IN order to ensure smooth and transparent processing at all ports of entry and exit, travelers are being reminded by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on the existing policies regarding the bringing in and taking out of Philippine and foreign currencies.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the policy is meant to guide, not burden, travelers.
“These rules have long been in place to promote transparency and protect both the travelling public and the integrity of our financial system. Declaring currency is a standard procedure and does not prevent travelers from carrying lawful amounts of cash. Our goal is to make the process clear, consistent, and convenient for everyone,” Nepomuceno said.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa said that under current regulations, travelers are allowed to carry foreign currency, including cash and similar travel funds.
However, when the total amount exceeds US$10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, the full amount must be declared to the BOC upon arrival or departure. This declaration may be accomplished through the e-Travel System prior to travel or at designated BOC counters at airports and seaports.
Mapa explained that for Philippine currency, travelers may bring into or take out of the country up to ₱50,000 per person without need of prior approval.
She said that any amount exceeding this limit requires written authorization from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and must be properly declared to the BOC. It may be noted, however, that requests for BSP authorization must be filed prior to departure from the country of origin and may be authorized by the BSP only for numismatics purposes, currency awareness (e.g. museums, exhibits and literary materials) and testing, calibration and configuration of money counting/sorting machines.
“This rule applies to Philippine banknotes, coins, checks and other peso-denominated forms of money. Amounts carried in excess of the ₱50,000 limit without the proper authorization shall be subject to confiscation,” Mapa said.
Mapa further encourages travelers to complete their Customs and currency declarations through the e-Travel platform prior to arrival or departure to facilitate faster processing.
For official and updated information, the public is advised to refer to advisories issued by the BOC and the BSP.
