How Much Is the Travel Tax From Philippines to Dubai

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Is the Philippine Travel Tax?
  3. Travel Tax Rates: Exact Figures and What They Mean
  4. Who Pays When Your Ticket Is Booked By Someone Else?
  5. Where and How To Pay the Travel Tax
  6. Required Documentation For Exemptions and Refunds
  7. Common Scenarios: Dubai-Bound Travelers and What They Pay
  8. NAIA and Major Airports: Practical Tips for Dubai Departures
  9. Refunds, Downgrades, and Offloading: What To Do
  10. Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
  11. Cost Context: How Much Does It Really Add To Your Trip to Dubai?
  12. How Travel Tax Interacts With UAE Entry Fees and Visa Costs
  13. Practical Checklist Before Flying From Manila to Dubai
  14. Planning An Extension From Dubai To Saudi Arabia: What To Consider
  15. Realistic Timeline For Processing Travel Tax And Exemptions
  16. Handling Special Cases: Long-Term Foreign Residents, Crew Members, and Transit Passengers
  17. The Refund Process: Practical Steps and Timelines
  18. Mistakes That Cost Money (And How To Avoid Them)
  19. How Saudi Travel & Leisure Helps Travelers With Multi-Country Gulf Itineraries
  20. Scenario Walkthroughs: Applying This To Typical Trips
  21. Final Practical Tips Before You Head To The Airport
  22. Frequently Asked Questions
  23. Conclusion

Introduction

Dubai is one of the busiest international destinations for travelers from the Philippines: tourists, workers, and family visitors alike pass through Manila’s airports every day bound for the UAE. If you’re flying from the Philippines to Dubai, there are a few costs beyond the airfare you need on your radar—chief among them the Philippine travel tax. Knowing exactly what the travel tax is, who must pay it, how much it will add to your budget, and the practical steps to pay or claim exemption will save time at the airport and prevent unpleasant surprises when checking in.

Short answer: The Philippine travel tax for most departing passengers is PHP 1,620 for economy class and PHP 2,700 for first class. Reduced and privileged rates apply in certain cases (for example, a standard reduced rate is half the full tax; dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers may pay the privileged reduced rate). Some categories—like OFWs with proper documentation, certain diplomats, and infants up to two years—are exempt. You can pay the tax online, at designated mall counters, or at airport/TIEZA counters; check your ticket first because some airlines include the travel tax in the fare.

This article explains the travel tax in detail and walks you through step-by-step processes for paying, claiming exemptions, asking for refunds, and avoiding common traps when traveling from the Philippines to Dubai. Along the way I tie these practical steps into travel planning frameworks used by Saudi Travel & Leisure so you leave with both clarity and a reliable plan.

What Is the Philippine Travel Tax?

Purpose and Legal Basis

The travel tax is a statutory fee imposed on passengers departing the Philippines on international flights. It is distinct from airport terminal fees and airline fuel surcharges. The revenue collected is used to fund tourism infrastructure, tourism education, and cultural programs. Practically speaking, it’s a departure levy you will encounter when leaving the country; whether you pay it ahead of time or at the airport depends on your situation and the booking channel.

Who Is Responsible For Payment

The travel tax is generally required of:

  • Filipino citizens leaving the Philippines on an international flight.
  • Foreign passport holders who have resided in the Philippines for more than one year.
  • Permanent resident aliens.

Shorter-term foreign tourists who have stayed less than a year are typically not subject to the Philippine travel tax; their obligations are usually limited to terminal fees and any visa or arrival charges imposed by the destination country.

Travel Tax Rates: Exact Figures and What They Mean

Standard Rates

For departures from the Philippines (regardless of destination, including Dubai), the commonly applicable rates are:

  • Full Travel Tax: PHP 2,700 (First Class) and PHP 1,620 (Economy/Business Class).
  • Standard Reduced Travel Tax: 50% of the full rate (PHP 1,350 for First Class; PHP 810 for Economy/Business).
  • Privileged Reduced Travel Tax: PHP 400 (First Class) and PHP 300 (Economy) — typically extended to dependents of registered Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and certain other privileged categories.

These are fixed nominal amounts set in national regulations and applied uniformly across destinations. When budgeting for a Manila → Dubai flight, use PHP 1,620 as the baseline travel tax for economy tickets unless your circumstances qualify you for reductions or exemptions.

Who Qualifies For Reduced Rates

Reduced rates are intended for specific categories—commonly children, some senior dependents of OFWs, and similar cases. The privileged reduced rate targets dependents of OFWs (e.g., unmarried children below 21, spouse traveling to the OFW’s place of work, or children with disabilities above age thresholds).

Exemptions: Who Pays Nothing

Exemptions exist and are meaningful for many travelers. Typical exemptions include:

  • Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with the proper documentation (e.g., Overseas Employment Certificate).
  • Filipino permanent residents abroad (Balikbayans) who have stayed in the Philippines less than one year.
  • Diplomats and consular personnel with accredited documents.
  • United Nations staff with UN passports or employment certification.
  • United States military personnel on government transport and dependent categories when fares are government-paid.
  • Infants up to two years old.
  • Philippine government personnel on official travel.
  • Bona fide students on approved scholarships and certain other government-designated categories.

If you think you qualify for exemption, you must present the correct paperwork to a TIEZA field office or the travel tax counter before departure to secure an exemption certificate or show the evidence at check-in if the exemption is processed at the airport.

Who Pays When Your Ticket Is Booked By Someone Else?

If a ticket is purchased by an employer, agency, or government, the usual practice is that the payer may settle the travel tax as part of the fare. However, practical realities vary: some agencies collect the tax separately; others include it in the ticket price. Always check your itinerary or receipt for a line item indicating travel tax. Look for codes or notes referencing “PH” or “Philippine travel tax” on the fare breakdown.

Where and How To Pay the Travel Tax

Understanding the payment channels prevents last-minute stress at the airport. There are three principal payment pathways: online prepayment via the TIEZA portal, in-person at a TIEZA or accredited counter, and at airport counters immediately prior to departure.

How To Pay Online (Step-by-Step)

  1. Confirm whether your airfare already includes the travel tax by checking your fare breakdown or contacting the airline.
  2. If not included, go to the TIEZA Online Travel Tax Payment System at least three working days before departure (urgent same-day requests can be processed at field offices or airport counters).
  3. Create an account using your email and passport number, or log in if you already have one.
  4. Enter your ticket number (booking reference), mobile number, departure date, and destination country.
  5. A Reference Number will be generated and sent to your email or mobile (it expires 24 hours after issuance).
  6. Use the reference number to pay via credit/debit card (payment gateway), e-wallets, or over-the-counter at partner payment centers like Bayad Center.
  7. You will receive an Acknowledgment Receipt (AR) by email. Print two copies and present them to the airline check-in counter.

This step-by-step process is practical and removes the need to queue at the airport, but remember the 24-hour expiry for the generated reference number.

In-Person Payment Options

If you prefer or need to pay in person, you can visit:

  • TIEZA travel tax counters at major airports (NAIA Terminals 1–3, Clark, Cebu, Davao, etc.), which usually operate around-the-clock for international departures.
  • Designated mall and government service centers where TIEZA has counters; these operate during daytime hours and are useful for pre-departure payments.
  • Bayad Center branches that accept travel tax payments across the Philippines.

Paying in person is necessary if you’re claiming certain exemptions or if the online system is not an option for your payment method. Always bring your ticket and passport.

What To Present at the Counter

When paying in person, bring your passport, flight ticket or e-ticket number, and any documentation needed for exemptions or reduced rates. If you are processing an exemption, bring original documents and photocopies as specified by the exemption rules (e.g., OEC for OFWs, diplomatic credentials, UN ID).

