The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have successfully implemented the e-Travel Customs System across all international airports in the Philippines. This system introduces a unified process where passengers can use one QR code per individual for seamless travel clearance, effective May 10, 2024.
Travelers are now required to fill out the electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) and the electronic Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF) via the e-Travel website or the eGovPH application up to three days before their travel dates. Upon arrival or departure, passengers will need to present their passports and QR code to immigration and customs officers for verification and clearance.
The BOC has reiterated strict compliance with the rules for the cross-border movement of currencies. It mandates declaration for foreign currency amounts exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent, and for Philippine currency above PHP 50,000—unless authorized in writing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for specific purposes like testing money handling equipment, numismatics, or currency awareness campaigns.
Violations such as false declarations or failure to declare these amounts can lead to the confiscation of the currency by customs authorities. Additionally, the BSP does not grant post-confiscation written authorizations for excess peso amounts.
