3D ACADEMY: Complete Travel Guide, from Leaving Japan to Arriving on Cebu Island
Introduction
Here is the whole process, step by step, from leaving Japan to arriving at the new 3D ACADEMY MIT Building.
So that even first-time travelers to Cebu Island do not get lost, we summarize how to choose your flight route, immigration control, eTravel registration and airport pick-up.
We recommend reading this page once before your trip and again on the day you leave.
From boarding in Japan to arriving at the school
Leaving Japan
Be sure to get the departure stamp. Even if you use an automatic facial recognition system, also go to an exit control officer.
Travel to Cebu
① Direct flight ② Via Manila ③ Via another country. If you travel via Manila, you will need to connect to a domestic flight.
Immigration control
Show the eTravel QR code you registered beforehand. As your address of stay, enter the school's address.
Baggage claim and customs
It is advisable to take items bought at duty-free shops out of their bags and put them inside your luggage.
Airport pick-up
The 3D ACADEMY sign is your reference point. International flights arrive at Terminal 2, domestic flights at Terminal 1.
Arrival at the MIT Building
About 40 minutes by car from the airport. After you arrive, you will be accompanied to your room.
The basics of arrival and departure days
There have been cases of denied boarding. At our school, we recommend booking an onward ticket even if you will not use it.
The 3 routes from Japan to Cebu
| Route | Airlines operating | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ① Direct flight Japan–Cebu (recommended) | Philippine Airlines | No stopovers, so it is the route that puts the least strain on you. |
| ② Via Manila | Philippine Airlines / Cebu Pacific / AirAsia | After arriving in Manila, you transfer to a domestic flight to Cebu. The connection is usually made with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. |
| ③ Via another country | Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) / Korean Air (via Incheon) / Cebu Pacific (via Incheon, Busan, Hong Kong, etc.) | A route that enters Cebu with a stopover in another country. |
If you use the route via Manila, since international and domestic flights operate from different terminals, we recommend allowing a connection time of at least 3 hours.
For those using flights via South Korea: there have been reports of duties being applied to items bought at duty-free shops. Take them out of their bags and put them inside your luggage.
Entry restrictions for the Philippines
| Item | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Firearms | Strictly prohibited (entry is not allowed under any circumstances) |
| Alcohol | Up to 2 bottles of 1 liter or less (ages 18 and over) |
| Tobacco | Up to 400 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 g of pipe tobacco (ages 18 and over) |
| Currency | Up to 50,000 Philippine pesos / up to 10,000 US dollars in foreign currency (if this limit is exceeded, you must declare it) |
Personal effects are basically not subject to tax, but in recent years there have been reports at Mactan-Cebu International Airport customs of duties being applied to items bought at duty-free shops. This is seen especially among those using flights via South Korea, so we recommend taking items bought at duty-free shops out of their bags and putting them inside your luggage.
Documents you may be asked for when entering the country: passport, eTravel QR code, return or onward ticket to a third country, certificate of admission (if requested).
Steps for eTravel registration
Create and register an account
Create an account with your e-mail address.
Enter your travel details
Enter your flight number, arrival date, address of stay, etc.
Save the QR code
Save a screenshot of the QR code you will receive by e-mail, or print it and carry it with you.
https://etravel.gov.ph/ Fraudulent sites have been detected. Do not access it through search results; always enter the URL shown directly, or access it through the QR code our school provides you to register.
How to enter your address of stay
Under “Destination upon arrival in the Philippines,” select “Residences” and enter the following.
5/F MIT Building 2, Gorordo Ave, Lahug, Cebu City
The eTravel registration method is also explained with screenshots on our school's blog.
Connection from Manila to Cebu (for Philippine Airlines)
Get off the plane and head to immigration control
After immigration control, go to the baggage claim area
If at the airport counter in Japan you were told that “you must collect your luggage in Manila,” collect it here.
Go through customs
Exit and turn left
There you will find the south wing, for domestic flights (Domestic).
Check in at the Domestic area on the 3rd floor
Baggage screening
Board at the gate shown on your ticket
International and domestic flights operate from different terminals. We recommend allowing a connection time of at least 3 hours. If your connecting flights are booked separately, you will need to collect your luggage once. If you have any doubts about the connection in Manila, please check beforehand with our school or with the agency through which you applied.
How airport pick-up works
The 3D ACADEMY sign is your reference point. School staff come to pick you up at Mactan-Cebu Airport (a fee applies to requests from November 2023).
| Category | Meeting point |
|---|---|
| International flights (Terminal 2) — for those arriving on a direct flight or via another country | Exit of the arrivals hall |
| Domestic flights (Terminal 1) — for those arriving via Manila | Exit of the arrivals hall |
In some cases, the person who picks you up may be a staff member who does not appear in the photo in the pick-up materials, so be sure to check whether that person is holding the 3D ACADEMY sign. If you cannot find the person in charge, do not move away from the spot and contact our school (+63-32-402-4839) or by LINE.
More detailed information about the airport pick-up service (fees and what it is really like)From the airport to the MIT Building
Check-in
At the reception on the 5th floor of Building 2, your name is confirmed and you are given your room key.
Walk to your room
Staff will accompany you to your room.
Explanation of the facilities
You will be shown where the cafeteria (Building 1, 3rd floor), the classrooms and the laundry are, and how to use them.
Confirmation for the next day
Confirm the start time of the enrollment day orientation (Monday).
School address: 5/F MIT Building 2, Gorordo Ave, Lahug, Cebu City (phone: +63-32-402-4839). If you arrive in the early hours of the morning or very late at night, an extra pick-up charge will apply. Please tell us your expected arrival time in advance.
Contact us in advance if you have any concerns
On a first trip abroad, it is normal to feel some uneasiness about choosing a flight, connections or immigration control.
Our Japanese staff answer questions both before your trip and during your stay. Please feel free to contact us.
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