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Guidelines on the Carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels

To ensure the safety of your air travel, the following rules are prescribed for taking liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in your carry-on luggage on board flights coming in and out of the Philippines

Containers for LAGs in your carry-on baggage must be one hundred (100) milliliters/grams or less. All containers must be placed in a transparent, one-liter plastic bag. Passengers are allowed only one plastic bag each.

Any transparent re-sealable bag of one liter capacity or less is allowed. These plastic re-sealable bags can be bought in any supermarket or department store.

Bags sealed with items such as sticky tape, rubber bands or ribbons will not be accepted. These bags must be independently sealed. Re-sealable plastic bags are available at the booths located at the Departure lobby and at the passenger entrance door.

Prescription medicines, baby products and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight can be carried on board and is not subject to the 100ml restriction, though proof of need may be required.

When you get to the Final Security Screening Checkpoint, you will have to surrender LAGs greater than 100ml/g that you still have with you.

LAGs whose container is larger than 100ml can be placed in your check-in luggage.

All LAGs taken through Final Security Screening Checkpoint must be in a container with a capacity not greater than 100 ml each.

Any LAGs carried in a container larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled.

The container with LAGs must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag approximately 20cm x 20cm with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1 liter. The container must fit comfortably within the transparent bag, which should be completely closed.

Each passenger is permitted to carry only one such bag which is to be presented separately for screening.

Exceptions will be made for medications, baby milk/foods and special dietary requirements in LAGs form subject to additional checks and verification at the screening point.

Exceptions will also be made for retail liquid items bought at the airport or on board aircraft and packed in sealed transparent Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs) by airport/airline staff.

The receipt shall be clearly displayed in the STEB and the date of purchase shall coincide with the day(s) of travel.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU CHECK-IN:

  • Identify all the LAGs you intend to bring with you on your trip.
  • Place all liquid, aerosol and gels that are in containers not larger than 100 ml in a re-sealable plastic bag which can be bought in any supermarket. The total content of this bag should not exceed 1 liter (only one bag of LAGs is allowed per passenger).
  • Leave behind or place in your check-in luggage any LAGs in a container larger than 100ml.

THINGS TO DO AT THE FINAL SECURITY CHECK:

  • Present the plastic bag containing LAGs to the security screening staff.
  • Surrender LAGs that do not conform to the 100ml volume container restriction and those that exceeds the limit for each LAGs bag.
  • Present proof of need for medicine, such as prescriptions to the security screening staff.

BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF ALLOWED AND DISALLOWED LAGS ITEMS:

ALLOWED ITEMS

ITEMS OVER 100ML NOT ALLOWED

Empty containers

such as flask or mug

Drinks

Any drink in cans, bottles, plastic containers etc.

Baby Products

  • empty containers such as empty bottles, beakers or flask
  • baby milk
  • sterilized baby water
  • baby juice
  • baby products in liquid, gel or paste form
  • baby food powder

Liquid Cosmetics & Toiletries

All cosmetic and toiletries in liquid/gel form, for example:

  • fragrance & perfumes
  • liquid foundations and lip gloss
  • mascara
  • toothpaste
  • all products in pressurized containers e.g. hairspray and shaving foam/gel
  • deodorant
  • contact lens solution

Medicine

  • essential prescribed medication
  • essential non-prescribed medication e.g. cough syrup
  • insulin
  • medical devices

Food

Any liquid-based food products in packets, tubes, plastic or tin containers, for example:

  • jams and syrups
  • sauces
  • paste
  • yoghurts
  • soups (carton or otherwise)
  • stews or curry

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our passengers and guests. If you can't find the answer to your query here, no need to worry. Feel free to contact us by phone or email and we'll attend to you promptly.



I am concerned about missing my connecting flight. How do I ensure that I do not miss my connecting flight?

Upon disembarkation, you will be met by your airline's ground staff. Inform them immediately of your connecting flight and you will be guided to the Transfer Desk for proper assistance.


Who will assist me if I left an item on my flight or at the airport?

For an item left on your flight, the airline representative at the airport will be on hand to assist you. For an item left in the airport, inform any airport operations personnel on duty for assistance you or you may call the Intelligence and Investigation Division, the office handling lost and found items at +63-2-877-1109 local 3654.


Where can I find information about the Philippines upon arrival?

Brochures about the Philippines may be secured at the Tourist Information Counter and at the Concierge Desks at the arrival lobby.


Are there baby changing facilities at the airport?

