The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pushing for the implementation of a unified ASEAN visa to strengthen travel among Southeast Asian countries, the agency announced on Sunday, May 18.
The proposed ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption would allow citizens from ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—to travel visa-free within the region for up to 14 days for tourism. Longer stays and visits for other purposes would still require proper visas or permits.
Currently, travelers from ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, enjoy visa-on-arrival privileges.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco introduced the proposal on May 15 at the SKIFT Asia Forum 2025, highlighting the potential of an ASEAN visa modeled after the GCC visa in the Middle East and the Schengen visa in Europe.
“To be able to unify the ASEAN as a destination in terms of the strength of its natural assets, its unparalleled warmth and hospitality as a people, and as a culture. And in terms of the quality of experiences that we are able to offer, is one that is aspirational for us in the Philippines,” Frasco said.
She noted that the idea was welcomed by representatives from other ASEAN countries and expressed hope it will be further discussed when the Philippines hosts the ASEAN convention in 2026.
Frasco also cited the Philippines’ tourism cooperation deal with Thailand, which will run from 2025 to 2030, as an example of regional collaboration. The agreement includes joint research and exchange of tourism best practices.
With a drop in Chinese tourist arrivals, the DOT has been diversifying its tourism markets, particularly tapping into the Middle East.
“Because of our efforts to diversify, we are seeing, for example, from the Middle East and the GCC, an average of no less than 500 percent to 800 percent growth rate in terms of international tourism arrivals,” Frasco said.