Melo Villareal
Manila, Philippines — Filipino travelers have now more reasons to travel and save big, as the travel tax amounting Php 1,620 will be ceased sooner.
Under the current law, only the Overseas Filipino Workers, infants, and permanent residents of foreign countries are exempted from paying the travel tax, while economy travelers are required pay P1,620 and P2,700 when flying first-class, regardless of the place where the airline ticket is issued or the form of payment.
Travel tax can either be paid in advance in several malls like SM. Make sure to look for the Travel Tax Service counter. However, last year, TIEZA has launched its online payment method for everyone’s convenience. All you need to do is to go to the Online Travel Tax Payment Portal, at the TIEZA website: https://tieza.gov.ph/
- For first time users of the portal, create an account at the website.
- Prepare the following information: Your flight details, the type of ticket you have, and your Credit Card information (which is the only accepted mode of payment at the moment).
- Take the electronic receipt afterwards and bring it with you when you fly. Present it with your travel documents.
These travel tax, although expensive, is divided accordingly; 50% TIEZA, 40% CHED’s tourism-related educational programs and courses, and 10% goes to the National Commission for Culture and Arts.
The Free Travel Tax (SOON)
In an article posted by TripZilla.ph, on the last week of July 2018, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or (TIEZA) chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas said that instead of the present fee, they are considering over imposing a tourist fee of only P500 or approximately USD 10.
The said fee will go directly to a planned Tourist Development Fund (TDF), allotted to the development of tourism-centered infrastructures in the country.
It will also apply to both Filipino and foreign tourists exiting the Philippines from international airports. Paragas is said to eye the implementation by the end of 2022.
What is TIEZA
TIEZA handles tourism infrastructures for the Department of Tourism and manages the collection of travel taxes. The authority shares the collection with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).
The government corporation also brings development to areas with high cultural, historical, religious, heritage and/or eco-tourism values, helping shape a deep sense of awareness and pride for the Filipino’s traditions, natural bounties, and uniqueness as a race.
Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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Also read: International Travel and Vaccinations: What you need to know
