Philippines May Start Visa On-Arrival, Extend e-Visa For Tourist From India, Other Asian Countries

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia has announced that it is working towards extending the e-Visa for tourists from major Asian tourism markets, including India.

This was announced by Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. after a meeting with a private-sector tourism advisory council.

The council had recommended including Indian nationals under the visa-upon-arrival program and extending the e-visa to citizens of China, India, South Korea, and Japan.

In a meeting with a private-sector tourism advisory council, President Marcos directed government agencies to work towards the extension of e-visa for Indian nationals and tourists from other major Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Japan.

The Presidential Communications Office stated that the government is collaborating with relevant authorities to develop technical plans for the smooth implementation of the directive, which includes various connectivity matters.

Contribution of Tourism

Tourism is a key economic driver in the Philippines, contributing to 12.7% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2019. Over 1.74 million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in 2019, and the country has set a target of attracting 4.8 million international visitors by 2023, with the Chinese tourist market remaining a priority.

The extension of the e-visa program for Asian tourism markets, including India, is a significant step in the Philippines’ efforts to revive its tourism industry and tap into new markets. The move is expected to bring in more tourists and increase the contribution of tourism to the country’s economy.

Visa-Free Entry and Tourist Visa Requirements for Tourists Visiting the Philippines

Citizens of certain countries, including India, are eligible for visa-free entry to the Philippines for tourist purposes. However, as of now, this facility is limited to a stay of 21 days. If a visitor intends to stay longer than 21 days, they are required to apply for a tourist visa.

Nationals exempt from visas are allowed to extend their stay by two months per extension, but the total length of their stay cannot exceed two years. Tourists who are required to apply for a tourist visa may also extend their stay, but only for a maximum of 30 days per extension. The cumulative amount of time spent in the Philippines cannot exceed six months.

Bottomline

In conclusion, the Philippines’ decision to extend its e-visa program for Asian tourism markets, including India, is a positive step in the country’s efforts to boost its tourism industry and support its economic growth.

With the government’s commitment to technical plans and connectivity matters, the Philippines is poised to become a more attractive destination for tourists from across the region.