The Philippine Embassy in Berlin

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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE E-TRAVEL CUSTOMS SYSTEM

May 3, 2024

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has rolled-out the eTravel Customs System, in the following international airports:

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport
  • Puerto Princesa International Airport
  • Kalibo International Airport
  • Caticlan International Airport
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport
  • Bohol International Airport
  • Francisco Bangoy International Airport
  • Clark International Airport
  • Laoag International Airport

Beginning 10 May 2024, the paper customs declaration form previously implemented will be replaced by the eTravel QR code as part of eTravel System, a digital single data collection platform for border control and health surveillance.

Arriving and departing passengers must fill-out the e-Arrival form with the electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) and electronic Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF) through the e-Travel website at https://etravel.gov.ph or by downloading the e-GovPH application within 72 hours prior to arrival or departure from the Philippines.

Registration to the eTravel portal is always FREE OF CHARGE and must only be done through the official website https://www.etravel.gov.ph or the app.

For further information on the eTravel system, please refer to the FAQs here.

For guidance, please refer to the rules on customs declaration and cross-border transfer of currencies below.


​​General Declaration

  1. Philippine Currency and/or any Philippine Monetary Instrument in excess of PhP 50,000.00; (i.e. Check, Bank, Draft, etc);
  2. Foreign Currency and/or Foreign Monetary Instrument in excess of USD 10,000.00 or its equivalent;
  3. Gambling Paraphernalia;
  4. Cosmetics, skin care products, food supplements and medicines in excess of quantities for personal use;
  5. Dangerous drugs such as morphine, marijuana, opium, poppies or synthetic drugs;
  6. Firearms, ammunitions and explosives;
  7. Alcohol and/or tobacco products in commercial quantities;
  8. Foodstuff(s), fruit(s), vegetable(s), live animal(s) (i.e. meat, eggs etc.), marine and aquatic products(s), plant(s) and/or the product(s) and their by-product(s);
  9. Mobile phones, hand-held radios and similar gadgets in excess of quantities for personal use, and radio communication equipments;
  10. Cremains (human ashes), human organs or tissues;
  11. Jewelry, gold, precious metals, or gems
  12. Other goods, not mentioned above.

Baggage Declaration

  • All persons and baggage are subject to search at any time. (Section 222 and 223 of CMTA).
  • All goods, when imported from any foreign country, including those previously exported from the Philippines, shall be subject to duties and taxes (Section 104 of CMTA), except when specifically exempted.
  • All Travelers bringing in goods with a value of Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10,000.00) or below (Section 423 of CMTA), shall not pay duties and taxes.
  • All Filipino Citizens are entitled to a duty and tax exemption for personal effects and household goods sent or brought in up to three times (3x), the value of which must not exceed One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 150,000.00) within a calendar year. Provided, the goods are not in commercial quantities or intended for barter, sale or hire.
  • Each Traveler is entitled to duty and Value Added Tax free importation of two (2) reams of cigarettes or 50 sticks of cigars or 250 grams of pipe tobacco, and two (2) bottles of liquor with total value of Ten Thousand Pesos (PHP10,000.00) or less.
  • Failure to declare any dutiable goods will subject the Traveler to payment of duties and taxes plus a surcharge of Thirty Percent (30%) based on the total landed cost of goods. (Section 1404 of CMTA)
  • The following goods are PROHIBITED:
    1. Written or printed goods, negatives or cinematographic films, photographs, engravings, lithographs, objects, paintings, drawings or other representation of an obscene or immoral character;
    2. Materials advocating or inciting treason, rebellion, insurrection, sedition against the Government of the Philippines;
    3. Abortion paraphernalia;
    4. Adulterated or misbranded food or drugs;
    5. Counterfeit goods, (i.e. bags, shoes, etc.); and
    6. Goods manufactured in whole or in part of gold, silver or other precious metals or alloys and the stamp, brand or mark does not indicate the actual fineness of quality of the metals or alloys

Currency Declaration

Any person bringing into or taking out of the Philippines local and foreign currencies or monetary instruments is required to declare the whole amount using the Currencies

Declaration Form in the following instances only:

  1. Legal tender Philippine notes and coins, checks, money order and other bills of exchange drawn in pesos against banks operating in the Philippines in excess of the PHP50,000 limit; and/or
  2. Foreign currency as well as other foreign currency-denominated bearer monetary instruments in excess of the USD 10,000 threshold or its equivalent in other foreign currency. A prior written authorization from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is required for cross-border transfer of legal tender Philippine notes, coins, checks, money orders, and tender Philippine notes, coins, checks, money orders, and other bills of exchange in an amount exceeding the PHP50,000.00 pesos limit. The BSP, however, allows cross-border transfer of local currency in excess of the PHP50,000.00 limit only for the following purposes: testing/calibration/ configuration of money counting/sorting machines; numismatics (collection of currency); and currency awareness.

NON-DECLARATION OR FALSE DECLARATION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS SUCH AS CONFISCATION OF THE CURRENCY AND POSSIBLE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to BSP’s regulations on physical cross-border transfer of currencies and other monetary instruments.

WARNING: Offenses that may result in the forfeiture of the goods and/or imposition of penalties and criminal prosecution of the Traveler or Airline Crew.

  1. Bringing in of PROHIBITED or RESTRICTED GOODS under Section 118 and 119 of the CMTA;
  2. Bringing in of REGULATED GOODS in excess of the allowable limits without the necessary import permit under Section 117 of the CMTA;
  3. Assault, resistance or disobedience to a Customs Officer under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines; and
  4. Making any false or misleading statements to a Customs Officer.