Diaper changing tables outside the toilets.


How early should I arrive for check-in?

Departing passengers used to be advised to be at the airport two hours before the flight. Due to additional security screening measures, however, it is best to be at the airport three hours before the flight especially if the flight falls within the peak hours of the terminal.


Is there a pharmacy or medical clinic in the terminal? If so where can I find it?

All our terminals have medical clinics with well-trained medical staff. At NAIA Terminal 1, the clinic is located on the left side past the Customs area as you exit to the Arrival lobby. In Terminal 2, it is at the Rotunda, Arrival level. In Terminal 3, it is also located on the left side past the Customs area. In Terminal 4, the clinic is at the pre-boarding area. There are concessionaires at the departure transit area and pre-boarding areas selling common, non-prescription medicines.


Are there lockers or left luggage facilities at the terminals? How much do I have to pay and how long?

Passengers may leave their luggage with a concessionaire, Luggage and More located at the arrival level of NAIA Terminal 3.

http://www.protectabag.com.ph/luggage-more


How can I transfer from one terminal to the other or from the international terminal to the domestic terminal and vice-versa?

We have airport shuttle buses that go around the airport complex at regular intervals. These buses are deployed specifically to pick-up and drop off passengers in all the terminals. The shuttle ride is for passengers with connecting flights are free of charge.


How do I claim for my lost luggage?

Checked-in luggages sometimes get misrouted and arrive at a later time. When this happens, immediately proceed to the Interline Baggage Section to follow-up on your luggage. Be ready to present your airline ticket and the copy of your baggage tag. The Interline Baggage Section at NAIA Terminals 1, 2-Northwing and 3 are located at the Baggage Claim Hall.


Do you have a smoking area in the terminal?

NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have concessionaires at the pre-boarding areas that have smoking rooms for their clients. Other smoking areas are outside the building.
At NAIA Terminal 4, the smoking is only outdoors, at the public area.


Are there hotels near the airport?

The nearest 5-star hotels are about 10 to 15 minutes drive from NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 4. There are hotels right across NAIA Terminal 3.
There are private lounges inside the NAIA Terminal. In NAIA Terminal 3, The Wings Transit Lounge have facilities for sleeping. Please visit their website for details: http://jipang-group.com/thewings/

Is there an internet café at the airport or free Wi-Fi service?

There are no internet cafes in our terminals. Free Wi-Fi is available at the passenger movement areas.


I am going on a 4-day trip. Can I park my car in the parking lot for the duration of my trip? Is it safe? How much will it cost me?

You can park your car in our parking lot for the duration of your trip. Parking costs only P300.00 for a 24-hour cycle plus P15.00 for every additional hour or a fraction of an hour.


I will arrive on Philippine Airlines from an international flight then catch a Philippine Airlines domestic flight. How do I go from the international terminal to the domestic terminal?

You will arrive at NAIA Terminal 2's Northwing. The terminal's Northwing is used for international operations while the Southwing is for domestic operations. You have to exit to the Arrival lobby of the Northwing then walk past the Rotunda to the lobby of the Southwing. Take the stairs or the elevator to go up to the Departure level of the Southwing.


What is the best advice to get me through security as smoothly as possible?

Pack all liquids into checked-in luggage. This will ensure a smooth journey through passenger security screening areas.


Are there fees to be paid at the airport when departing?

The Domestic Passenger Service Charge (DPSC - better known as the Passenger Terminal Fee) of PhP 200.00 for domestic travel has been incorporated in the airline tickets since August 1, 2012.

The International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC - better known as the Passenger Terminal Fee) of PhP 550.00 for international travel was also incorporated in the airline tickets starting February 1, 2015.

The integration of passenger service charge into the price of airline tickets was implemented simultaneously by all airlines. the entire process for the integration of the IPSC into the price of airline tickets will go through a transition perod and is expected to be fully implemented when all tickets puchased/issued pror to February 1, 2015 shall have been flown.

The integration will be by default for tickets purchased online or from ticketing offices and travel agents. Integration will be upon booking or ticket purchase, whether purchased in the Philippines or abroad.

The scheme shall also recognize and honor all exemptions mandated by law.

However, a travel tax is required to be paid to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

For more information:

What are the Travel Tax Rates?

 

First Class Passage

Economy Class Passage

Full rate

PHP 2700

PHP 1620

Standard reduced rate

PHP 1350

PHP 810

Privileged reduced rate for dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs)

PHP 400

PHP 300

What is the maximum amount of money I can bring in to the Philippines?

