In a major effort to promote tourism and solidify bilateral relations, the Philippines has launched visa-free entry provisions for Indian citizens under two distinct categories. As of May 2025, qualified Indian travellers are now allowed to enter the archipelagic nation without a visa for 14 or 30 days, depending on their qualifying credentials.
14-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indian Nationals
Indian nationals holding Indian passports are now eligible for a 14-day visa-free stay in the Philippines for tourism purposes only. This temporary entry privilege is non-renewable and cannot be transferred to any other type of visa. Entrances from all major airports, seaports, and cruise ports are allowed.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Reason for travel should be tourism only
- Passport is valid for six months from the date of stay
- Documentation of confirmed accommodation (e.g., hotel reservations)
- Evidence of available funds sufficient to pay for expenses while in the Philippines (e.g., employment certificate or bank statement)
- Confirmed outward or onward flight
- No adverse immigration record in the Philippines
Valid visa or permanent residence holders from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or any other Schengen country are eligible for an extended 30-day visa-free stay in the Philippines. The same documents are needed as those required for normal visa-free entry.
E-Visa Option
For non-eligible Indian visitors, the Philippines still has the 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa available through its official e-visa platform. The visa provides a single-entry stay for 30 days. Submission of supporting documents such as valid passport, government ID, passport photos, accommodation proof, return or onward ticket, and financial documents showing the capacity to finance the stay is required.
These eased visa regulations are among the Philippines’ overall effort to boost tourism, particularly from source markets such as India, which has experienced increasing outbound travel post-pandemic.
With its white sandy beaches, rich culture, and scenic landscapes, the Philippines presents a fascinating destination for Indian tourists in search of new experiences. The new visa-free entry provisions are anticipated to make more Indian tourists visit the beautiful islands, beaches, and cultural attractions of the Philippines.
