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Philippine Travel Tax Primer for Filipino Overseas Travellers, Visitors, Balikbayans and OFW Dependants

What is Travel Tax?

Imposed by the Philippine government to Filipino citizens, Permanent residents, Non-residents who stayed in the country for more than a year who are leaving the country irrespective of the issuance place of the air ticket. Non-resident such as Balikbayans / Filipino immigrant of other country are not covered by the travel tax if they stayed in the country in less than one year.

What is it for?

Paid taxes are divided for the following government institutions for their programs such as the Philippine Tourism Authority, the National Parks Development Committee, National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Commission on Higher Education and the Government General Fund.

What is the current Travel Tax Rate? (March 2004)

First Class Passenger

Full Rate = P2700
Standard Reduced rate = P1350
OFW Dependant = P400

Economy Class Passenger

Full Rate = P1620
Standard Reduced Rate = P810
OFW Dependants = P300

No travel tax is imposed for every Overseas Filipino Workers but make sure you obtained your OEC before leaving the country.

Who can avail of Travel Tax Exemption?

The following are exempted in paying the Travel Tax;

Foreign diplomatic representatives
Employees of the United Nations
United States Military Personnel including dependants
Other US Nationals where airfares has been paid by US Government
Filipino Overseas Contract Workers
International Carrier Crew
Filipino PR in abroad unless stay in less than one year
Philippine Foreign Service personnel assigned abroad
Philippine Government Employees during official travel
Grantees of Foreign Government funded trips
Infants two years below
Personnel of Philippine Offices of multinational companies not engaged in Business in Philippines
Those authorized the Republic of the Philippines (Office of the President)

Who can avail of Standard Reduced Travel Tax Rate?

Minors from 2 - 12 years old
Filipino Journalist
Those Authorized by the Republic of the Philippines
Who can avail of Privileged Reduced Travel Tax (for OFWs only)?

Legitimate spouse of Overseas Filipino Worker
Legitimate unmarried children of Overseas Filipino Workers 21 years old below

What are the requirements?

In most cases passport is always required.
Certification form the Governmet Offices for Govt officials or employee,
OEC for OFWs,
Birth certificate or Marriage contract for Dependants and minors,
Certification from the Air Transport for service crew,
Certification from Journalist Editor for Journalist,

Please check the Philippine Tourism offices for the latest and accurate list of requirements.

How to avail of Travel Tax refund?

Unused Ticket
Non-coverage
Travel Tax Exempted
Reduced Travel Tax

Identification cards accepted in claiming the refund check.

Passport, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Driver's License and Postal ID.

(This information from Philippine Government's Department or Offices is for General Public access intended to inform Filipino Overseas Workers, their beneficiaries and other Filipino citizens, if you need more details, please visit their website or physical office.)