International Travel Checklist for Filipinos

February 20, 2025

Grabe, nakaka-excite mag-travel abroad, 'di ba? Pero nakakastress din kapag hindi prepared. True story: the first time I flew to Singapore, muntik na akong ma-late kasi mali yung terminal na pinuntahan ko. Kaya mga besh, basahin nyo ‘to.

From airport processes to packing the right stuff, I’ll share everything you need in this international travel checklist — with tips na sobrang relatable sa ating mga Pinoy!

At the end of the article, you can download our free international travel checklist so you can just print it out and check off the things that you’ve already packed!

Preparing for Your International Trip

Filipinos love to explore the world — from Japan's cherry blossoms to Korea's K-drama filming locations. But before you fly, you need a complete international travel checklist. Tara, let’s get ready!

Essential Travel Documents

Immigration in the Philippines can be strict. They may ask for various documents depending on your status. Don’t get caught off-guard!

○ Passport – Valid for at least six months from your travel date.

○ Visa – Check visa requirements for your destination.

○ Plane Tickets – Printed and digital copies.

○ Travel Insurance – Highly recommended for emergencies.

○ Valid IDs – Government-issued IDs like driver’s license or UMID.

Basic Documents Immigration Might Ask For:

○ Plane Tickets – Just show your airline booking printout.

○ Hotel Booking – The receipt of your hotel booking.

○ Itinerary – A printout of where you plan to go.

Money Matters

○ Cash – Local currency for daily expenses.

○ GCash Card & GoTyme Card – Best rates when traveling! Just withdraw at an ATM abroad.

○ Credit/Debit Cards – Inform your bank to avoid blocked transactions.

○ Travel Wallet – Organize your money and documents.

Travel tip: We don’t suggest going to a money exchange to convert your peso. The rates are much higher, especially when you have it exchanged at the airport.

Airport Processes in the Philippines

The airport process in the Philippines is quite tedious. Long lines. So much bureaucracies. So, make sure to be prepared.

Go to the Right Airport

In Metro Manila, you have:

○ NAIA Terminal 1: International flights for Philippine Airlines (PR)

○ NAIA Terminal 2: Domestic flights from AirAsia Philippines (Z2), Philippine Airlines (PR), PAL Express (2P), and RoyalAir Philippines (RW)

○ NAIA Terminal 3: Domestic flights for Cebu Pacific or CebGO (5J and DG) and international flights for AirAsia Philippines (Z2), Cebu Pacific (5J), and other international airlines

Make sure to be at the right airport. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), sometimes called MIA or Manila International Airport, has recently reassigned the terminals for various flights this 2025. Please double-check your itinerary to see the most updated terminal number.

You wouldn’t want to waste your time!

There are also other international airports in the Philippines, including Clark International Airport (CRK), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Iloilo International Airport (RPVI), and Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO).

It may or may not be cheaper to fly from these airports, so make sure to check the prices before booking your flight.

Travel Tax and Check-In

Now once you get inside the airport, make sure that you pay for the travel tax. The travel tax for Filipinos is as follows:

○ Philippine Travel Tax: PHP 1,620 (Economy), PHP 2,700 (Business), PHP 3,000 (First Class).

○ Check-In Counter: Arrive 3-4 hours before departure.

Hand-Carry Luggage Size & Weight Requirements

Depending on the airline, you get to have a free 7kg hand-carry luggage. Now, make sure that you meet the size and weight requirements to avoid the stress.

○ Cebu Pacific: 7kg, 56cm x 36cm x 23cm + personal item

○ AirAsia: 7kg, 56cm x 36cm x 23cm + personal item

○ Philippine Airlines: 7kg, 56cm x 36cm x 23cm + personal item

BEWARE: Exceeded the limit? The attendant may or may not weight your baggage for checking. Be ready to buy checked baggage on the spot — masakit sa bulsa!

That’s especially when you’re riding AirAsia, which recently had a stricter implementation on carry-on luggage size and weight.

Security Screening & Immigration

As a default in all airports, you should comply with the following:

○ Liquids: Max 100ml per container. Must fit in a 1-liter clear resealable bag.

○ Electronics: Laptops and tablets must be taken out during screening.

○ Immigration Interview: Be confident. Answer honestly.

Tip: We suggest that you bring an empty water bottle when passing through the security check. There are multiple water refilling stations in NAIA and other local and international airports.

Boarding

Double-check your boarding gate. Gates sometimes change last minute.

In airlines such as Cebu Pacific, they will text you the final boarding gate a few minutes before the flight, provided that you gave them your phone number when booking the ticket.

Packing for Your International Trip

When traveling internationally, we suggest that you pack light. Wag mong dalhin ‘yung buong bahay mo, bes! Remember, may weight and size restrictions tayo.

