What the Philippine Travel Tax Is and Why It Raises Eyebrows

Before you even pack your suitcase, there’s already a fee waiting for you at the airport. The Philippine Travel Tax. And here’s the kicker: it’s something only Filipinos have to pay.

The travel tax is a government-imposed fee collected from anyone flying out of the country under Presidential Decree 1183. It doesn’t matter where you booked your flight or what airline you used. That means if you’re Filipino, you pay. If you’re a foreigner travelling in the country? You’re off the hook.

So, what exactly are we paying for?

For most Filipino adults, the full travel tax is:

• ₱2,700 for first-class flights

• ₱1,620 for economy class

Kids get a small discount. Those aged two to 12 pay half the price, while infants under two are exempted. Meanwhile, children of OFWs enjoy even lower rates: ₱400 for first class and ₱300 for economy.

But for senior citizens, there’s no discount and no special treatment. They pay the same as everyone else unless they qualify for one of the reduced or exempted categories.

Here’s where it gets interesting. This tax applies to:

• Filipino citizens

• Permanent resident foreigners in the Philippines

• Foreigners who have stayed in the country for at least a year

That means tourists visiting the Philippines don’t pay any travel tax when they leave. Yes, only locals and long-time residents do. Netizens think it’s unfair.

The money goes to three government agencies:

• 50% to TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority)

• 40% to CHED (Commission on Higher Education) for tourism-related programs

• 10% to NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts)

So, technically, it funds tourism projects, education, and culture. But many Filipinos question if this 1970s-era fee still makes sense today, especially when we’re the only country in Southeast Asia that charges our own citizens this way.

Even lawmakers have tried to scrap it. In 2024, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called the tax “outdated and discriminatory,” arguing that removing it could make travel more inclusive and boost tourism spending. But the bill to abolish it is still hanging in limbo.

If the fee isn’t included in your ticket, you’ll need to pay it yourself:

1. Go to the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System or

2. Choose your flight class and fill in your details

3. Pay online via card or e-wallet, or pay at the airport before check-in

You’ll get an acknowledgment receipt, print two copies, and show it to the airline counter before boarding.

You can also pay it through the eGOVph app:

1. Download the eGOVph app.

2. Log in to your account. If you don't have an account yet, create one.

3. After registration and logging in, click on the "Travel" option from the Home Feed.

4. Then, choose "TIEZA Travel Tax" from the menu.

5. Click "Agree" to be directed to the form to be filled out.

6. Fill in your details

7. Pay online via card or e-wallet, or pay at the airport before check-in

Also read: How to Pay TIEZA Travel Tax Online: A Step-By-Step Guide for Every Pinoy

Image credit: Manila International Airport

At this point, the travel tax feels less like “supporting tourism” and more like a financial gatekeeper for Filipinos who just want to travel abroad for leisure. Other ASEAN countries encourage their citizens to explore the world. Ours charge us for it.

The Philippine Travel Tax remains a must-know (and must-pay) step for every Filipino flying overseas. While it helps fund tourism and culture, many still see it as an outdated burden on local travellers. Until new reforms pass, expect to keep paying ₱1,620 every time you fly out… because for now, it’s still part of the Filipino travel experience.