Arriving in the Philippines through Cebu: eTravel, visas and what to expect

Many travellers now start their Philippine trip at Mactan-Cebu International Airport instead of Manila. Arriving is usually quick and easy, as long as you sort out a few things before you fly. This guide covers the paperwork, what happens at the airport and your first hour in Cebu.

Entry rules can change at short notice. Always check the official sources named below a few days before your flight, and treat this page as a friendly overview, not legal advice.

Before you fly: register on eTravel

The Philippines uses eTravel, a free online form that replaced the old paper arrival cards. Travellers arriving in the country, Filipinos and foreigners alike, are asked to register, and you will get a QR code to show at the airport.

• Use only the official site, etravel.gov.ph. Registration is free. Any site asking you to pay is not the official one.
• Register within the window the site allows before your arrival. At the time of writing this is 72 hours before you land.
• Have your passport, flight number and the address of your first hotel ready.
• Save a screenshot of the QR code on your phone, and keep a printed copy if you can, in case your battery or data runs out.
• The form also asks customs questions. Answer them honestly, especially about cash and goods.
• You will usually need to register again on eTravel before you leave the country, so check this before your flight home.

Visas and the onward ticket

Citizens of many countries, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many Asian countries, can enter the Philippines without a visa for a short stay, usually up to 30 days. Some nationalities get a longer or shorter stay, some have extra conditions, and others need a visa before they travel.

• Check your own nationality on the Department of Foreign Affairs website (dfa.gov.ph) or with the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate.
• Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
• Have proof of an onward or return ticket leaving the Philippines within your allowed stay. Airlines often ask for it at check-in, and immigration officers may ask too.
• Want to stay longer? Visa-free stays can usually be extended at a Bureau of Immigration office (immigration.gov.ph), including offices in the Cebu area. Apply before your stay runs out.
• Immigration officers may also ask where you are staying and how long you plan to be in the country. Answer simply and keep your hotel booking handy.

Customs: what you can bring

Your own clothes, phone, laptop and camera for personal use are fine. Things to keep in mind:

• Cash: at the time of writing you may bring in up to ₱50,000 in Philippine pesos (more needs prior permission from the central bank), and foreign currency above US$10,000 or its equivalent must be declared. Undeclared cash can be confiscated, so check the current rules with the Bureau of Customs or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
• Gifts and new goods above the duty-free allowance, and alcohol or tobacco above the set limits, may be taxed.
• Never carry illegal drugs, weapons or anything you are unsure about. Penalties in the Philippines are very strict.
• Fresh meat, fruit, plants and some foods may need permits. If in doubt, leave them at home or declare them.
• Check the Bureau of Customs website (customs.gov.ph) for current allowances.

Arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

International flights use Terminal 2, the building with the curved wooden roof. Here is what usually happens after you land:

1. Follow the signs to Immigration. Filipino passport holders can often use the automated eGates. Foreign visitors queue at the counters.
2. Hand over your passport and show your eTravel QR code. Have your onward ticket and hotel address ready in case you are asked.
3. Collect your bags at baggage claim.
4. Pass through Customs. Most travellers simply walk through, but bags can be checked or scanned.
5. Walk out to the arrivals hall, where you will find SIM card counters, ATMs, money changers and the transport queues.

Queues are usually short, but they can build up when several international flights land at the same time, often in the evening.

SIM cards and money at the airport

You will want mobile data straight away for maps and ride apps. Prepaid SIM cards are sold in the arrivals area, and the staff can help you set them up. By law, SIM cards in the Philippines must be registered, so bring your passport. Read our guide to SIM cards and internet in the Philippines for networks, eSIMs and registration.

For cash, use an ATM in the terminal or change a small amount at a money changer for your first ride and meal. Rates are often better in the city, so you do not need to change much here. Our guide to money in Cebu covers ATMs, fees, cards and how much cash to carry.

Getting to Cebu City or your hotel

The airport is on Mactan Island, connected to Cebu City by bridges. You can take an airport taxi, book a ride with an app such as Grab, or take an airport bus. Traffic on the bridges can be heavy at rush hour. Our step-by-step guide, Mactan airport to Cebu City, explains each option, where to find it and what to expect to pay.

If you are heading straight to the islands, see ferries from Cebu and the Cebu to Bohol ferry. For buses to Moalboal, Oslob or the north, read about the Cebu bus terminals.

Tips for your first day

• Keep your passport, phone and cash in a zipped bag while you move through the airport.
• Only use official taxi queues or app bookings. Politely say no to people offering rides inside the terminal.
• Carry some small notes (₱20, ₱50, ₱100). Many drivers cannot change big notes.
• Drink bottled or filtered water, rest, and take your first day slowly in the heat.
• Learn a few words of Cebuano. Our list of Cebuano phrases is a good start.
• In an emergency, call 911.

Next, read our tips for your first time in Cebu, staying safe in Cebu and where to stay in Cebu, then plan your days with the 5-day Cebu itinerary.

Photo: "Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2, Jan 2024" by Ralff Nestor Nacor, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.