Stuff to Pack for a Trip

What are you supposed to pack for your trip abroad, ba? Here are things that you need to have inside your luggage:

Clothing Essentials

The rule of thumb when packing for clothing is to follow the 3-2-1 rule. That means that you should bring clothing at a ratio of 3 pairs of undergarments, 2 pairs of tops, and 1 pair of bottoms.

Adjust accordingly, depending on the weather and the number of days you’re spending out of the country.

But make sure to have the following (non-negotiable):

○ Lightweight Clothes – Easy to layer.

○ Jacket – To keep you warm.

○ Underwear – Don’t forget to bring extra pairs for these!

○ Comfortable Shoes – Essential for long walks.

○ Socks – Bring at least 1 extra pair of socks.

○ Swimwear – If you’re visiting beaches in Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia.

○ Slippers or Flip Flops – For hotel use, beach trips

Note: If you’re going to a country for winter, make sure to bring thermal base layers and down jackets to keep you warm.

Gadget Essentials

Aminin! Hindi ka mabubuhay pag walang gadgets, lalo na high-tech na lahat ngayon! Don’t forget to bring the following when traveling abroad:

○ Smartphone & Charger – For maps and bookings.

○ Power Bank – Keep your gadgets alive.

○ Laptop & Charger – For freelancers and online businesses.

○ Camera and SD card – If you love taking photos.

○ Travel Adapter – For different plug types abroad.

Make sure to double-check the plug types the country has. Here is a full list of the types of plugs, sockets, and voltages for every country.

Here’s a basic power outline guide for the most popular countries that Filipinos usually visit (Taiwan, Japan, USA, Thailand, China, UK, Hong Kong, etc.):

Infographic by Discoverist.sg - Changi Recommends

Toiletries

The most important things that you should have while traveling are toiletries and hygiene kits. Depending on where you’re staying, these may or may not be provided to you for free.

Ayaw natin ng extra gastos sa 7/11, Family Mart, o Circle K nila, diba?

○ Toothbrush & Travel-Sized Toothpaste (100ml max)

○ Shampoo Sachets & Small Bar Soap

○ Facial Wash (100ml max)

○ Moisturizer (100ml max)

○ Sun Screen (100ml max)

○ Deodorant (100ml max)

○ Tissue & Wet Wipes

○ Sanitary Napkins/Tampons – For women travelers.

○ Extra Plastic Bag – to store wet or dirty clothes.

○ IslaDry Microfiber Travel Towel (Buy here) – Lightweight and dries fast.

Note: Not all accommodations provide you with towels, especially when you’re staying in an Airbnb, transient, homestay, inn, or budget hotel. We suggest that you bring a travel towel so you don’t need to buy a towel once you get there.

The IslaDry travel bath towel is portable, compact, and lightweight. You don’t have to worry about not having space in your bag because it’s small. But when you open it, you get a regular-sized bath towel that you can use after you take a shower.

isladry quick dry travel towel with pouch

Pag nagdala ka ng IslaDry travel bath towel, wala ka ng rason para sabihing, ‘Ay, hindi na ako maliligo today kasi wala akong dalang tawal, eh!’

Syempre, dapat lagi tayong fresh, lalo na pag nagtatake ng mga selfie, groufie, and OOTD!

Long Haul Flight Essentials

Once you’re inside the airplane, make sure to bring the following things to make your flight more comfortable.

○ Neck Pillow & Blanket – Stay cozy.

○ Headphones – For in-flight entertainment.

○ Eye Mask & Earplugs – For restful sleep.

○ Healthy Snacks – Airline food not your thing? Bring your own.

Tip: We suggest that you bring your IslaDry travel towel with you during your flight so you can use it as a scarf / blanket / cover-up when it gets too cold.

Extras

These are things that you might not need but it’s a good-to have.

○ Canvas bag: If you’re planning to buy souvenirs and pasalubong, make sure to always bring a reusable bag with you. In some countries, you have to pay for the plastic bag or packaging, so it’s better to bring your own bag to save money (and save the planet, too).

○ Medicine and first aid kid: Things can happen. Emergencies can happen. Long flights, jet lag, sudden headaches — hindi natin alam kung kailan aatake. Bring the following: Paracetamol, antihistamines, cold and flu relief medicine, and pain relief creams or patches.

○ Candy: You might get hungry when traveling. Pero di naman palaging meal time. Your candy is your pampatawid gutom. It also works if feeling mo nahihilo ka.

Bags You Can Use for Your International Trip

"Anong bag ang perfect sa next adventure ko?" Here are the types of luggage you can use for your next trip!

Personal Item Bag Options

○ Laptop Bag: For freelancers or business travelers, a laptop bag is essential. It keeps your laptop secure and often has extra pockets for chargers and documents.

○ Small Bag: This could be a purse, small backpack, or crossbody bag. It should fit under the seat in front of you. Ideal for holding passports, wallets, and gadgets.

