Indians can now visit the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa, thanks to changes made to the country’s visa-free entrance policies. The goal is to facilitate travel between the two countries and encourage tourism.
Conditions for Visa-Free Entry
To avail of the visa-free entry, Indians must meet the following conditions:
- Valid Passport: Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected time of stay
- Return Ticket: Have a return ticket to their country of origin or outward-bound ticket to their next destination
- Tourism Purpose: The visit must be for tourism purposes only
The 14-day visa-free stay can be extended by an additional 7 days, allowing a maximum stay of 21 days. This extension gives flexibility for Indian tourists who wish to explore the Philippines further.
Valid Visas or Permanent Residency
Indian nationals holding valid visas or permanent residency permits from certain countries, including:
- Australia
- Japan
- United States
- Canada
- Schengen countries
- Singapore
- United Kingdom, can also avail of the 14-day visa-free entry.
E-Visa Option
For those who prefer to get a visa, the Philippine electronic visa (e-Visa) is available online through the 24/7 portal. The e-Visa is a category 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa, suitable for:
- Tourism or leisure
- Business
- Medical treatment
- Participation in meetings, conferences, trainings, or athletic events
Impact on Tourism and Travel
It is expected that this policy will increase travel and tourism between the Philippines and India. Indian tourists are drawn to the Philippines because of its stunning beaches, culture, and welcoming people. Encouraging people-to-people interactions and commercial collaboration between the two nations is supported by the Philippine government’s decision to provide Indian nationals admission without a visa. The Philippines hopes to improve the overall travel experience for Indian citizens and boost visitor arrivals from India by easing visa restrictions. Travel agents, airlines, and the tourism sector are expected to gain from this action.
All things considered, the policy allowing Indian citizens to enter the country without a visa is a positive step that will deepen connections between India and the Philippines.
