Philippines woos Indian tourists with 14-day visa free entry!

Under the new rules, Indian citizens can now visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days. Philippines offers free Visa to Indians strictly for tourism. This visa-free facility is available across all major entry points, including international airports, seaports, and cruise terminals throughout the country.

In a significant move to boost tourism from India, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has officially announced a 14-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian nationals. The directive, outlined in an official Foreign Service Circular and signed by Foreign Secretary Enrique A Manalo. It is aimed at enhancing bilateral tourism flows in compliance with a Presidential directive.

Visa Policy for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals may be granted a visa-free entry for an initial stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days under the Foreign Service Circular (FSC) No. 36-12, provided, that they possess:

1. Valid or unexpired Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, UK, or US visa or permanent residence permit;
2. A national passport valid at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay;
3. Return or onward ticket to the next country of destination;

The 14-day visa-free entry may be extended by an additional seven (7) days for a maximum twenty-one (21) days.

The initiative by Philippines to offer free visa to Indians is seen as a strategic effort to attract more visitors to the country. It is expected to improve people-to-people ties, enhance economic cooperation through tourism. This shall position the Philippines as a more accessible destination in Southeast Asia for Indian travellers.

The circular further states that this policy will supersede previous guidelines issued in 2010 under FSC 22-10 and will be effective immediately until further notice.

With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in Asia, this move could lead to a substantial uptick in tourist arrivals from India and bolster the Philippines’ tourism economy in the coming years.

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