The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed all personnel on full deployment as the Holy Week travel rush intensifies, with international departures at the country’s major airports expected to reach 45,000 passengers daily.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency is adopting an “all hands on deck” approach, mobilizing additional frontline officers and support units to manage the anticipated surge.
“We are expecting heavy passenger volume throughout the Holy Week period,” Viado said. “All our officers are on full alert to ensure that operations remain orderly and efficient.”
The commissioner urged international travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flights, noting that long queues are likely given the sheer volume of people.
Viado added that completing travel requirements ahead of time is essential to avoiding unnecessary delays during the peak of the exodus.
Amid the increase in travel activity, the bureau also issued a warning regarding fraudulent websites posing as the official platform for the government’s electronic travel declaration system, known as eTravel.
Viado stressed that registration through the official portal, the eTravel System Philippines, is free of charge. He characterized any online entities charging registration fees as “clear cases of fraud” and advised the public to remain vigilant.
“The eTravel registration process is absolutely free. We strongly advise the public to register only through the official government website,” Viado said.
Travelers may also complete their registration via the government’s eGovPH mobile app to streamline the process. The bureau encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious websites or transactions to report them to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center through its official channels.
“Our priority is to provide seamless service despite the surge in passengers,” Viado said. “We ask for the public’s cooperation as we work to ensure safe and orderly travel for everyone this Holy Week.”