Latest news with #PhilippineBureauofImmigration
Gulf Insider
07-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry To Indian Tourists From June 8
Indian nationals can now enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days under new immigration rules coming into effect on June 8, 2025, according to an advisory issued by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai. Under the revised visa policy quoted by the Filipino missions in the UAE, Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 14 days, provided they meet the following requirements: a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, proof of financial capacity and a return or onward ticket to another country. The 14-day stay is non-extendible and non-convertible, meaning tourists must exit the country before the end of the two-week period. However, Indian nationals holding valid and current visas or residence permits from the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen states, Singapore or the United Kingdom (collectively known as AJACSSUK countries) are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. This 30-day stay is also non-extendible, and travellers must present a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Both categories require that the individual have no derogatory immigration record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI). The advisory clarifies that the visa-free entry privileges apply only to short-term tourism. 'Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are required to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin, place of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals,' the advisory pointed out. The relaxed immigration policy is expected to benefit several Indian expats in the UAE.
News18
07-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Planning A Summer Getaway? Now Indians Can Travel To Philippines Visa-Free: Know How To Avail It
Last Updated: The visa-free stay can also be extended for an additional seven days, allowing tourists a total of 21 days to explore the archipelago's beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks Starting June 8, Indian nationals can travel to the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes, according to a statement by the Philippine government. