Tan Kin Lian Critiques Philippines' eTravel Form Process Amid Frustrations

Singapore, Singapore Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Tan Kin Lian, the former CEO of NTUC Income and a two-time presidential candidate in Singapore, has taken to social media to voice his frustrations regarding the eTravel registration process required for entry into the Philippines. His comments come during a vacation in Cebu, one of the Philippines' most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.

While Mr. Tan appears to be enjoying his time in Cebu, he encountered significant challenges with the eTravel registration system, which travelers are required to complete shortly before their arrival in the country. This system was introduced as part of an effort to streamline the entry process by replacing traditional paper forms used for health checks, customs declarations, and arrival cards.

In a Facebook post dated August 26, Mr. Tan recounted his experience with the eTravel registration. He noted that while booking his trip was straightforward, the registration process posed unexpected difficulties. The requirement to upload a photo for the registration proved to be a significant hurdle, as the images in his gallery exceeded the maximum file size of 5MB. He expressed his frustration with the lack of an option to take a live photo directly through the registration platform, stating that the camera function was deactivated. As a workaround, he resorted to taking a screenshot of a gallery photo to compress the image sufficiently for uploading.

Mr. Tan's challenges did not end with the photo upload. He reported that completing the other sections of the eTravel form also proved to be cumbersome, requiring him to make over five attempts and invest more than half an hour to finally receive the QR code that confirms successful registration. This QR code is intended to facilitate a smoother immigration process upon arrival in the Philippines. However, upon reaching Manila, he was surprised to find that immigration officials did not request the QR code, only asking for his passport instead. He also noted that after clearing customs, he was not asked for the QR code, despite observing that nine other travelers had been required to present theirs.

In his post, Mr. Tan questioned the necessity of the eTravel form, asking, "Why did the Philippine government force visitors to waste over 30 minutes in completing an unnecessary e-travel form?" His comments resonated with some social media users, including former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng, who shared similar frustrations about the complexity of the form and the lack of clarity regarding its necessity. Cheng remarked, "I traveled to Manila recently too. It’s a ridiculously difficult form to fill in and then gives you a QR code that nobody even asks for, but it’s the Philippines."

However, other users offered counterpoints, explaining that the QR code is linked to a traveler's passport, thereby allowing immigration officials to verify that the eTravel registration has been completed without needing to present the code itself. One commenter noted, "eTravel is similar to SG Arrival Card. No need to show QR code as the information is linked to immigration and customs system." Another user reassured Mr. Tan that the immigration system would have access to his registration information and would know if he had not completed the form.

Critics of Mr. Tan's post suggested that a little research could have clarified the purpose of the eTravel registration and its integration with the immigration system. This exchange highlights a broader issue regarding the communication and clarity of travel requirements, particularly as countries adapt their entry processes in response to global health concerns and technological advancements.

The Philippines has increasingly relied on digital solutions like the eTravel form to streamline processes and improve efficiency at entry points, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated more rigorous health protocols. However, the implementation of such systems can sometimes lead to confusion and frustration among travelers, especially when users encounter technical difficulties or unclear instructions. The eTravel system was designed to minimize paper use and expedite the immigration process, but as Mr. Tan's experience illustrates, the transition to digital forms can present challenges that need to be addressed to enhance user experience.

As travel resumes globally, the effectiveness and user-friendliness of such systems will be crucial in shaping travelers' perceptions of a country's hospitality and efficiency. For the Philippines, which relies heavily on tourism as a vital part of its economy, ensuring a smooth entry process is essential not only for visitor satisfaction but also for the broader reputation of the country as a travel destination.

Mr. Tan continues to engage with commenters on his post, discussing his experiences and frustrations with the travel process. The dialogue surrounding his post serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and user-friendly systems in the realm of international travel, particularly as countries navigate the complexities of modern travel in a post-pandemic world.