The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology will be implementing a single QR code in the e-Travel System beginning today, May 10.
With the rollout of the e-Travel Customs System, now operational in all international airports, incoming and outgoing passengers can electronically complete the Customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) and Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF) in advance.
Passengers can access these forms on the e-Travel website (https://etravel.gov.ph/) or by downloading the eGovPH application within 72 hours before arriving in or departing from the Philippines.
Starting today, each passenger will receive a single QR code for use throughout the e-Travel process, facilitating smoother clearance procedures.
Upon arrival or departure, passengers will present their passports to Immigration for registration confirmation and the QR code to Customs for clearance.
Paper forms, however, will still be available at the Customs Area for those unable to access the online system before their journey.
The e-CBDF is mandatory for arriving passengers, while the e-CDF is required for both arriving and departing passengers carrying amounts of local or foreign currency exceeding specified thresholds.
The BOC emphasizes strict enforcement of currency regulations, notably: declaration of foreign currency exceeding $10,000 or equivalent in the e-CDF; for Philippine currency, amounts over P50,000 require prior written approval from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and declaration in the e-CDF.
The BSP allows exceptions for cross-border currency transfers in excess of the limits for specific purposes such as testing/calibration of money machines, numismatics and currency awareness.