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Public Advisory on BSP Regulations on Bringing of Legal Tender Local and Foreign Currencies into or out of the Philippines

  • Local Currency

Any individual (either Philippine residents or non-residents) is allowed to bring into or take out of the Philippines up to PHP50,000 without prior written authorization from the BSP.

In excess of this amount, prior BSP written authorization should be secured. The BSP allows cross-border transfer of local currency in excess of the limit only for the following purposes:

1. For testing/calibration of money counting/sorting machines; and
2. For numismatics (collectors of currency)/educational purposes.

  • Foreign Currency

There is no quantitative restriction as to the amount of foreign currency as well as other foreign currency-denominated bearer monetary instruments (such as travelers' checks, other checks, drafts, notes, money orders, bonds) that may be brought into or taken out of the country.

But if the amount exceeds US$10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currency, this must be declared in writing (with information on the source and purpose of the transport of such currency or monetary instrument) using the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) prescribed Foreign Currency and Other Foreign Exchange-Denominated Bearer Monetary Instruments Declaration Form. The BOC declaration form is available at the BOC desk in the arrival/departure areas of all international airports and seaports in the Philippines.

-----------------------

Source: Section 4 of the BSP Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (FX Manual), as amended. The FX Manual and its attachments may be downloaded from the BSP website using these links:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/Regulations/MORFXT/MORFXT.pdf and
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/Regulations/MORFXT/MORFXT-faas.zip.

Reference:http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/media.asp?id=4744&yr=2018

I will arrive with dutiable articles but will bring these items with me when I leave the Philippines. What shall I do so that taxes and duties will not be imposed?

Upon arrival at the airport, you must inform the inspecting Customs Officer of your intention. In this case, you may be required to accomplish a re-exportation commitment form secured by a cash bond deposit equal to the ascertained duty and tax on the article, refundable upon your departure with the article, for which a corresponding Official Receipt will be issued. For more information on this matter, please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

What is the number of cigarettes and liquor I can bring in to the Philippines without being taxed?

The following are tax exempt:

  • Two (2) reams of cigarette or two (2) tins of tobacco
  • Two (2) bottles of liquor or wine not exceeding one (1) liter per bottle

For more information on this matter, please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

I have been living abroad for one-and-a-half years only. Am I already considered a balikbayan?

Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of last departure are already classified as balikbayans.

A Filipino overseas worker (OFW) or former Filipino with foreign passport and members of his family (i.e. spouse and children) who are traveling with him are also considered balikbayans.

For more information on this matter, please visithttp://www.customs.gov.ph.

I will return to the Philippines as a balikbayan and I will bring with me a number of used items. Are these tax exempt?

Balikbayan and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are entitled to a Ten Thousand (10,000,00) Peso duty exemption on used personal and household effects. Any excess is subject to an ad valorem duty (Executive Order 206). In addition, OFWs are entitled to duty and tax-free privileges on used appliances limited to one of every kind provided the total value does not exceed PHP10,000.00. Any excess is subject to duty and tax. The amount of duty to be paid shall be determined by the Customs Officer. Please have all your receipts and / or supporting documents ready for presentation to the Customs Officer.

For more information on this matter, please visit http://www.customs.gov.ph.

Do I have to declare all the articles I am bringing with?

Customs concerns:

All passengers arriving in international airports of entry shall choose between the following types of channels with regard to their accompanied baggage:

GREEN CHANNEL For passengers of international airlines with NOTHING TO DECLARE or having with them no goods for purposes of import duties or taxes, or having with them only goods which can be admitted free of import duties and taxes, and not having with them any good which are subject to import prohibition, restriction or regulation they need not accomplish a Customs Declaration Form for purposed of clearing their accompanied baggage.

RED CHANNEL For passengers of international airlines WITH GOODS TO DECLARE for purposes of import duties/taxes, or having with then goods above the exempted Customs limits, or having with them any goods or articles prohibited, controlled or regulated by several statutes present a duly accomplished Customs Declaration Form together with their Passport of the passenger before commencing an examination or clearance of the accompanied baggage. (Source: Customs Administrative Order No. 02-2014)

For more information, please contact:

(02) 705-6052, (02) 705-6067

For Your Customs Concern
E-mail:
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Twitter:
@CustomsPH
For AMO Accreditation Concerns
Incoming calls only
0906-456-1086
0912-604-4099
Electronic-to-Mobile Customs (e2m)
705-6000 / 705-6095
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Philippine National Single Window
705-6096 to 99
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Customs Intelligence TIPLINE
0916-721-2498
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Office of the Commissioner
G/F, OCOM Bldg., Port Area, Manila
Telephone: (632) 527-4237
Fax: (632) 527-4537
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
BOC Bldg., NAIA, Pasay City
Telephone: (632) 877-1109 / 879-6003
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: http://customs.gov.ph

Can I bring my pets to the Philippines? What are the requirements?

