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Advocates Philippines
BI Clarifies No New Travel Fee Yet As Airport Security Project Remains Under Review
Photo credit: BI
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has moved to clear up confusion surrounding reports of a new travel fee, stressing that no additional charge has been approved and that the proposed airport security modernization project is still under review.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said reports claiming travelers would soon be required to pay a P480 fee were based on an unapproved proposal tied to the Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) Project.
According to Viado, the project has not yet been finalized or signed, and discussions regarding its proposed user fee are still ongoing. He said he has ordered a comprehensive review and consultations with key stakeholders before any decision is made.
The proposed CAISS initiative includes a user fee of $4, or roughly P247, which would help fund the modernization of the country's border control systems. However, Viado emphasized that any additional cost to passengers must first be carefully evaluated.
While supporting efforts to strengthen border security, the BI chief said the agency is also mindful of the financial burden that new fees may place on travelers.
He noted that the project aims to improve immigration operations through advanced biometric technology, automated border control systems, real-time risk assessment, and better data integration. These upgrades are intended to help authorities combat human trafficking, terrorism, transnational crimes, and other security threats.
Still, Viado stressed that modernization should not come at the expense of public trust.
He said the ongoing review will determine whether the proposed fee is necessary and reasonable, whether it delivers clear benefits to travelers, and whether adequate safeguards are in place for data privacy and cybersecurity. The assessment will also include consultations with stakeholders from the aviation, tourism, and transport sectors.
The BI assured the public that no final decision has been made and that the agency will continue working with government partners and industry stakeholders to ensure that any future project delivers maximum benefits while remaining fair and transparent for travelers
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said reports claiming travelers would soon be required to pay a P480 fee were based on an unapproved proposal tied to the Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) Project.
According to Viado, the project has not yet been finalized or signed, and discussions regarding its proposed user fee are still ongoing. He said he has ordered a comprehensive review and consultations with key stakeholders before any decision is made.
The proposed CAISS initiative includes a user fee of $4, or roughly P247, which would help fund the modernization of the country's border control systems. However, Viado emphasized that any additional cost to passengers must first be carefully evaluated.
While supporting efforts to strengthen border security, the BI chief said the agency is also mindful of the financial burden that new fees may place on travelers.
He noted that the project aims to improve immigration operations through advanced biometric technology, automated border control systems, real-time risk assessment, and better data integration. These upgrades are intended to help authorities combat human trafficking, terrorism, transnational crimes, and other security threats.
Still, Viado stressed that modernization should not come at the expense of public trust.
He said the ongoing review will determine whether the proposed fee is necessary and reasonable, whether it delivers clear benefits to travelers, and whether adequate safeguards are in place for data privacy and cybersecurity. The assessment will also include consultations with stakeholders from the aviation, tourism, and transport sectors.
The BI assured the public that no final decision has been made and that the agency will continue working with government partners and industry stakeholders to ensure that any future project delivers maximum benefits while remaining fair and transparent for travelers
Jun 2, 2026
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