DMW OFW Travel Pass 2026: NAIA Terminal Fee Exemption, Refund & e-Verify Guide
Overseas Filipino workers traveling from the Philippines now have an easier way to prove their OFW status at the airport through the DMW OFW Travel Pass and the government's e-Verify system.
DMW OFW Travel Pass 2026
For qualified OFWs, the digital system can help airlines verify eligibility for the NAIA international terminal fee exemption and, when applicable, process a refund if the terminal fee was already included in the airline ticket.
But there is one important point to understand:
The terminal fee exemption itself is not new.
The exemption already exists under Philippine law. What has changed is the way an OFW's eligibility can now be verified electronically.
This guide explains how the OFW Travel Pass works, who may use it, how e-Verify is connected to the terminal fee exemption, and what OFWs should prepare before going to the airport.
What Is the DMW OFW Travel Pass?
The OFW Travel Pass, sometimes referred to by the Department of Migrant Workers as the OFW Pass, is a digital document that helps verify a worker's overseas employment and travel clearance.
Eligible workers can access it through the eGovPH app.
Instead of relying only on printed documents, the OFW can present a digital Travel Pass containing a QR code.
Authorized airlines and airport personnel can then verify the worker's status electronically through the DMW e-Verify system.
Under "DMW Advisory No. 38, Series of 2025" (https://wcms.dmw.gov.ph/uploads/DMW_ADVISORY_038_2025_94e76471f6.pdf), the initial implementation covers qualified rehire or returning workers, also known as Balik-Manggagawa workers, including those who had previously qualified for OEC exemption.
What Is DMW e-Verify?
DMW e-Verify is an electronic verification platform that allows authorized airlines, airports, and partner agencies to check an OFW Travel Pass against official DMW records.
Instead of manually checking several pieces of paper, airline personnel can use the worker's digital Travel Pass to confirm whether the OFW has valid travel clearance.
The official system can be accessed through the "DMW e-Verify platform" (https://e-verify.dmw.gov.ph/).
For OFWs, the purpose is simple: faster verification, less dependence on paper documents, and a more efficient way to confirm eligibility for certain airport exemptions.
Are OFWs Exempt From the Terminal Fee?
Yes, qualified migrant workers are exempt from the applicable airport fee upon proper proof of entitlement.
If you're traveling between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, also check our Saudi OFW Vacation Checklist 2026 for passport, Exit/Re-Entry Visa, eTravel, baggage, and return-to-Saudi reminders.
The legal basis comes from Section 35 of Republic Act No. 8042, also known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
The law provides exemptions from travel tax and airport fees for qualified migrant workers.
The provision was later amended by Republic Act No. 10022, while retaining these exemptions.
You can read the laws here:
DMW Advisory No. 38 also states that the OFW Travel Pass may serve as additional proof of overseas employment when claiming travel tax and terminal fee exemptions.
In short:
The Travel Pass does not create the exemption. It helps prove that the OFW qualifies for it.
How Much Is the NAIA International Terminal Fee?
The international Passenger Service Charge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport is currently ₱950 per international departing passenger.
The adjusted rate took effect in September 2025
Qualified OFWs remain exempt from paying this international Passenger Service Charge.
The New NAIA Infra Corp. has also confirmed that OFW exemptions continue despite the adjustment in airport fees.
See the official NAIA operator information here:
"NAIA Operator: OFWs Remain Exempt From Passenger Service Charge" (https://www.newnaia.com.ph/about-us/news/naia-operator-says-fee-hikes-mandated-by-govt-ofws-exempt)
What If the ₱950 Terminal Fee Is Already Included in Your Airline Ticket?
This is where many OFWs get confused.
Airlines often include the Passenger Service Charge in the total amount paid during ticket booking.
So even if you are a qualified OFW, the terminal fee may already appear in your ticket price.
If this happens, you may be entitled to a refund of the applicable terminal fee once your OFW eligibility is verified.
This is one of the areas where the OFW Travel Pass and DMW e-Verify can make the process easier.
A participating airline can electronically verify whether the passenger is a qualified OFW rather than relying entirely on manual document checking.