A person planning to bring animal into the Philippines from abroad must apply in writing for an import permit at the following address:

The Director
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Ave., Quezon City
Philippines
Attention: Animal Health Division
Tel. No. (+63 2) 928-1778, (+63 2) 928-2836, (+63 2) 927-0971, (+63 2) 926-6883
Fax No. (+63 2) 926-6866, (+63 2) 928-2429, (+63 2) 928-2177
E-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A valid health and rabies certificate must be obtained from the agency concerned at the port of origin shortly before shipment. The certifcate will be required by hte Veterinary Quarantine Officer upon arrival at the port of disembarkation. Any pet without such a certificate will be detained by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) until cleared.

For countries declared to be rabies-free, the rabies vaccination is waived. The appropriate authorities in the country of origin can provide this information.

For pet fishes, in lieu of a health certificate, a prior import permit must be obtained from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

All animals imported into the Philippines shall be subject to such quarantine and tests as may be prescribed by the Director of Animal industry and those found to be infected with dangerous communicable animal diseases shall immediately be condemned, killed and properly burned or buried in the presence of a representative of the Bureau of Animal Industry at the expense of the importer.

Who must pay and who are exempted from the payment of travel tax?

What is Travel Tax?

The travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on the following individuals who are leaving the country irrespective of the place where the air ticket is issued and the form or place of payment, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended:

A. Citizens of the Philippines;

B. Permanent resident aliens whose immigration status maybe any of the following:

Sec. 13 Quota or Preference Immigrant Visa
Sec. 13 A Visa issued to an Alien Spouse of Philippine Citizen
Sec. 13 B Child born outside the Philippines by a 13A Mother
Sec. 13 C Child born in the Philippines by a 13A Mother
Sec. 13 D Loss of Citizenship by a Filipino Woman by her Marriage to an Alien
Sec. 13 E / RP# Returning Resident
Sec. 13 G NB Former Natural-born Citizen of the Philippines who was Naturalized by a Foreign Country
TRV (LI #33) Temporary Residence Visa
RA 7919 Alien Social Integration Act of 1995
RC /RFC /IC Recognition as Filipino Citizen
RA 7837 Permanent Resident
EO 324 Illegal Aliens Who Entered the Philippines Before Jan. 1, 1984 and Continuously Resided in an Unlawful Status
MCL-07-021 Granting Permanent Residence to Chinese and Korean nationals
MCL-08-003PD 730/PD 419 Granting Permanent Residence to Certain Alien Non-Immigrants

C. Non-resident aliens who have stayed in the Philippines for more than one (1) year.

Note: Non-immigrant aliens who have not stayed in the Philippines for more than a year are not covered by the travel tax. However, TIEZA F356 need to be prepared by the ticketing officer for passengers with the following immigration status except for FGO & their dependents (Sec. 9E) who have stayed for more than a year, they have to secure Travel Tax Exemption Certificate.

9 Temporary Visitor coming for business or for pleasure or for reasons of health
9 B Transit Passenger
9 C Foreign Seamen
9 D Treaty Trader/Investor
9 E Foreign Government Officials (If more than 1 year secure TEC)
9 F Foreign Students
9 G Pre-Arranged Employee
47 A2 / PEZA Special Non-Immigrant Visa
47 B Refugees
APEC/ABTC APEC Business Travel Card
EO 408 Tourist/ non-visa required nationals admitted for 21 days
EO 226 Omnibus Investments Act of 1987
---SIRV Special Investors Resident Visa
EO 63 SIRV in Tourist-Related Projects and Tourist Establishments
EO 1037 Philippines Retirement Authority
---SRRV ---Special Retiree Resident Visa/ Indefinite
EO 191 Granting No-Visa Entry for initial stay of 7 Days for Chinese
Nationals who are holders of Macao-Portuguese Passport
EO 758/SVEG Special Visa for Employment Generation effective March 9, 2009
LOI 911 Granting No-Visa Entry for initial stay of 7 Days for Chinese
Nationals for holders of HK-British-HK-SAR Passport
PD 1034 Executives of Multinational Companies
RA 6768 / BB 1yr Balikbayan
RA 7227 Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992
---SSIV ---Subic Special Investor Visa
---SSRV ---Subic Special Retiree's Visa
---SSWV ---Subic Special Working Visa
---SCWV ---Special Clark Working Visa
RA 7922/CEZA Cagayan Special Economic Zone
RA 9225 Dual Passport (if arrival is stamped in Philippine passport
w/ PP pax to secure TEC)
RA 9728/FWV/AFAB FAB Working Visa (Freeport Area of Bataan)
SSP Special Study Permit (Student Visa)
SWP Special Work Permit under Law Instruction 27
TVV Temporary Visitors Visa
TWP Temporary Work Permit
US Military VFA-USA NS Pecos

