Foreign travellers transiting through Manila on Philippine Airlines (PAL) can now join Department of Tourism (DoT) Transit Tours, a short sightseeing programme designed for passengers with extended layovers.
Launched in December 2025, the programme is now available for booking through the Philippine Airlines website and the LovePH mobile app. The tours are intended for international passengers from visa-free countries with layovers of at least eight hours, including time for immigration and airport procedures.
Beginning January 30, 2026, the Transit Tours will offer scheduled visits to selected Manila landmarks. Morning itineraries include Intramuros and the National Museum, while afternoon options feature entertainment complexes such as Solaire and Okada.
Each tour lasts four hours in total, comprising two hours of guided sightseeing and free time, and two hours of travel between the airport and the city. Transport is provided by a 49-seat air-conditioned bus accompanied by a DoT-accredited guide.
The cost is US$50 per person, which includes entrance fees, insurance coverage for accidental death and medical expenses, drinking water and a poncho if required. The programme is designed to allow passengers to return to the airport with sufficient time to prepare for onward flights.
The DoT said the initiative is intended to make use of long layovers while supporting local tourism services, including guides and transport providers.
“We express our warmest gratitude to our colleagues in the private sector for supporting our initiative to maximise the potential of our tourist spots and extend an invitation to foreign travellers who are just passing by,” said tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“Because what our transit tours actually provide are opportunities – an opportunity for tourists to explore Manila in between flights, an opportunity for our Filipinos to earn a living, and an opportunity for our industry to enhance visitor experience,” she added.
