The Philippines has introduced two new visa-free travel options for Indian nationals, as part of a broader effort to strengthen tourism ties and attract more visitors from South Asia. The announcement was made by the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi earlier this month.
Under the new scheme, Indian tourists can now enter the Philippines without a visa under two specific conditions. The first option permits a 14-day stay for general tourism purposes, while the second allows a 30-day visit for Indian nationals who hold valid visas or residency permits from select developed countries.
The move is aimed at boosting inbound travel from India, which has been on a steady rise since the reopening of international borders after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, more than 79,000 Indian nationals visited the Philippines, up from 66,662 the previous year, according to official data.
Scheme only for travel purposes
The 14-day visa-free entry is travelling exclusively for tourism purposes. To qualify, travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, evidence of sufficient funds, and a clean immigration record in the Philippines. This short-term visa exemption is non-extendable and cannot be converted to another visa category.
In a second provision, Indian nationals holding valid visas or permanent residency in any of the AJACSSUK countries—Australia, Japan, the United States, Canada, Schengen nations, Singapore, or the United Kingdom—can enter the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa. This rule, too, applies only for tourism and shares similar requirements regarding passport validity, travel bookings, and immigration history.
For those who do not meet the visa-free entry criteria, the Philippines continues to offer an e-visa system. The 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa allows a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. Applications can be submitted online, requiring documents such as a valid passport, identification, financial proof, and confirmed travel plans.
Benefits for the 바카라 sector
Officials say the changes are part of the country’s broader tourism recovery strategy, especially amid a decline in Chinese tourist numbers, who are considered a premium mass market for the Philippines’ gambling industry. India has emerged as a key growth market, with the Department of Tourism targeting a significant increase in Indian arrivals in the coming years.
Tourism authorities are also looking to capitalise on the country’s thriving gaming and entertainment sectors to attract high-value visitors. Integrated resorts and 바카라 destinations, particularly in Metro Manila and Cebu, are being promoted as part of luxury travel packages, promising a blend of leisure, gaming, and cultural experiences tailored for international tourists, including those from India.
