If you’ve been dreaming of exploring the gorgeous rainforests of Brunei, diving in Malaysia, or island-hopping through Indonesia, we have the ultimate good news for you.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has just signed Memorandum Order 29, officially waiving the travel tax for departures out of Mindanao and Palawan heading to any BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) destination.
Yes, you read that right—more pocket money for your actual trip! Here is everything you need to know about this major travel win.
More deals to fuel your next vacation?
What exactly is the deal? 🔎
Under the new order, you won't have to pay the standard Philippine travel tax if you are flying out or taking a ferry from any international hub in Mindanao or Palawan directly to Brunei, Indonesia, or Malaysia.
The best part? This tax exemption is locked in for the next few years and will run all the way until June 30, 2028.
Do I qualify for the tax exemption? 🤔
To skip the travel tax counter, you just need to meet these simple conditions:
- The Route: Your trip must start at an international airport or seaport located in Mindanao or Palawan.
- The Destination: You must be bound for a BIMP-EAGA country (Brunei, Indonesia, or Malaysia).
- The Timing: If you have a connecting flight, it must be confirmed within 24 hours on the same day.
- The Paperwork: Before you head out, you can secure your official travel tax exemption certificate from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Why is this happening now? 📈
This awesome perk isn't just about saving us a few pesos—it's part of a massive push to bring our neighboring countries closer together. By dropping the travel tax, the government wants to make it much cheaper and easier to travel, trade, and invest across these regional borders.
Even better news for your future itineraries: the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is already working hard behind the scenes to revive suspended travel routes. Keep your eyes peeled for the comeback of direct Davao-to-Manado (Indonesia) flights, a brand-new Zamboanga-to-Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) air link, and expanded ferry options between Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, and Sandakan!
Time to plan your next long weekend! 🗺️
With the travel tax out of the equation and new routes on the horizon, there has never been a better time to plan a Southern Philippines departure.
Whether you’re eyeing a shopping spree in Kuala Lumpur, a cultural dive into Bandar Seri Begawan, or a nature retreat in Manado, your next stamp in your passport just got a lot cheaper.