Required Documentation For Exemptions and Refunds

  • Original passport (and photocopy of passport information page).
  • Valid ticket or e-ticket showing itinerary.
  • Relevant certificate for exemption: Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for OFWs, diplomatic note or embassy certification, UN employment ID or certification, scholarship certification for students, or proof of permanent residence abroad for balikbayans.
  • If requesting a refund, bring the original official receipt for the travel tax, the airline ticket showing travel tax collection, and a completed Refund Application Form.

Common Scenarios: Dubai-Bound Travelers and What They Pay

Short-Term Tourists and Business Travelers

Most short-stay tourists and business travelers who are Filipino citizens will pay the standard travel tax (PHP 1,620 for economy). If your airline included the tax, you won’t need to take other action. If the airline did not include it, you must obtain the receipt via TIEZA’s online portal or pay at the airport before checking in.

Foreign passport holders who have been in the Philippines under tourist status for less than one year are generally exempt. However, if you’ve stayed longer than a year on a non-immigrant visa, you may be liable.

OFWs and Their Dependents

Registered OFWs are exempt—but their dependents who are traveling to join the OFW may qualify for the privileged reduced rate (PHP 300 in economy). The dependents must have their travel documented and are often required to show the OFW’s employment or OEC.

Students, Diplomats, and Special Categories

Students on government-approved scholarships, diplomats, and United Nations employees each have defined documentary requirements for exemption. Processing times vary: diplomatic or UN exemptions typically require accreditation documentation from the embassy or the UN office; students need certification from the appropriate government agency.

NAIA and Major Airports: Practical Tips for Dubai Departures

Check If Your Airline Included the Travel Tax

Before leaving for the airport, examine your booking confirmation or contact your airline. If the travel tax is shown as paid, you’ll see a tax line with “PH” or “Philippine travel tax.” If not, use the online portal or allow time at the airport for payment.

Arrive With Extra Time If You Need To Pay At The Airport

Airport TIEZA counters are available but can get busy during peak travel periods and public holidays. If you need to pay at the airport, arrive at least three hours before international departure to allow time for queuing, payment, and document checks.

Bring Printed Receipts

Even if you paid online, print two copies of the Acknowledgment Receipt. Airlines typically require presentation of one or both of these before issuing boarding passes. Keep digital copies as backup.

Refunds, Downgrades, and Offloading: What To Do

You are entitled to a refund in specific situations: unused tickets, double payments, downgrading from first class to economy, offloading, or cancellation by the airline. The refund process involves submitting a completed refund application with supporting documents and the original receipt.

Expect processing times to vary; TIEZA has formal procedures and may require additional verification depending on the case. If the airline downgraded your ticket, request documentation from the airline to support the refund claim.

Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

One of the most common errors is assuming the travel tax is the same as the terminal fee. They are different: the travel tax is a national departure levy, terminal fees are airport-specific. Failing to check whether the travel tax is already included in the ticket is another frequent oversight—always confirm with your airline.

Other mistakes include missing the 24-hour window for the online reference number, showing up to the airport without the printed acknowledgment receipts, and assuming exemption without the necessary documentation. Avoid all of these by planning ahead and confirming document requirements early.

Cost Context: How Much Does It Really Add To Your Trip to Dubai?

If you’re flying economy, the travel tax adds PHP 1,620 to your departure costs unless the airline has already included it in your fare. For a typical Manila to Dubai round trip, this is a modest fixed departure levy relative to ticket prices. If you pay in cash at the airport, ensure you also have funds for the terminal fee (if applicable) and incidental airports charges.

Because exchange rates fluctuate, convert the PHP amount to AED or USD when budgeting if you need a quick idea of the cost in destination currency—and always check the current exchange rate before departure.

How Travel Tax Interacts With UAE Entry Fees and Visa Costs

Importantly, the travel tax from the Philippines is separate from any UAE visa fees or entry requirements. If your trip to Dubai requires a visa (many Filipinos use visas-on-arrival or e-visa pathways depending on passport and purpose), budget for those fees separately. Airlines or travel agents can often advise whether you need a visa before departure. For broader UAE travel rules and entry considerations, see guidance on UAE travel requirements.