Posted by Philippine Embassy Consular Section
Filed Under: Advisories, Consular

PR-ISBN-05-2024 Investment opportunities in the Philippines for German companies discussed in event by the German Asia-Pacific Business Association

February 16, 2024

 

 

08 February 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad joined business representatives during a luncheon organized by the Ostasiatische Verein e. V. (OAV) on 8 February 2024 in Stuttgart. She was accompanied by Commercial Counsellor Nicanor Bautista and they spoke about economic developments in the Philippines and the complementaries that can be leveraged by Germany and the Philippines to grow their respective economies. 

 

The CEO of Baden-Württemberg International GmbH (BWI) and representatives of companies in the IT, medical technology,  e-mobility, real estate, water management, investment and tourism promotion sectors joined the luncheon.   They expressed great interest in the business forum and networking event in Berlin on 12 March during the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to Germany. END

Posted by Culture
Filed Under: Press Releases

PR-ISBN-04-2024 PHILIPPINE EMBASSY JOINS OPENING OF THE PHILIPPINE PAVILION IN AMBIENTE 2024

January 31, 2024

29 January 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad joined representatives of CITEM and DTI in opening the Philippine Pavilion in this year’s Ambiente 2024 held at Frankfurt Messe.  The fair runs until 30 January 2024.

Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad (6th from left) during the Ribbon cutting ceremony opening the Philippine Pavilion, together with officials of CITEM, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, Philippine Trade and Industry Commercial Counsellor Mr. Nicanor Bautista (5th from left) Antique and Quirino Provinces’ representatives and Philippine Pavillon designer Mr. Antonio Gonzales ((first from right)

AMBIENTE is the largest consumer goods trade fair outside of Asia,  attracting over 3,681 exhibitors from 168 participating countries. The Philippine Pavilion with the theme “Hues and Heritage” was curated by renowned designer Mr. Antonio Gonzales.

Forty (40) Philippine company exhibitors joined this year’s fair showcasing home decor, furniture, accessories, and other items produced from Philippine materials such as capiz, shells, abaca, wood, paper and other local materials.   Artisan communities from the provinces of Antique and Quirino, with support from Senator Loren Legarda and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua , respectively,  exhibited unique and functional pieces crafted from the provinces’ abundant natural materials.  

Tarlac Province Exhibitors

Inspired by previous year’s turnout, the province of Tarlac was also present and exhibited independently with returning exhibitors.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Natividad thanked all those who organized the Philippine participation to the fair and encouraged an expanded participation in future editions of the AMBIENTE to showcase Philippine design, craftsmanship and ingenuity.    She also expressed the hope that other local government units would support the participation of their SMEs and artisanal industries so they too can gain a footing in the international market and provide greater economic opportunities for their communities.  

Quirino Province Team headed by Governor Dakila Carlo Cua (center) with Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad, representatives from Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt and CITEM

Ambassador Natividad with Ms. Rhoda Pon-An, Executive Director of Antique Development (ADF) Inc.

Posted by Culture
Filed Under: Press Releases

PR-ISBN-03-2024 Alinam piques audiences’ imaginations in a book-reading event

January 30, 2024

Author Mickey Ingles tells the story of Diego and the topsy-turvy world of Alinam.

Berlin –  Mikey Ingles’ book “Alinam: Diego Domingo and the Mandato Ruiz,” took center stage at a book reading event organized by the Philippine Embassy in Germany.   “Alinam” is a young-adult fantasy book which delves into the rich tapestry of Philippine history, mythology, and culture.

Reading a few passages from his book, Ingles allowed the characters of “Alinam” to temporarily transport the audience to an imaginary world.  

 At the question-and-answer that followed, members of the audience inquired about Ingles’ writing experience, routine, and the inspiration for his characters.  Ingles encouraged his audience to embark on their own journeys as writers and help promote Filipino culture and history in literature and media.  Ingles also shared his hope that these stories be published locally and internationally.  Ingles is finishing the third and final book for the “Alinam” series.  

The Philippines is set to be the Guest of Honor country in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025.  The FBM will be a platform for Filipino authors, including Ingles, to amplify their voices, share narratives, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive global literary landscape. (END)

Alinam brought together a diverse audience of all ages.

Posted by Culture
Filed Under: Press Releases, Uncategorized

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CONTACT US

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0) 30 864 95 00
info@philippine-embassy.de
(General Inquiries only)
For Consular-related Queries please send directly to the respective email addresses below
)

Assistance to Nationals (ATN) / Emergency Hotline: +49 (0) 173 421 7750
(Please help us keep the line free for those with real emergencies. Do not call this number for regular inquiries.)

Consular Hotline: +49 (0) 173 521 5703 (For queries on Consular Services)

Email Addresses:

Passport
(passport@philippine-embassy.de);

Authentication, Notarial, and Legalization
(authentication@philippine-embassy.de);

Visa
(visa@philippine-embassy.de);

Civil Registry
(civilregistry@philippine-embassy.de);

Citizenship
(Renunciation; Re-acquisition/Retention) (citizenship@philippine-embassy.de);

Other Consular queries
(consular@philippine-embassy.de)

Opening Hours
Consular Section
Mon – Fri – Fri 09:00H – 16:00H
(Except on Philippine and German holidays)

 

Philippine Migrant Workers Office (MWO)

For OEC and Verification of Employment Contracts of Balik-Manggagawa in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Russia:

Mobile: +49 17681317465 (WhatsApp);
email: mwo.germanyoec@gmail.com

For accreditation of Agency and Direct Hires in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Russia:

Mobile: +49 15229021623 (WhatsApp/Viber)
email: germany@mwoberlin.com

For OWWA membership, welfare, and labor case assistance:

Mobile: +49 152 2823 8085 (WhatsApp)
email: owwamemb@gmail.com; mwo_berlin@dmw.gov.ph

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