Are you eligible to use NAIA’s e-Gates? Here’s how to check
The automated e-Gates at Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been running for some time, but many travelers are still unsure if they qualify to use them. To resolve the confusion, official guidelines have been issued detailing who can bypass the standard immigration queues.
According to NAIA, eGate access is currently limited to passengers who meet specific Bureau of Immigration requirements, but eligibility will soon expand to include more travelers.
Why aren't NAIA’s e-Gates open to everyone yet? According to airport officials, the BI must ensure automated processing matches manual immigration counters in preventing human trafficking and border violations.
They said that this "phased approach" follows global best practices, where access to automated border control expands over time rather than all at once.
But take note: even eligible passengers may sometimes need additional checks because of passport scanning, facial capture, travel-record or other BI requirements.
Here's what you need before using the e-Gates, and what to do if you need assistance.
Departing NAIA
Filipino passengers departing NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 have to be at least 18 years old and have an ePassport valid for at least six months at the time of travel to be able to use the e-Gates.
Passengers must update their travel information in the eTravel system and clear the BI's derogatory records with no potential or exact name matches.
Passenger must also be one of the following: A traveler with previous international travel record, an OFW with a valid Overseas Employment Certificate, or an immigrant registered with the Commision on Filipinos Overseas.
For foreign passengers, their ePassport must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel. They should also have no potential or exact name match in the BI derogatory records. There is no age restriction, provided that the passenger's photograph and/or fingerprints can be properly captured at the gates.
Passengers must also be either a balikbayan (under RA 6768) who has stayed in the Philippines for one year or less, or a tourist or temporary visitor (under EO 408) who has stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or less.
Arriving NAIA
Using the arrival e-Gates are only available to Filipino passengers who have a valid ePassport, have their latest travel information updated in the eTravel system, have no potential or exact name match in the BI derogatory records, and must be between 1.2 meters (3'9") and 1.8 meters (5'9") in height.
There is no age restriction for Filipino passengers who meet these requirements.
Eligible but can't get through
If you meet all the requirements but still get turned away at the eGate, you likely need a quick manual verification. This may be because of a passport chip or scanning issue, facial capture issue, incomplete or mismatched eTravel or OEC records, or other BI validation or screening requirements.
If this happens to you upon entry or exit, approach a BI officer to be redirected to a manual immigration counter.