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When you arrive in the Philippines, the first official you will meet is the immigration officer at the airport. This can feel intimidating, especially if you are a first-time traveler or not confident in English.
But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to prepare, say, and expect at immigration inspection so that your arrival goes smoothly.
After landing in the Philippines, you will go through:
Quarantine and health check (if required)
Immigration inspection
Baggage claim
Customs inspection
The immigration inspection is where officers check:
Your passport and visa status
Your purpose of visit
Your accommodation or return flight plans
Any special documents required for minors (e.g. WEG)
Once approved, your passport will be stamped with your entry date and the allowed length of stay (usually 30 days for visa-free countries like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.).
Be ready to present the following documents to the officer:
Document | Required |
---|---|
Valid passport (6+ months) | ✅ |
Round-trip or onward flight ticket | ✅ |
Hotel or school address in Cebu | ✅ |
Enrollment/Acceptance Letter from 3D ACADEMY | ✅ |
QR code from eTravel system | ✅ |
Visa (if needed) | ✅ |
WEG documents (if under 15) | ✅ if applicable |
eTravel is a digital arrival card. You must fill it out before your flight:
https://etravel.gov.ph
The officer may ask basic questions such as:
Why are you visiting the Philippines?
→ “To study English at 3D ACADEMY in Cebu.”
Where will you stay?
→ “At 3D ACADEMY dormitory in Cebu City.”
How long will you stay?
→ “Four weeks.” (or your planned duration)
Do you have a return ticket?
→ Show your ticket or e-ticket on your phone.
Most officers speak English, but they speak slowly and clearly.
You can answer simply and politely. If you don’t understand, just say:
→ “Sorry, I don’t understand. Can you repeat that, please?”
Minors under 15 who travel without a parent need to prepare WEG (Waiver of Exclusion Ground) documents before travel.
At immigration:
Show your WEG approval documents
Pay the required arrival fee (PHP 3,120)
Present your passport, school letter, and guardian’s ID
⚠️ If you don’t have WEG, you may be denied entry.
Yes. After immigration, you will proceed to baggage claim and then to customs.
Declare any items over allowed limits, such as:
Cash over USD 10,000
Large quantities of electronics
Expensive gifts or resale goods
Personal items, books, laptops, and clothes are usually not a problem.
It’s normal to be nervous. Remember:
Speak slowly and clearly
Smile and remain calm
It’s okay to say: “Sorry, can you repeat that?”
If you feel overwhelmed, show your acceptance letter from 3D ACADEMY and say:
→ “I’m going to 3D ACADEMY to study English.”
Immigration officers are used to international students. As long as your documents are complete, there should be no problem.
Here’s an example of a typical exchange at the airport:
Officer: “What is the purpose of your visit?”
You: “To study English at 3D ACADEMY in Cebu.”
Officer: “How long will you stay?”
You: “Eight weeks.”
Officer: “Where will you stay?”
You: “At the 3D dormitory in Lahug, Cebu City.”
Officer: “Do you have a return ticket?”
You: “Yes.” (Show it on your phone)
Officer: “OK. Enjoy your stay.” (stamp)
Forgetting to fill out the eTravel form
Not having a return or onward ticket
Giving vague answers like “I don’t know” or “Just traveling”
Saying “I’m here to work” (⚠️ Never say this if you’re on a tourist visa!)
Arriving without WEG if you’re under 15
If you have arranged airport pickup with 3D ACADEMY:
After customs, exit to the arrival lobby
Look for a staff member holding a 3D ACADEMY sign
Show your name and wait to be guided to the school van
If you cannot find the staff, go to the designated meeting point (McDonald’s Mactan Airport) or call the school
Item | Notes |
---|---|
Passport (6+ months validity) | Must be valid on arrival |
eTravel QR code | Fill out online before flight |
Return or onward flight ticket | Required |
3D ACADEMY acceptance letter | Must be printed or digital |
WEG documents (if under 15) | Approved in advance |
PHP 3,120 (cash) for WEG fee | Pay at airport |
Accommodation address | Have it written down |
Basic English answers | Practice a few in advance |
Be confident. You are well-prepared.
Officers aren’t trying to fail you—they just want to confirm your visit.
3D ACADEMY has welcomed thousands of students like you.
If something goes wrong, stay calm. Our staff is ready to help once you arrive.
✨ “Welcome to the Philippines! Your study abroad journey starts now.”
3D ACADEMY is a well-established English language school located in Cebu City, Philippines, offering high-quality ESL programs in a safe and supportive environment. Since its founding in 2002, the school has welcomed over 20,000 students from around the world and built a reputation for providing practical, affordable, and personalized English education.
Students at 3D ACADEMY come from a wide variety of countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and many others. This diverse atmosphere creates a perfect setting for improving real-world English communication skills and developing global friendships.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced speaker, you’ll be surrounded by peers who are equally motivated to learn English and grow together.
3D ACADEMY offers a range of ESL (English as a Second Language) programs to suit different learning styles and purposes:
General ESL Courses with 1:1 and group classes
Intensive TOEIC / IELTS Preparation
Business English Programs
Parent–Child / Family ESL Programs
Internship and Working Holiday Preparation
Online Courses for pre- or post-study support
Students can choose from short-term (1–4 weeks) or long-term (up to 6 months or more) study plans, with flexible start dates available every week.
All classes are taught by experienced Filipino teachers, many of whom are TESOL-certified. Their warmth, patience, and dedication make it easy for students to feel comfortable and improve at their own pace.
The core of the 3D program is 1:1 private classes, which allow you to customize your learning based on your personal goals—whether it’s conversation, grammar, business English, or test prep.
The school provides clean and secure on-campus dormitories as well as hotel-type accommodations nearby. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with Wi-Fi and weekly cleaning services. Three daily meals are included in the tuition, with menus designed to suit Japanese and Asian tastes.
On campus, you’ll find:
Study rooms and lounges
Laundry service
Free Wi-Fi
24/7 security
A school cafeteria and convenience store nearby
3D ACADEMY provides comprehensive support in English, Japanese, and other languages. Services include:
Airport pickup
Orientation on the first day
Visa extension assistance
Medical support with weekday clinic visits
Cultural activities and weekend trips
Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, you’ll always have someone to turn to.
At 3D ACADEMY, you’re not just learning English—you’re building confidence, friendships, and a future full of possibilities.
Join us in Cebu and discover where English can take you!
3d-universal.com
info@3d-universal.com