Philippine travel tax: who pays and how much
Every fact links to its source. Schedules, fees and prices change, so confirm with the linked operator or official site before you book. Last checked: Oct 17, 2026.
The short answer
- The travel tax is charged on people leaving the Philippines. Most US tourists on a normal vacation are exempt, because TIEZA exempts non-immigrant foreigners staying less than one year. TIEZA exemptions
Official rates (TIEZA)
- Full travel tax: PHP 2,700 first class · PHP 1,620 economy. TIEZA
- Standard reduced: PHP 1,350 first class · PHP 810 economy. TIEZA
- Privileged reduced (dependents of OFWs): PHP 400 first class · PHP 300 economy. TIEZA
- We don't convert to dollars because exchange rates move; check the current rate before you go.
Who pays and who is exempt
- The tax is imposed under Presidential Decree 1183, as amended, on individuals leaving the country, no matter where the ticket was issued. TIEZA
- Exempt (selected): non-immigrant foreigners staying under one year; Overseas Filipino Workers; Filipino permanent residents abroad staying under one year; infants 2 and under; accredited diplomats; Balikbayans under RA 6768 as amended, including former Filipinos naturalized abroad who stay up to one year. See the full table and documents required. TIEZA exemptions
- If you need an exemption certificate, TIEZA offers an online application; your flight must be at least one day after you apply, otherwise apply at a TIEZA counter. TIEZA
- Former Filipino citizens and dual citizens: check the TIEZA table carefully, since your status changes which line applies.
Paying or getting a refund
FAQ
- Do US tourists pay the Philippine travel tax?
Generally no. TIEZA lists non-immigrant foreigners whose stay is less than one year as exempt; the requirement is the passport page with your last arrival stamp. TIEZA exemptions - How much is the full travel tax?
PHP 1,620 for economy and PHP 2,700 for first class, per TIEZA. Reduced rates are PHP 810 / PHP 1,350. TIEZA - Who has to pay it?
It applies to individuals leaving the Philippines under PD 1183, as amended, unless exempt; it mostly affects Filipino citizens, residents and foreigners who stayed a year or more. TIEZA · TIEZA exemptions - Is it included in my ticket?
Often it is collected with the ticket, but this depends on where and how the ticket was issued. If you are exempt and were charged, TIEZA has a refund process. TIEZA refunds