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We used the eGOV.PH app while still in the USA  and the etravel website works fine there too. No need to use a VPN. During the return trip here, there was a cathay flight cancellation hk to cebu so they put us on a PAL flight thru NAIA manila to MACTAN CEBU. So...I had to get new QR codes while at HK Airport. Again, no VPN and it worked fine. Coming into NAIA immigration they just asked for our passports and nothing was said about an etravel QR code, which we had screenshots of. Immigration never asked for it but, since the QR code app requests your passport number, perhaps they didn't need it. I did not not see any backup lines of people missing QR codes. Later I checked the app and for my wife it said "cleared immigration". For me it said "proceed to immigration" 😆 Just to be sure I checked my passport which is properly stamped with my date of admission and "SRRV". I wonder if having SRRV cuts out a lot of this QR code nonsense. BTW, neither cathay jor PAL asked us to confirm our etravel QR codes. I love coming into NAIA or CEB as SRRV because you are using the same line that diplomats use and it is very fast and friendly.

@Dale Gill

no VPN needed. You will be able to fill in the etravel from Vietnam. I did it myself a few weeks ago.

all the best

Andy

@Dale Gill
no VPN needed. You will be able to fill in the etravel from Vietnam. I did it myself a few weeks ago.
all the best
Andy - @Andy_1963

Question: Did PH immigration actually scan or check for your QR code? They never checked with us. There must have been ppl missing qr codes in the line but we never noticed.

On my way out of the PI a few weeks ago, they didn't look for it at immigration--I asked and was told it wasn't necessary. I assumed they had a record of it already. Coming back in two days ago, Customs was scanning them.

@danfinn

Using the diplomatic line: Is that still possible ? I was told not.

@danfinn

I think that when you complete your data online that information is transferred  the immigration system, so that they don't have to do the typing..

On my way out of the PI a few weeks ago, they didn't look for it at immigration--I asked and was told it wasn't necessary. I assumed they had a record of it already. Coming back in two days ago, Customs was scanning them. - @bizwizard

Right, fyi only Philippine citizens must complete eTravel when *leaving* the Philippines. We left the Philippines in August and did not have to do it. However, we were told we must do eTravel when °ù±ð-±ð²Ô³Ù±ð°ù¾±²Ô²µÌý the Philippines. So we did but nobody ever asked our QR code. Having said that, the e-Travel site shows that my wife did re-enter but it still seems waiting for me to re-enter 😆. I think it may record your pic and compare to the selfie you submitted on e-travel when you come in but the process might not be reliable. I checked my passport and it is OK and it is stamped with the date of entry for my SRRV. Expats should get the e-travel QR code because who knows what and when they are checking for it. In our case, they never asked to see our QR code yet BI knew my wife re-entered, based on what, I don't know for sure, maybe the pic on file.

@danfinn
I think that when you complete your data online that information is transferred the immigration system, so that they don't have to do the typing.. - @emvaningen

I think you may be correct. They already know SRRV is OK.

         Just arrived 11/19 had filled in all the info online a few days before, no one even mentioned it at Korean Airlines or when we arrived in Manila.

I just found this on the NAIA online airport guide. So if you do not have to show your QR code at immigration and just transfer the etravel record to your passport, why do they make a big thing out getting the screenshot of your qr code? A backup record of some sort?

Do I need to present my QR code to the immigration officer?

No, you do not need to present your QR code to the immigration officer. Your eTravel record is already linked to your passport details. The immigration officer can already see your eTravel record when they scan your passport.

@danfinn
Using the diplomatic line: Is that still possible ? I was told not. - @emvaningen

I said you are "using the same line that diplomats use", not the diplomatic line which I suspect does not exist. There is a shorter line that crew members and other preferred travelers use. In my case I usually have mobility assistance and use that same line but I used that same line while traveling without that. So the shorter line is there for multiple uses and I found SRRV is an acceptable purpose to use it. Your visa, though ultimately approved by BI, is a special visa issued by the department of tourism but you obviously know that already.