The Bureau of Immigration has recently declared a significant change in the entry process for Filipinos arriving from abroad. Effective April 1, 2024, arrival stickers will no longer be issued to Filipino travelers passing through electronic gates at international ports of entry.
Arrival stickers, commonly dispensed by e-gates, serve as confirmation of arrival in the Philippines. These stickers replaced traditional arrival stamps issued by immigration officers five years ago, becoming a keepsake for many travelers.
The announcement, communicated over the recent long weekend via the Bureau of Immigration’s social media channels, aims to streamline the electronic gate processing for enhanced efficiency. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco explained that this transition to label-free border clearance is in line with the bureau’s commitment to providing more effective and efficient immigration services.
Despite the removal of arrival stickers, the Bureau of Immigration assures travelers that their whereabouts will still be tracked. Instead of physical stickers, inbound Filipino travelers will receive email confirmations of their arrival through the eTravel system.
This move towards contactless arrival procedures aligns with international practices adopted by countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. These nations also provide email confirmations to tourists and residents, potentially reducing the time spent at airport immigration.
Readers, how do you feel about the Philippines’ shift towards contactless arrival procedures?
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