Understanding the OFW Family Travel Tax: What You Need to Know

Understanding the OFW Family Travel Tax: What You Need to Know

If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you are required to pay a travel tax before leaving the country. This tax is imposed by the Philippine government as a way to generate revenue and support the country’s tourism industry. The travel tax applies to all outbound passengers, but OFWs and their dependents may be exempted from it.

In this article, we will walk you through the basics of the OFW Family Travel Tax, its exemptions, and how to go about paying it. Our aim is to help you avoid any confusion and make the process as smooth as possible.

The OFW Family Travel Tax: A Brief Overview

The OFW Family Travel Tax is a levy imposed on OFWs and their dependents who are leaving the country. The tax is collected by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) through its authorized collection agents: airline companies, international shipping lines, and the Philippine Travel Tax Office.

The tax is calculated based on the class of ticket that the passenger purchases for their outbound travel. It ranges from PHP 1,620 (economy class) to PHP 2,700 (first-class), and it’s valid for one year from the date of payment.

Exemptions from OFW Family Travel Tax

OFWs and their dependents are eligible for exemption from the travel tax if they meet certain conditions. These conditions are:

1. Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)

OFWs must have a valid OEC issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) as proof of their employment abroad. The exemption also applies to their dependents, as long as they are accompanied by the OFW.

2. Permanent Residency Abroad

OFWs who are permanent residents abroad are exempted from paying the travel tax upon presentation of their foreign permanent resident card.

3. Balikbayan status

Filipinos returning from abroad who have been away for at least one year are entitled to a one-year tax exemption. They are considered as balikbayans or returning Filipinos.

How to Pay the OFW Family Travel Tax

If you or your dependent(s) are not exempted from paying the OFW Family Travel Tax, you can pay it through any of the following modes:

1. At the airport or seaport

You can pay the tax at the airport or seaport before departure.

2. Online payment

You can also pay the travel tax online through the PTA’s website. Payment can be made using your credit card or through bank transfers.

Conclusion

In summary, the OFW Family Travel Tax is a mandatory fee that OFWs and their dependents must pay before leaving the country. The amount varies depending on the class of the ticket purchased for outbound travel. However, OFWs and their dependents may be exempted from paying the tax if they meet certain conditions such as having a valid OEC or being permanent residents abroad.

It’s essential to be familiar with the OFW Family Travel Tax and its rules to avoid delays and inconveniences when traveling. By keeping in mind the information provided in this article and staying up to date with any changes to the policy, OFWs can save time and money and focus on their overseas employment or travel goals.

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