Philippines woos Indian tourists with new visa-free entry

In a move to capture a larger share of India’s outbound tourism market, the Philippine government has announced new visa-free privileges for Indian nationals entering the country for leisure.

Effective 8 June 2025, Indian passport holders may now visit the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa, provided they meet specific entry conditions. These include a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, confirmed accommodation bookings, proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket. The 14-day stay is non-extendible and non-convertible.

An expanded option is also in place for Indian nationals who already hold valid visas or residence permits from select countries. “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,” the department of foreign affairs (DFA) announced.

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This two-tiered arrangement reflects Manila’s strategic pivot toward high-growth tourism markets. In recent years, Indian outbound travel has seen a sharp upward trajectory, with Southeast Asian destinations among the top beneficiaries.

The move also signals a more streamlined and accessible approach to Philippine tourism, in contrast to legacy visa systems. However, there are limits. The visa-free status is strictly for tourism and does not apply to those entering for business, employment, study, or other long-term purposes. Those transiting through or planning extended stays must still apply via traditional or e-Visa channels.

The DFA emphasised that “these updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry” but are contingent on clean immigration records and proper documentation.

While the broader tourism recovery in Asia continues post-pandemic, such targeted policy tweaks underscore the growing value of Indian tourism. According to UN Tourism data, Indian tourism expenditure remained remarkably strong in the first half of 2024 - up 81% compared to 2019 levels - following a year of exceptional growth in 2023.

Looking ahead, India is projected to become the fourth largest global travel spender by 2030. By then, nearly 47% of its population will belong to the middle class with greater purchasing power, according to reports by Booking.com–McKinsey & Company and PRICE-ICE.

The announcement of visa-free entry for Indian tourists comes shortly before Air India’s launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, starting 1 October 2025. This makes Air India the only carrier offering direct flights between the two countries.

Operating five times a week with Airbus A321neo aircraft, the service aims to enhance tourism, cultural exchange, and trade, supported by growing Indian outbound travel and bilateral trade, which nearly doubled over the past decade. The new route also offers one-stop connections from Europe via Delhi.

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