Are you planning to travel abroad from the Philippines? If so, you may need to pay a travel tax before boarding your flight. This blog post provides an overview of the travel tax Philippines, including how to pay for it, who is exempted or entitled to discounts, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of the system.
So, let’s scroll down and explore!
Table of Contents
Travel Tax Philippines: Overview
Definition
The Philippine government imposes a travel tax on individuals leaving the country for any purpose, such as tourism, education, business, or employment. This levy is managed by TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), an agency attached to the Department of Tourism.
The primary goal of this tax is to generate revenue for developing and promoting tourism in the Philippines while supporting social welfare programs around the nation.
In essence, it gives travelers a chance to give back something in return for their experiences in this beautiful country!
Types Of Travel Tax
There are two types of travel tax in the Philippines: the full travel tax and the reduced travel tax. The former applies to passengers traveling to countries outside of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The latter applies to passengers traveling to ASEAN countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Tax Rates
The amount of travel tax that you need to pay depends on your destination and your travel class. The following are the current rates of the travel tax as of April 2023:
Full travel tax:
- First class: PHP 2,700
- Business class: PHP 2,160
- Economy class: PHP 1,620
Reduced travel tax:
- First class: PHP 1,350
- Business class: PHP 1,080
- Economy class: PHP 810
This type of tax is mandatory for all Philippine citizens, permanent residents, and non-immigrant aliens who have stayed in the country for more than one year.
However, some exemptions and privileges may apply to certain categories of travelers. We will clarify this in the following section.
How To Pay For Travel Tax In The Philippines?
There are several ways to pay for your travel tax in the Philippines. You can choose the most convenient option for you from the following:
- Pay online: Head to the TIEZA website (https://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax/) to pay your travel tax online. Simply create an account, fill out the form, and pay using a credit or debit card. After your payment is processed, you’ll receive an email confirmation and a receipt you can print or save on your mobile device.
- Pay at the ticketing office: When booking or purchasing your ticket, you can opt to pay the travel tax at the ticketing office of your airline or travel agency. You’ll receive a receipt that you can present at the airport.
- Pay at the airport: Alternatively, you can settle your travel tax payment at the TIEZA counters in the airport before checking in for your flight. Remember to bring your passport and ticket; you can pay with cash or a credit card.
We strongly recommend paying your tax in advance to avoid any potential delays or disruptions. It’s worth noting that some airlines may require you to show the credit card used for payment at the check-in counter.
See also: Income Tax Table 2022 Vs 2023
Exemptions And Discounts For Travel Tax In The Philippines
In the Philippines, not all passengers are required to pay the full amount of the travel tax. Some categories of passengers are exempted from paying this or entitled to a 50% discount:
– Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents
– Filipino permanent residents abroad and their dependents
– Filipino students with approved scholarships abroad
– Infants (2 years old and below)
– Government officials and employees on official business
– Diplomats and foreign government officials accredited by the Philippine government
– Military personnel of foreign countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines
– Filipino Muslim pilgrims endorsed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
– Athletes and coaches endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission
To avail of the exemption or discount, you must present valid documents such as an OFW ID, a permanent resident visa, a student visa, a government ID, a diplomatic passport, or an endorsement letter from the relevant agency.
FAQs
Can I Refund My Travel Tax If I Cancel My Trip?
Yes, you can request a refund of your travel tax if you cancel your trip for any reason. You must submit your original receipt and proof of cancellation, such as a cancellation letter from your airline or travel agency.
You can file your refund request online through the TIEZA website or at any TIEZA office within two years from the payment date.
Can I Pay My Travel Tax For Someone Else?
Yes, you can pay your travel tax for someone else as long as you have their passport and ticket details. You can pay online through the TIEZA website or at any ticketing office or airport counter.
Is Travel Tax Included In Airasia Philippines?
AirAsia does not include travel tax in the Philippines in the price of its tickets. However, passengers are still required to pay the travel tax when they depart from the Philippines.
Conclusion
The travel tax Philippines is an important source of revenue for the government. It helps to fund public services and infrastructure, which are vital for economic growth and development.
Despite this, it can be a high cost to travelers who want to experience all our beautiful country offers.
For those planning a trip abroad from the Philippines, make sure you read up on all relevant regulations so that you don’t end up paying more than necessary!
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned and follow our next blog post!
See also: Capital Gains Tax Philippines: What You Should Know?
