Manila: The Philippines has announced that Indian nationals will be allowed to enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes beginning June 8, a move aimed at invigorating tourist arrivals from one of Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets.
The Department of Tourism reported a 12% increase in Indian tourist arrivals in 2024, bringing the total to nearly 80,000 visitors. However, this figure still represents only a small fraction of the more than five million travelers who visited the Philippines last year.
Under the new visa-free policy, Indian nationals will be able to stay in the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa. Additionally, Indian travelers who hold valid visas or residence permits from the United States, Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, Singapore, or the United Kingdom will be permitted to stay for up to 30 days without needing a Philippine visa.
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The initiative is part of a broader government effort to diversify the country’s tourism base and tap into emerging markets, particularly as travel rebounds in the post-pandemic era.
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