PH offers Indian nationals visa-free travel to boost tourism

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Saturday that the Philippines has granted visa-free privileges for Indian nationals in pursuit of its objective of enhancing tourism arrivals from India.

The DFA said in a statement that the visa-free privileges of Indian nationals will start on Sunday, June 8.

The following are visa policies applicable to Indian nationals, according to DFA:

• Indian nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days for tourism purposes, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, proof of financial capacity, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
• Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible period of 30 days for tourism, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.

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The said updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals, according to DFA, may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry, and are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories.

“Indian nationals must also not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration in order to be admitted into the country without a visa,” the DFA likewise said.

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“Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are required to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country or origin, place of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals,” it added.

Indian nationals who are eligible for e-Visas may likewise apply through the official Philippine e-Visa website evisa.gov.ph.

The e-Visas may not be extended or converted to other visa-based stay or other admission status categories,” said the DFA. /cb