New Delhi: Indians planning a trip to the Philippines can now enjoy easier travel as the country has introduced visa-free entry for Indian nationals. According to the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi, there are two categories of short-term visa-free entry available.
14-day visa-free entry
Indian citizens can visit the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa, but only for tourism. This entry option is non-extendable and cannot be converted to a different visa type. Eligibility criteria include having a passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay, proof of accommodation (like hotel bookings), evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements), a confirmed return ticket, and no negative immigration history in the country.
30-day visa-free entry
Indians holding valid visas or permanent residency from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or Schengen nations can stay visa-free for 30 days. The same documentation requirements for the 14-day entry apply.
For those wishing to stay longer than 14 days without a valid visa, an e-Visa can be applied for via the official e-visa portal, which allows a 30-day single-entry stay upon fulfilling specific document requirements.
Other Visa-Free Locations On Indian Passport
Indians can now visit Sri Lanka without a visa for up to 31 days, part of a new initiative launched in October to promote tourism following a financial crisis. The free visa provision also includes citizens from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Russia, Japan, and India.
Similarly, Mauritius and Seychelles grant Indian visitors visa-free stays for 60 and 90 days, respectively, while Nepal continues to welcome Indians without a visa. Bhutan maintains close cultural ties, allowing visa-free entry. Indonesia offers a visa on arrival, and other nations like Barbados, El Salvador, Oman, and Qatar provide varied experiences for travelers. Additionally, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Iran have initiated visa-free travel for Indians.
