Beware of fake websites, public warned

The Bureau of Immigration on Thursday warned the public to be cautious of fraudulent websites falsely claiming to be the agency's eTravel site.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco stressed the significance of public vigilance and timely reporting in such incidents.

Tansingco urged the public to be more vigilant and exercise caution online. There are numerous scams on the Internet, and the false use of e-travel credentials to steal data and trick people into sending payments.

He added that they are worried that more scam websites could appear during the upcoming long weekend and holiday season.

The bureau has received complaints about individuals being taken advantage of by phishing websites that illegally demand payment for the use of e-travel.

Tansingco emphasized that the use of the e-travel website is entirely free. The BI encourages all travelers to utilize the legitimate eTravel website for the smooth processing of their immigration requirements.

Passengers are advised to complete the online form at least 72 hours before their anticipated arrival or departure on the platform, which can be accessed through the website etravel.gov.ph.

Earlier this year, eTravel was introduced as the exclusive platform for collecting passenger data both at arrival and departure. It establishes integrated health surveillance, border control, and economic data analysis.

eTravel is a joint project of the agency with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Bureau of Quarantine, the Bureau of Customs, the Department of Health, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Justice, and the National Privacy Commission.