Philippines
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Bohol
Bohol is supplied by domestic flights and ferries from Cebu and Manila.
Services in Bohol
- Air freight in BoholAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in BoholFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in BoholImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Bohol
- AirportBohol-Panglao
TAG - AirportCebu
CEB - SeaportTagbilaran
Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) on Panglao Island, opened in 2018, is Bohol's airport, with domestic flights to Manila (MNL) and some regional international services. Cargo for Bohol mostly moves via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) or Manila and is then flown or shipped to the island. Sea freight arrives at Tagbilaran Port, which has frequent fast craft and ro-ro connections to Cebu.
Bridges connect Panglao Island and the airport with Tagbilaran City, and main roads circle Bohol. Fast craft and ro-ro ferries link Tagbilaran with Cebu City, and other ferries connect Bohol with Mindanao and Leyte. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Bohol.
Industries in Bohol and how we support them
Bohol's economy is driven by tourism, with resorts on Panglao and around the island creating demand for hotel equipment, food and beverages and building materials. The island also produces crafts such as woven baskets and food products. Ziem Logistics supports these businesses with air freight via CEB or MNL on our own air waybills, onward transport to Bohol by air or ferry, Next Flight Out for urgent resort or utility spare parts and LCL sea freight via Cebu. Our own customs team handles declarations in-house.
Operational logistics facts for Bohol
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) | Domestic and regional air freight | Airport on Panglao, close to the resorts |
| Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) | International air freight for Bohol | Main air gateway nearby, with ferry links to Tagbilaran |
| Tagbilaran Port | Ro-ro and fast craft cargo | Frequent sea connections to Cebu |
| Panglao resorts | Hotel equipment, food and beverages | Supply flows routed via Cebu |
Customs clearance in the Philippines
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in the Philippines is handled by our own in-house customs team.
For air freight to and from the Philippines we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the Philippines need accreditation as an importer with the Bureau of Customs.
Frequently asked questions
How does international air freight reach Bohol?
Most international shipments fly into CEB or MNL on our own air waybill and continue to Bohol by domestic flight or ferry. We choose the option that fits the deadline and cargo size.
Can you supply resorts in Panglao with urgent spare parts?
Yes. We book Next Flight Out into CEB or TAG and arrange the onward transfer to the resort. For critical cases an On-Board Courier carries the part all the way.
Do typhoons affect shipments to Bohol?
During the typhoon season, roughly from June to November, flights and ferries can be suspended for short periods. We monitor weather bulletins and rebook where needed.
Where are imports for Bohol cleared?
Imports are usually cleared at the first port of entry, mainly Cebu or Manila, and then moved to Bohol domestically. Our own customs team handles the declarations in-house, without outside brokers.
What permits do food and beverage imports for Bohol resorts need?
Many food and beverage products need FDA clearances, and some agricultural products need permits from the Bureau of Plant Industry or Bureau of Animal Industry. Our customs team checks the requirements during tariff classification.
Can you clear hotel equipment imported for a resort project in Bohol?
Yes. Hotel equipment is declared like other imports, and some tourism projects benefit from incentives that need supporting documents. Our customs team reviews the case and prepares the declaration.