In today’s world, visa regulations have become more important and stricter across most countries. However, to boost tourism, some nations are easing their rules and offering visa-free access. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore already provide such facilities, and now the Philippines has joined the list.
To promote tourism, the Philippines has introduced two new visa-free entry options for Indian citizens, effective from May 2025. This announcement was made by the Philippines Embassy in New Delhi. It means Indian passport holders can now travel to the stunning beaches and islands of the Philippines without needing a visa, making travel much simpler and more convenient.
14-Day Visa-Free Entry
Indian tourists can now enjoy up to 14 days of visa-free travel in the Philippines. This option is strictly for tourism purposes only. You cannot extend this stay or convert it into another type of visa. You can enter the country via major airports, seaports, or cruise terminals.
Eligibility for 14-Day Visa-Free Travel:
- Your purpose of travel must be tourism only.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
- You must have a confirmed hotel booking and return or onward travel ticket.
- You should have sufficient funds to cover your entire stay, and proof must be provided.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Indian citizens can also travel visa-free for up to 30 days, but this option is available only if they already hold a valid visa or permanent residency (PR) for one of the following countries: Australia, Japan, USA, Canada, Schengen countries, Singapore, or the United Kingdom.
Eligibility for 30-Day Visa-Free Travel:
- You must have a valid visa or PR for one of the countries mentioned above.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel.
- You must show proof of return or onward travel.
- You must have a clean immigration record in the Philippines.
- This visa-free option is strictly for tourism and cannot be extended.
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e-Visa Option Also Available
If you do not meet the criteria for visa-free entry, you can still apply for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa through the official Philippines e-Visa website. This is a single-entry visa, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
Important Details for e-Visa:
- The fee is around ₹3,500.
- It generally takes 7 working days to process, but it’s recommended to apply 10-15 days in advance.
- If you exit the country and plan to return, you must apply for a new visa.
Documents Required:
- A valid passport.
- Government-issued ID and recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking).
- Return or onward ticket.
- Financial documents like bank statements to show you can cover expenses.
With these new options, exploring the beautiful Philippines has become easier and more accessible for Indian travellers!