As mandated by the law, the taxes are divided among the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprize Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for use in government projects and programs.

For more information:

Contacts:
 
Travel Tax Secretary
Address:
142 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Makati City
1229
Philippines
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 551-9533
Fax: 463-9934
 
 

TIEZA CENTRAL OFFICE

 
 
Florencio V. Abenes
Manager
Travel Tax Department
 
142 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village,
Makati City
(behind Makati Cinema Square)
Tel. No.: (02) 551-4517
 
Edna E. Mangalino
Manager
Privilege Administration Division
 
Travel Tax Department
142 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village
Makati City
Tel. No.: (02) 551-9533

What are the requirements for exemption from travel tax?

Filipino Overseas Contract Workers

  • Valid passport
  • Employment certificate
  • Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from POEA if hired through this agency. The OEC serves as the travel tax exemption certificate; workers do not need to go to PTA for exemption.
  • For those directly hired abroad, a certificate of work or employment issued by the employer and noted by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate ot he Employment Contract authenticated by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate.

Filipino Permanent Residents Abroad

  • Copies of ID pages of passport and stamp of last arrival in the Philippines
  • Proof of permanent residence in foreign country which may, among others, be the official document issued by the foreign government concerned showing the grant of permanent resident status to the Filipino citizen
  • For those between 18 to 60 years old and are employed, Philippine Income Tax Return (ITR) for the previous year

The ITR may either be
- An Information Return (BIR Form 1701C or 1703) for those who do not derive income in the Philippines
- The appropriate ITR form prescribed by the BIR for those who derived income in the Philippines

Infants

    • Photocopy of passport
    • Certified true copy of birth certificate

Can I bring my pets to the Philippines? What are the requirements?

Please verify with your airline regarding their policy about bringing pets.

Requirements Prior to the Shipment of Pet Animals

A person planning to bring any animal into the Philippines from abroad must apply in writing for an import permit at the following address:

The Director
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Ave., Quezon City
Philippines
Attention: Animal Health Division
Tel. No. (63 2) 966-883, (63 2) 980-971, (63 2) 926-6883, (63 2) 927-0971
Fax No. (63 2) 926-6866, (63 2) 928-2429, (63 2) 928-2836

A valid health and rabies certificate must be obtained from the agency concerned at the port of origin shortly before shipment. The certificate will be required by the Veterinary Quarantine Officer upon arrival at the port of disembarkation. Any pet without such a certificate will be detained by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) until cleared.

For countries declared to be rabies-free, the rabies vaccination is waived. The appropriate authorities in the country of origin can provide this information.

For pet fishes, in lieu of a health certificate, a prior import permit must be obtained from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

All animals imported into the Philippines shall be subject to such quarantine and tests as may be prescribed by the Director of Animal industry and those found to be infected with dangerous communicable animal diseases shall immediately be condemned, killed and properly burned or buried in the presence of a representative of the Bureau of Animal Industry at the expense of the importer.

What are the quarantine and regulatory agency restrictions and conditions to the importation of household plants?

Requirements Prior to Shipment of Household Plants

A Phytosanitary Certificate must be obtained from the government agency concerned at the port of origin and presented to the Plant Quarantine Officer. Plants arriving in the country without this certificate as well as those falling in the alert list may be detained.

For pertinent rules and regulations on shipment of household plants, write to

The Director
Bureau of Plant Industry
692 San Andres
Malate, Manila
Tel. No. (63 2) 525-7857, 525-7909
Fax No. (63 2) 521-7650
For Inquiry e-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Personnel Section e-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: bpi.da.gov.ph