Some of your personal information, as well as your travel details, is collected on the departure card. Therefore, it is necessary to write the appropriate and correct information on this document as it will serve as your identification. Read ‘How to Fill Out the Departure Card for Filipinos?’ for a detailed guide.
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Introduction
Aside from your valid passport and other travel documents, the accomplished departure cards must be presented before Immigration Officer. A departure card, otherwise known as the embarkation card, or outgoing passenger card, is a legal document for recording pertinent information. These include personal and travel details of the departing passenger.
Many countries, through their immigration, use departure cards to gather some passengers’ information. This is to facilitate proper border management, track passenger traffic, and for safety reasons.
How to Fill Out the Departure Card for Filipinos?
To avoid inconvenience at the immigration, here are a few essential things to keep in mind.
Bring a Pen
Before heading to the NAIA or other Philippine international ports like Bohol – Panglao, be sure to carry a pen, ideally a black ballpoint. Instead of borrowing someone else’s pen, bringing your pen may prevent you from the undue delay.
Get a Departure Card
Obtain the departure card at the airport’s check-in counters or the entrance of the immigration control area. For assistance, you may approach the ground personnel.
Fill Out the Departure Card
Departing passengers are requested to write their personal information and travel details. It must be written legibly and ensure that card is free from tears and fold. Below are a few pieces of information asked for on the departure card.
Passport or Travel Document Number
The passport or the travel document number consists of nine alphanumeric characters. It is shown on the top left of the passport’s bio page. Example: P1234567A
Complete Name
Your complete name consists of your last, first, and the middle names. Example: Dela Cruz Juan Sanchez
Date of Birth
The date of your birth should be written in this format, mm-dd-yyyy. Example 01-31-1991
Nationality
Write ‘Filipino’ as your citizenship.
Gender
Put a checkmark on the appropriate box if you are a male or a female.
Address Abroad / Hotel
Your address abroad or your hotel location is the whereabouts of the accommodation you are staying in overseas. Whether you’re staying at a relative house or hotel, indicate the house’s number, street name, town or city, country, and zip code. Example: Wink Hostel, 8A, Mosque St., Chinatown, Singapore, 059488
Address in the Philippines
Your address in the Philippines is your home address in the Philippines. Indicate the house number, street name, town or city, and country on the departure card. Example: 07, Rosal St., Fairview, Quezon City
Contact Number / Email Address
Write your valid contact information. Example: 09771234567 / contact@traveledictorian.com
Occupation
Your occupation refers to a job or profession. If you are an unemployed person, write a student. Example: Financial Consultant
Personal I.D. Number
A personal identification number is any of your valid identification numbers like social security, TIN, student ID, etc. Example: SSS 01-123456-7
Flight or Voyage Number
The flight or voyage number is the carrier code indicated on your booking confirmation or the boarding pass. Example: 5J 807
Port of Exit
Your port of exit is the place you are departing from. So, if you’re leaving Manila for Singapore, your exit port is Manila.
Primary Purpose of Travel
The primary purpose of travel is the main reason for your overseas trips, such as pleasure or vacation, work, etc. Tick the appropriate box.
Signature
Affix your handwritten signature in the space provided to affirm that all the information you provided is correct and complete.
Date of Arrival
The date of arrival is the date you are arriving at your destination. Example: March 15, 2022
Submit the departure card
Prepare all the required documents once the departure card is complete, head towards the immigration control area, and fall in line.
When it’s your turn, provide your passport and other documents, and submit the accomplished embarkation card to the Immigration Officer. However, you must undergo a strict immigration interview once your passport and departure card is handed in. To avoid getting offloaded, read the ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Airport?’ article for essential tips.
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘How to Fill Out the Departure Card for Filipinos.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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