If you arrive via Abu Dhabi or connect through another UAE hub, check specific transfer requirements and whether visas or additional checks apply. For transfer-specific advice, see our practical Abu Dhabi transfer guidance.

Practical Checklist Before Flying From Manila to Dubai

  • Confirm whether your airline included Philippine travel tax in your ticket.
  • If not included, pay the travel tax online via the TIEZA portal at least three working days ahead, or plan to pay at a TIEZA counter or Bayad Center in person.
  • If claiming exemption, obtain and carry the required certification (OEC for OFWs, diplomatic notes, UN certs, scholarship certification, etc.).
  • Print two copies of the Acknowledgment Receipt if you pay online.
  • Arrive at the airport with extra time if you expect to process exemptions or pay the travel tax at the counter.
  • Check UAE visa requirements and fees and prepare those documents separately.
  • Keep copies of all receipts and supporting documents until after your trip.

If you’re considering a multi-country itinerary that includes Saudi Arabia after Dubai, our Saudi Arabia travel resources outline logistics and planning frameworks that make extension planning straightforward.

Planning An Extension From Dubai To Saudi Arabia: What To Consider

Travelers often use Dubai as a gateway to wider Gulf travel, including Saudi Arabia. If you plan to continue to Riyadh, Jeddah, or other Saudi destinations after Dubai, you should coordinate visas (where applicable), internal flight bookings, and arrival procedures. For information on what to expect when traveling onward to Saudi cities, check our specific pages for Riyadh travel planning and Jeddah arrival advice. Planning cross-border logistics early ensures a smoother, more efficient trip and avoids redundant documentation or unexpected fees.

Realistic Timeline For Processing Travel Tax And Exemptions

If you pay online and everything is in order, the process is quick: generate the reference number and complete payment, then receive the Acknowledgment Receipt. If you require an exemption certificate (for OFWs, diplomats, or other categories), plan for a few days for verification and issuance when applying outside the airport. For urgent departures, in-person processing at the airport or regional TIEZA field offices is usually possible, but you should still allow additional time for verification.

Handling Special Cases: Long-Term Foreign Residents, Crew Members, and Transit Passengers

  • Long-term foreign residents who have stayed more than one year may be liable for the travel tax and should confirm their status before travel.
  • Members of international carrier crews and crew-related personnel are normally exempt but must present certification from their airline or the Civil Aeronautics Board.
  • Transit passengers who do not clear immigration in the Philippines are normally not subject to travel tax; however, this depends on ticketing and whether the passenger is considered to be “departing” the country under the law. If in doubt, confirm with your airline or TIEZA.

The Refund Process: Practical Steps and Timelines

To request a refund, gather the original travel tax receipt, the airline ticket showing the tax payment, and supporting documentation explaining the basis for the refund (e.g., ticket not used, duplicate payment, downgrade). Fill out the TIEZA refund form and submit it with the documents. Expect verification processes and variable processing times; sometimes additional certifications from the airline are required. Keep copies of all paperwork until the refund is fully processed.

Mistakes That Cost Money (And How To Avoid Them)

A handful of errors account for most traveler headaches: assuming the travel tax equals the terminal fee, missing the 24-hour validity window for online reference numbers, losing receipts, or failing to secure exemption documents ahead of time. The defense is straightforward: check your ticket, pay ahead where possible, print receipts, and confirm your exemption status with documentation well before departure.

How Saudi Travel & Leisure Helps Travelers With Multi-Country Gulf Itineraries

As the KSA Travel Insider & Cultural Guide for Saudi Travel & Leisure, our mission is to help travelers move beyond surface planning into confident, culturally informed trips. If you are flying Philippines → Dubai and planning to continue to Saudi Arabia, use our portal resources to coordinate visa checks, domestic flight connections, and cultural preparation. Start with our main Saudi Travel & Leisure portal for curated planning tools and step-by-step frameworks to weave Dubai and Saudi visits into one seamless itinerary: visit the Saudi Travel & Leisure portal.

