As of Sunday, 8th June, Indian tourists may now enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days.
The new ruling seeks to increase the number of tourist arrivals from the South Asian nation.
In an advisory released on Saturday, 7th June, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Indian tourists only need to present a passport with at least six months’ validity beyond their planned stay, confirmed accommodation booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
On the other hand, Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits and are visiting for tourism purposes may enter the country and stay visa-free for a non-extendible period of 30 days.
The DFA said the updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry but are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories.
Points for consideration
Indian nationals coming to the Philippines must not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration in order to be admitted into the country without a visa.
However, Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are not included among those who may enter the country sans visa.
According to the DFA, these individuals need 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.
Indian nationals who are eligible for e-Visas may also apply through the official Philippine e-Visa website.
Note that e-Visas may not be extended or converted to other visa-based stay or other admission status categories.