However, the exact refund procedure may still vary depending on the airline and how the ticket was purchased.
Some airlines may process the exemption during booking or check-in, while others may have a separate refund procedure.
Because of this, OFWs should still check directly with their airline before traveling.
How to Get the OFW Travel Pass Through eGovPH
Eligible Balik-Manggagawa workers can access the Travel Pass through the eGovPH app.
Step 1: Open or Download the eGovPH App
Install the official eGovPH app on your phone if you have not done so already.
Create your account and complete the required identity verification.
Step 2: Go to National Government Agencies
Inside the app, select:
National Government Agencies
Then choose:
Department of Migrant Workers
Step 3: Select Balik-Manggagawa
Open the Balik-Manggagawa service.
Step 4: Select Travel Pass
Choose the Travel Pass option.
If your active overseas employment information is already available in DMW records, the system may generate the Travel Pass using the information on file.
If your employment contract has already expired or your employment details have changed, the system may require you to update your employer or jobsite information first.
Step 5: Check the Travel Pass Before Going to the Airport
Do not wait until you are already at the airline counter.
Before your departure, check that:
-
- Your OFW Travel Pass is visible in the eGovPH app.
- - Your name is correct.
- - Your passport information is correct.
- - Your employment details are updated.
- - Your QR code can be opened properly.
- - Your phone can access the app.
If you changed employer, jobsite, position, or employment status, additional verification may be required.
What Should You Prepare at the Airport?
For airlines that support DMW e-Verify, you should have your:
- Valid passport
- Digital OFW Travel Pass
- eGovPH app
- Airline ticket or booking confirmation
It is also wise to keep backup copies of important employment documents on your phone.
These may include:
- Employment contract
- Work visa or residence permit
- Company ID
- Previous OEC or employment documents
- Proof of current overseas employment
Digital verification is designed to reduce paperwork, but having backup documents can still help if there is a technical or record-matching problem.
Does the OFW Travel Pass Replace the OEC?
For OFWs covered by the new system, the government is moving toward digital travel verification instead of requiring workers to depend entirely on a printed Overseas Employment Certificate.
However, OFWs should be careful with claims that there is simply "no more OEC for everyone."
Different categories of OFWs may still have different requirements.
The initial implementation of the OFW Travel Pass focuses mainly on eligible Balik-Manggagawa or returning workers.
Cases that fall outside the Travel Pass coverage may still require another DMW process.
According to DMW Advisory No. 38, existing DMW online services remain available for transactions that are outside the scope of the OFW Travel Pass system.
The safest approach is to check your own DMW and eGovPH account before traveling instead of assuming another OFW's process applies to you.
Are Printed OFW Passes Still Accepted?
Yes.
DMW Advisory No. 38 states that printed OFW Passes issued through existing DMW systems, including passes manually or temporarily issued by the Migrant Workers Airport Assistance Center, remain recognized as valid travel clearance and proof of overseas employment.
This can be especially useful if an OFW encounters problems with:
- Mobile data
- Wi-Fi
- Phone battery
- eGovPH access
- QR code loading
- System availability
If possible, keeping a printed or saved backup copy is still a practical precaution.
Travel Tax and Terminal Fee Are Different
Another common source of confusion is the difference between the travel tax and the terminal fee.
They are not the same charge.
Travel Tax
The travel tax is a Philippine government levy imposed on certain passengers traveling internationally.
Terminal Fee
The terminal fee, formally called the Passenger Service Charge, is associated with the use of airport facilities.
Qualified migrant workers are exempt from both when they meet the applicable requirements and can properly prove their eligibility.
The OFW Travel Pass can help establish overseas employment status, but the processing procedure for travel tax and terminal fee exemptions may not always be identical.
OFW Checklist Before Your Flight
Before returning to your overseas job, check the following:
- Make sure your passport is still valid.
- Open your eGovPH account several days before your flight.
- Verify your DMW employment information.
- Generate or check your OFW Travel Pass if you are eligible.
- Make sure the QR code is working.