We also provide destination-specific insights—practical arrival tips for Dubai, guidance for Abu Dhabi transfers, and actionable planning advice for Riyadh and Jeddah—so your time in the Gulf is efficient and richly experienced. For Dubai-specific entry pointers, review our Dubai entry tips.

Scenario Walkthroughs: Applying This To Typical Trips

1. Short Vacation (Filipino Tourist, 7–10 Days in Dubai)

Before booking, confirm whether the airfare includes travel tax. If not included, pay via TIEZA online at least three days before departure and print your acknowledgment. Make sure your passport validity meets UAE requirements, secure a visa if needed, and budget for terminal fees separately.

2. Work Transfer (OFW Returning to UAE Assignment)

If you are an OFW returning to work in Dubai, you are typically exempt from travel tax when traveling to your place of employment, provided you have the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Secure the OEC and carry supporting documents. If family members travel with you, they may be eligible for the privileged reduced rate; secure documentary proof to claim it.

3. Long-Term Resident Departing to Dubai (Foreign Passport Holder With >1 Year Stay)

You may be subject to travel tax. Confirm your status and prepare to pay the travel tax just like Filipino citizens unless you have documentation proving exemption. Plan for payment ahead if possible.

Final Practical Tips Before You Head To The Airport

Double-check your ticket line items. Verify visa requirements for Dubai. If you need to pay travel tax, use the online portal early to avoid queues. If you require exemption, bring originals and photocopies of all supporting documents and allow time for processing. Keep receipts safe. If your itinerary extends to Saudi Arabia, plan visas and inter-country transfers in advance with the help of our travel resources—our Saudi Arabia travel resources page is designed to help travelers coordinate those next steps.

If you want to integrate a Saudi leg into your Gulf itinerary, consult our pages for practical city advice on Riyadh travel planning and Jeddah arrival advice so your multi-stop trip is efficient and culturally prepared. Also consider transit options via Abu Dhabi using our Abu Dhabi transfer guidance.

Visit the Saudi Travel & Leisure portal for curated planning tools and regional insights to help assemble a confident Gulf itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the travel tax apply to flights from the Philippines to Dubai even if my ticket was bought abroad?
A: Yes. The Philippine travel tax is levied based on departure from the Philippines, not where the ticket was issued. If your ticket does not show the travel tax as paid, you are responsible for payment before boarding.

Q: Are infants charged the Philippine travel tax on a Manila to Dubai flight?
A: Infants up to their second birthday are exempt from the Philippine travel tax. For other reduced or privileged reduced rates, documentation and eligibility rules apply.

Q: How long does it take to get an exemption certificate for OFWs or diplomats?
A: It depends. OFWs with validated OECs can obtain exempt status relatively quickly, but diplomat or UN exemptions may require accreditation checks. Apply as early as possible and bring originals for onsite processing if your departure date is close.

Q: Can I pay the travel tax at NAIA if I forgot to pay online?
A: Yes, travel tax counters operate in major terminals including NAIA. However, expect queues during peak times; arrive early to allow time for payment and document checks.

Conclusion

Traveling from the Philippines to Dubai is a well-trodden route, and the Philippine travel tax is a predictable, fixed component of departure costs for most travelers. Know the standard rates (PHP 1,620 for economy, PHP 2,700 for first class), verify whether your ticket already includes the tax, prepare necessary documentation for exemptions or reduced rates, and use the TIEZA online portal when possible to avoid queues. These simple steps will keep your departure smooth and let you focus on the purpose of your trip—whether it’s business, leisure, or a longer Gulf itinerary that includes Saudi Arabia.

Start planning your unforgettable journey by visiting the Saudi Travel & Leisure portal.