Batanes now requires online registration and ₱405 fee for all incoming visitors

Tourists and other travelers bound for Batanes will now need to complete an online pre-registration and pay a mandatory fee before entering the province.

The Provincial Government of Batanes has officially launched its Batanes Smart Tourism Registration Portal and Visitor Identification System, requiring all incoming visitors to register online starting June 15, 2026 under Executive Order No. 23, Series of 2026.

The new system covers travelers visiting the province for tourism, official business, and other purposes. Authorities said the move is aimed at improving visitor management and promoting sustainable tourism in the country’s northernmost province.

Under the new policy, visitors must register through the official Batanes Visitor Pre-Registration Portal before their trip. During registration, travelers will be asked to provide personal information, travel dates, a valid government-issued ID or passport, and a verification selfie. They must also indicate their accommodation and select a Department of Tourism-accredited tour operator.

A total fee of ₱405 per passenger must be paid online. This consists of a ₱200 ecotourism fee and a ₱205 Visitor ID fee.

The provincial government said returning Batanes residents are exempt from the registration requirement. Children below 12 years old, authorized researchers, and certain government personnel are exempt from the ecotourism fee, while senior citizens and persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20 percent discount on the ₱200 charge.

Payments may be made through QRPH, credit and debit cards, or over-the-counter payment channels. Once registration is approved, travelers will receive a QR code via email.

Upon arrival at Basco Airport or the province’s seaports, visitors must present the QR code for verification. The code will then be used to generate a physical QR-enabled PVC Visitor ID, which will serve as an access pass to tourist attractions and activities throughout the islands.

Known for its rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and well-preserved Ivatan culture, Batanes has long been regarded as one of the country’s most carefully managed tourist destinations. Provincial officials hope the new digital registration system will help balance visitor growth with environmental protection and sustainable tourism development.

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