- Save backup copies of your employment documents.
- Review your airline ticket and check whether the terminal fee was included.
- Confirm your airline's OFW terminal fee exemption or refund procedure.
- Arrive at the airport with enough time to resolve any documentation issue.
Do not depend only on screenshots, Facebook posts, or another OFW's experience.
Your DMW record, airline, employment status, and travel circumstances may be different.
What If the OFW Travel Pass Does Not Appear?
A missing OFW Travel Pass does not automatically mean that you are no longer recognized as an OFW.
There may simply be an issue with your:
- DMW employment record
- Employer information
- Jobsite
- Contract status
- Passport details
- Record synchronization
- Employment verification
For example, a worker whose employment contract has already expired may be required to update employer or jobsite information before the system can generate a new Travel Pass.
Workers who changed employer, jobsite, or position may also need additional employment-document verification.
If your Travel Pass is missing, try to resolve the issue before your scheduled departure rather than waiting until you are already at the airport.
Why the DMW e-Verify System Matters
The most important change is not simply replacing a paper document with a QR code.
The bigger development is the connection between DMW employment records and airport or airline verification.
Through e-Verify, participating airlines can validate OFW travel clearance electronically.
This can help reduce repetitive manual document checking and improve processing for qualified OFWs.
Potential benefits include:
- Faster OFW verification
- Less dependence on printed documents
- Easier confirmation of travel clearance
- More efficient terminal fee exemption processing
- Easier identification of OFWs entitled to a refund
For OFWs whose terminal fee has already been included in the ticket, digital verification can also make it easier for the airline to confirm eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use the OFW Travel Pass for the NAIA Terminal Fee Exemption?
Yes, if you are a qualified OFW.
DMW recognizes the OFW Travel Pass as proof of overseas employment that can support claims for travel tax and terminal fee exemptions.
How Much Is the NAIA International Terminal Fee?
The international Passenger Service Charge at NAIA is currently ₱950.
Qualified OFWs remain exempt from the international Passenger Service Charge.
What If I Already Paid the Terminal Fee?
If the terminal fee was included in your airline ticket and you are a qualified OFW, you may be entitled to the applicable refund.
Check the refund procedure directly with your airline because the process may differ by carrier.
Where Can I Find My OFW Travel Pass?
For eligible returning workers:
eGovPH → National Government Agencies → Department of Migrant Workers → Balik-Manggagawa → Travel Pass
Do I Need to Print My OFW Travel Pass?
Participating airlines can electronically verify the digital Travel Pass.
However, keeping a saved or printed backup is still a good precaution in case of connectivity or system problems.
Is Every OFW Automatically Eligible for the Travel Pass?
Not necessarily.
The initial implementation specifically covers qualified returning or Balik-Manggagawa workers.
Workers with different employment situations may need another DMW verification or documentation process.
Is the OFW Travel Pass the Same as DMW e-Verify?
No.
The OFW Travel Pass is the worker's digital travel document.
DMW e-Verify is the system used by authorized airlines and partner agencies to verify that document against DMW records.
Bottom Line
Qualified OFWs have long been entitled to exemptions from Philippine travel tax and applicable airport fees.
What has changed is how the government and participating airlines can verify that eligibility.
Through the DMW OFW Travel Pass in the eGovPH app and the DMW e-Verify system, qualified returning workers can have their overseas employment and travel clearance checked electronically.
For OFWs departing from NAIA, this can also help streamline the international terminal fee exemption or refund when the Passenger Service Charge has already been included in the airline ticket.
Before your flight, check your DMW records, make sure your Travel Pass is accessible, review your airline ticket, and confirm your airline's refund procedure if necessary.
The most important thing to remember is this:
The OFW Travel Pass does not create the terminal fee exemption. Philippine law already provides the exemption. The Travel Pass and e-Verify help prove that you are qualified to receive it.
Official Sources
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is based on official government rules and available information as of September 29, 2026. DMW, airport, and airline procedures may change. OFWs should verify their individual travel-clearance status through official DMW channels and confirm airline-specific exemption or refund procedures before departure.