Hand-carry Luggage Options

○ Duffel Bag: Perfect for weekend getaways or short trips. Duffel bags are flexible, lightweight, and fit well in overhead compartments. Make sure it meets airline requirements — 56cm x 36cm x 23cm for most airlines.

○ Hardshell Luggage: If you’re carrying fragile items, go for a 20-inch hardshell luggage (S). It provides better protection and is water-resistant.

○ Softshell Luggage: A 20-inch softshell luggage (S) is lighter and flexible. Great if you plan to shop abroad. It also has extra pockets for easy access.

Check-in Luggage Options

○ Medium-sized Luggage: Ranges from 24 to 26 inches. Ideal for trips lasting five to seven days. It’s spacious enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes with extra room for souvenirs.

○ Large Luggage: 28 to 30 inches. Perfect if you’re staying for more than a week or traveling to destinations with varying weather conditions that require more wardrobe options.

○ Balikbayan Box: For Filipino travelers, the balikbayan box is a classic choice when heading back home. It’s the perfect option for carrying super many pasalubong — chocolates, snacks, clothes, and gifts for family and friends.

Tip: Always use TSA-approved locks for your luggage. Also, make sure that you have a luggage tag with your contact details just in case your luggage gets lost. You can also put a luggage cover so that you can easily identify your luggage.

Note: If you’re traveling to destinations known for rough baggage handling, consider wrapping your luggage in plastic for extra protection.

International Travel Checklist for Filipino Travelers

Now that you’ve got a gist of everything that you have to bring and prepare, here’s a summary of the things that you have to bring:

▢ Valid passport (at least six months before expiration)

▢ Visa (if required by your destination)

▢ Printed and digital copies of plane tickets

▢ Hotel booking receipts and travel itinerary

▢ Travel insurance (highly recommended)

▢ Government-issued IDs (e.g., UMID, driver’s license)

▢ Certificate of Employment, Company ID, and approved leave form (if employed)

▢ Business registration and income tax return (if self-employed)

▢ School ID and proof of enrollment (if student)

▢ Overseas Employment Certificate and contract (if OFW)

▢ Affidavit of support and sponsor’s financial documents (if unemployed)

▢ Completed eTravel form for both departure and arrival

▢ Cash in local currency for daily expenses

▢ GCash Card and GoTyme Card for ATM withdrawals abroad

▢ Credit and debit cards (notify your bank before travel)

▢ Travel wallet for organizing money and documents

▢ Paid Philippine travel tax

▢ Hand-carry luggage within airline size and weight limits

▢ Check-in luggage if you have

▢ Luggage tags with contact details

▢ Luggage cover for easy identification and added protection (optional)

▢ Travel adapter suitable for destination country’s plug type

▢ Smartphone and charger

▢ Power bank

▢ Laptop and charger (especially for freelancers)

▢ Camera with extra SD card for capturing memories

▢ Comfortable clothing following the 3-2-1 rule (3 undergarments, 2 tops, 1 bottom per day)

▢ Swimwear, slippers, and socks for beach destinations

▢ Jacket and thermal wear for colder destinations

▢ IslaDry Microfiber Travel Bath Towel for all occasions

▢ Toiletries in 100ml containers: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, facial wash, moisturizer, deodorant, sunscreen

▢ Sanitary napkins/tampons (for female travelers)

▢ Tissue, wet wipes, and extra plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes

▢ Neck pillow, sleeping mask, and earplugs for long-haul flights

▢ Healthy snacks

▢ Candies

▢ Canvas bag or reusable bag for

▢ Medicine and first aid kit

▢ Refillable water bottle (empty when passing security)

We suggest that you download and print this checklist so that you can just check off each item before your trip.

DOWNLOAD FREE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CHECKLIST FOR FILIPINOS HERE.

If you don’t want to download the PDF version, you can also take a screenshot of the checklist so you can view it again before your flight.

Final Reminders Before You Fly

Now, before you fly, please make sure to:

○ Confirm flight schedules.

○ Double-check all documents and essentials.

○ Be at the airport early to avoid the stress of last-minute rushes.

Ready for Your International Adventure?

With this all-in-one international travel checklist, you are *hopefully* fully prepared. From stuff to pack for a trip to airline weight limits and immigration tips, you’ve got everything you need.

Most especially, chill. Don’t panic. Don’t be stressed, especially if it’s your first time!

Don’t forget your IslaDry Microfiber Travel Towel — a Filipino traveler’s best friend. Compact, quick-drying, and perfect for every adventure, whether it’s beach bumming in Bali, skiing in Hokkaido’s snowy mountains, nature tripping in New Zealand, or hiking in the mountains of Mount Everest in Nepal!

Buy now and travel hassle-free. Tara, let’s explore the world the Filipino way!