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Airport Fees in the Philippines

20 October 2022
Airport Fees in the Philippines

Are you getting excited to travel once again? The good news is that the Philippines is opening up its border to foreign and domestic travelers. In fact, the country’s tourism sector is one of the contributing industries that drive economic growth. As of August 2022, it recorded over 1.3 million tourist arrivals, a significant increase from last year’s 163, 879. 

 

With this, the real estate industry is also brimming with real estate purchases and rentals. This only goes to show that the Philippines is on the right track. Despite high inflation rates, a weak peso, and a fuel price increase, the country’s economy remains strong and recovering from its loss due to the global pandemic.

 

So, if you plan to visit some of the tourist spots in the country or buy a house and lot in the Philippines, check out this updated list of airport fees you need to pay before flying out.

 

What are Airport Fees?

Buying a plane ticket is only a part of your travel expenses. Once you step foot at the airport, you will pay airport fees and other charges before taking your flight.

 

Airport fees are your payment as a traveler for the use of the facilities, airport employees’ salaries, and other operational expenses used at the airport. Every country has different airport fees, and in the Philippines, it varies on your point of origin and destination.

 

Now, there are two (2) types of airport fees: airport terminal fees and travel tax.

 

 

What is an Airport Terminal Fee?

Have you ever wondered why you must pay P150 at Clark International Airport? This is called an airport terminal fee or also known as a domestic passenger service charge or airport tax. Usually, the airport terminal fee is included in the plane ticket price. But other airports require you to pay terminal fees upon arrival. Airport terminal fees range from P50 to P300 for domestic flights, while international passenger service charge range from P650 to P850.

 

 

Airport terminals where airport terminal fees are included in the plane ticket are:

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport
  • Davao International Airport
  • Boracay-Caticlan Airport
  • Kalibo International Airport
  • Iloilo International Airport
  • Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan International Airport
  • Bacolod-Silay International Airport

 

Airport terminals where a domestic terminal fee is collected upon arrival are:

  • Clark International Airport
  • Bohol-Panglao International Airport (international flights only)
  • Puerto Princesa International Airport (international flights only)

 

Who are Individuals Exempted from Airport Terminal Fees?

There is also a list of individuals exempted from paying airport terminal fees. They are:

 

  • Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
  • Infants below two (2) years old 
  • Passengers with connecting domestic flights
  • Civil Aviation Authority in the Philippines students
  • Athletes endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission
  • Muslim Pilgrims endorsed by the National Commissions on Muslim Filipinos
  • Personnel authorized by the exemption of the President

 

What are Travel Taxes?

Apart from airport terminal fees, you must also pay a Philippine travel tax. Travel taxes are airport fees for those Filipino individuals leaving the country or traveling abroad. But, this does not apply to foreigners traveling to the Philippines for a quick visit. Thus, a Philippine travel tax is only applied to citizens of the Philippines, non-immigrant alien status who have stayed for at least a year in the country, and permanent resident aliens. 

 

Under the Republic Act 9593, or Tourism Act of 2009, 50 percent of the proceeds go to the TIEZA or Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will get 40 percent of the proceeds, and the remaining 10 percent will go to the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCAA).

 

Travel tax rates depend on the airline ticket class. A full travel tax for a passenger in economy or second class is P1,620, while for a passenger in first class is P2,700.  

 

Who is Exempted from Travel Tax?

You can save money if you belong to individuals exempted from travel tax. They are the following:

  • Filipino citizens with permanent residency abroad
  • Balikbayan visitors who stayed in the country for less than a year
  • Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
  • Government employees with an official business trip
  • Foreign diplomatic representatives in the Philippines
  • United Nations employees
  • U.S. military personnel
  • International carrier crew members
  • Philippine foreign service personnel
  • Students on scholarships
  • Personnel of multi-national companies

 

What are the Documents Needed for Travel Tax Exemption?

You can apply for travel tax exemption by submitting the required documents at the nearest TIEZA office. You need to prepare the following or whichever is applicable:

 

  • Copy of original passport
  • Work certificate
  • Overseas employment certificate
  • Proof of permanent residency
  • Marriage certificate 

 

Afterward, you need to pay the processing fee amounting to P200 and wait for the release of your travel tax exemption certificate. Present this certificate upon checking in at the airport.

 

How to Save Money from Travel Tax?

There are two (2) options for saving money from travel tax: standard reduced travel tax and privileged reduced rate travel tax.

 

  • Standard Reduced Travel Tax

Standard reduced travel tax is applied if you are traveling with family. This includes minors aged 12 years old and below, accredited Filipino journalists with journalistic assignments, and individuals authorized by the President for the national interest. The standard reduced tax for a passenger in economy class is P810, while for a passenger in first class is P1,350.

 

  • Privilege Reduced Rate Travel Tax

You can also apply for privilege reduced rate travel tax if you are a legitimate spouse of an OFW, unmarried children of OFWs (ages 21 years old and below, and OFW children with disabilities. For passengers in economy class, you will only pay P300, while passengers in first class will pay P400.

 

What are the Documents Needed for Travel Tax Privileges?

To apply for these privileges, you need to submit the following, whichever is applicable:

  • Copy of original passport
  • Birth certificates for minors in the absence of a passport 
  • Airline ticket
  • Office of the Press secretary Certificate (for journalists and personnel authorized by the President)
  • Traveler’s editor or station manager certificate 
  • Manning agency certificate (for OFW children joining the seaman’s vessel) 
  • Original employment certificate (for OFWs, their spouses, and children)
  • Original marriage contract (for OFWs and their spouses)
  • Original PWD ID (for OFW children with disabilities)

 

How to Pay Travel Tax?

You can pay your travel tax on the day of your flight. But you can also process your payment online via the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System website. Sign up to register, choose your type of travel class, enter your flight details, and pay. Once payment is made, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt in your email. Download and print two (2) copies, then present them when checking in at the airport. 

 

 

Travel to the Philippines with Investment in Mind

Visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines is priceless and somehow expensive. Apart from airport terminal fees and airline tickets, you must spend on food, accommodation, and transportation. Plus, you will need to pay different fees at your preferred tourist spots, such as entrance fees, environment fees, and more.  

 

To help you save money on travel, why not consider buying an affordable house and lot for sale in your chosen location? Many affordable house and lot properties are developed near the most attractive spots in the Philippines. You can either stay in it or rent it out. So, it’s like hitting two birds with one stone. You get to travel, and at the same time, you have an investment opportunity to earn. 

 

Are you looking for budget-friendly housing packages? Get in touch with our Lumina Homes’ accredited sellers today. We are available in 50 locations nationwide.

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