Starting June 8, Indian tourists can enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days, a move aimed at boosting tourist arrivals.
In an advisory released on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that Indian tourists must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket to their next destination.
Additionally, Indian nationals holding valid American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits for tourism purposes may enter the Philippines visa-free for a non-extendible period of 30 days.
The DFA noted that these updated visa-free privileges can be availed of at any Philippine port of entry but cannot be converted to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories. Indian nationals must also not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration to be admitted without a visa.
However, Indian nationals transiting through the Philippines or entering for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are exempt from the visa-free scheme and must apply for the appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin or legal residence.
Eligible Indian nationals may also apply for e-Visas through the official Philippine e-Visa website, evisa.gov.ph. E-Visas cannot be extended or converted to other visa-based stays or admission status categories.