both international and domestic flights.
Where to Pay the Terminal Fee?
You don’t have to pay your airport tax separately because airlines typically include the airline terminal fee in the cost of airline tickets.[4]
Still, some airports may require terminal fee payments for international flights at their respective terminals, including the following:
- Clark International Airport
- Bohol - Panglao International Airport
- Puerto Princesa International Airport
How Much is the Airport Tax in the Philippines?
The airport tax or terminal fee varies from airport to airport, ranging from ₱50 to ₱300 for domestic and ₱650 to ₱850 for international flights. Check the airport tax at NAIA, Clark, and other airports nationwide below.
Airport
|
Domestic Fee
|
International Fee
|
---|---|---|
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
|
₱300
|
₱750
|
Clark International Airport (CRK)
|
₱150
|
₱650
|
Mactan - Cebu International Airport (CEB)
|
₱300
|
₱850
|
Bohol - Panglao International Airport (TAG)
|
₱100
|
₱700
|
Kalibo International Airport (KLO)
|
₱200
|
₱700
|
Boracay - Caticlan Airport (MPH)
|
₱200
|
N/A
|
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)
|
₱200
|
₱700
|
Davao International Airport (DVO)
|
₱200
|
₱700
|
Iloilo International Airport (ILO)
|
₱200
|
₱700
|
Cagayan De Oro - Laguindingan Airport (CGY)
|
₱200
|
N/A
|
Bacolod - Silay International Airport (BCD)
|
₱200
|
N/A
|
Airport Terminal Fees 2023 – Luzon Airports
Airport | Domestic Fee |
---|---|
Basco (BSO) | ₱100 |
Busuanga - Coron (USU) | ₱100 |
Cauayan (CYZ) | ₱100 |
Laoag (LAO) | ₱100 |
Legazpi (LGP) | ₱150 |
Masbate (MBT) | ₱100 |
Naga (WNP) | ₱100 |
Romblon - Tablas (TBH) | ₱100 |
San Jose (SJI) | ₱150 |
Tuguegarao (TUG) | ₱150 |
Virac (VRC) | ₱100 |
Airport Terminal Fees 2023 – Visayas Airports
Airport | Domestic Fee |
---|---|
Calbayog (CYP) | ₱50 |
Catarman (CRM) | ₱100 |
Dumaguete - Sibulan (DGT) | ₱150 |
Laoag (LAO) | ₱150 |
Airport Terminal Fees 2023 – Mindanao Airports
Airport | Domestic Fee |
---|---|
Butuan (BXU) | ₱150 |
Camiguin (CGM) | ₱50 |
Cotabato (CBO) | ₱150 |
Dipolog (DPL) | ₱150 |
General Santos (GES) | ₱150 |
Jolo (JOL) | ₱100 |
Ozamiz (OSZ) | ₱100 |
Pagadian (PAG) | ₱150 |
Siargao (IAO) | ₱150 |
Surigao (SUG) | ₱150 |
Tandag (TDG) | ₱100 |
Tawi-Tawi (SGS) | ₱50 |
Zamboanga (ZAM) | ₱150 |
Terminal Fee Exemption
Luckily, you can also get exempted from paying your airport terminal fee. Here’s a list of individuals who can travel anywhere without having to worry about airport fees in the Philippines:
- Infants two years old and below on the date of travel
- Passengers connecting via Philippine airports, except for Manila, Cebu, Caticlan (Boracay)
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
- Muslim pilgrims endorsed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
- Athletes endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)
- Others authorized for exemption by the President
- Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines students (only for CAAP-operated commercial airports)
If you’re an OFW or a Muslim pilgrim, you can request an airport terminal fee refund at the airport after clearing immigration. Just present the required documents outlined below.
Airport Terminal Fee Refund Requirements for OFWs
- Airport copy of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
- Any of the following, which shows payment of the terminal fee:
- Boarding pass
- E-ticket
- Itinerary receipt with official receipt (OR) or invoice
Airport Terminal Fee Refund Requirements for Muslim Pilgrims
- Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Exemption Certificate
- Any of the following, which shows payment of the terminal fee:
- Boarding pass
- E-ticket
- Itinerary receipt with official receipt (OR) or invoice
Airport Fees in the Philippines FAQs
1. Who needs to pay travel tax in the Philippines?
All airline passengers departing the Philippines are required to pay travel tax. These include Filipinos and foreigners who pay the full fee, as well as minors and OFW families who pay reduced rates.
2. Is airport tax included in airfare in the Philippines?
Yes. You don’t need to pay at the airport because this fee is already included in your airline ticket.
3. How much is the airport terminal fee at NAIA?
The NAIA terminal fee costs ₱300 for domestic flights and ₱750 for international flights as of 2023.
4. Can I pay my travel tax days before my trip?
Yes! You can pay online via the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System, or you can pay at your nearest TIEZA Travel Tax Office, Bayad Center branch, or any mall payment center that accepts travel tax payments.
5. What are the accepted methods for online travel tax payment?
You can pay travel tax through any of these channels:
- GCash
- Maya
- GrabPay
- ShopeePay
- Palawan Pawnshop
- Cebuana Lhuillier
- 7-Eleven
- Over-the-counter payment centers (The SM Store, Savemore, Robinsons Department Store, etc.)
- Online banking (BPI, UnionBank, etc.)
6. The online travel tax payment website doesn't work. What should I do?
If TIEZA's new online payment system doesn't work, you can still use TIEZA's previous travel tax payment system. Here's how to use it:
- Create an account on the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System website (traveltax.tieza.gov.ph).
- Select your type of travel class, whether first class or economy class.
- Enter your ticket or booking number, flight details, and contact information.
- Wait for a reference number to be sent to your email or mobile number. This number will expire after 24 hours, so process your application within the day.
- Pay for your reduced travel tax via credit/debit card or the Bayad Center app.
- Once payment has been made, expect an acknowledgment email confirming your travel tax payment.
- Print two copies of the receipt. Present them when checking in at the airport.
You can pay travel tax through Bayad, The SM Store, Robinsons Department Store or Supermarket, The Landmark, eBiz, USSC, or PERA HUB.
7. I already paid my travel tax, but I’m eligible for a reduced travel tax rate. Can I still apply?
Yes, but you'll have to apply for a travel tax refund onsite at any TIEZA Travel Tax Office or at the airport on the day of your flight. You can’t apply for a refund online.
Read more:
- Score Rewards for Flying: How Airline Customer Loyalty Programs Work
- First Class for Cheap: Useful Tips on How to Upgrade to First Class
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about airport fees in the Philippines, you won’t be shocked when booking airline tickets and finding out that the total price has suddenly spiked up.
As you now know, the government uses these additional fees to fund projects that promote tourism and keep the lights on in local airports. Don’t forget to factor in all these fees when preparing to visit top holiday destinations both in and out of the country.
💳 Find and Get the Best Credit Card for Your Travels Abroad!
Shopping, dining, and other overseas transactions are more convenient and rewarding if you use the right credit card. Don't have a dedicated card for international payments? Check out our top recommendations below.
Credit Card | International Travel Benefits |
UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum
|
|
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®
|
|
Metrobank World Mastercard®
|
|
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
|
|
Security Bank World Mastercard
|
|
BPI Platinum Rewards Card
|
|
Sources:
- [1] GrabAds Data Show Surge in Pinoys’ Plans for Overseas Holiday Bookings (Grab PH, 2023)
- [2] Travel Tax (TIEZA website)
- [3] TIEZA Online Travel Tax Services System
- [4] Philippines Implements Integration of Airport Terminal Fee into the Cost of Airline Tickets (DFA website)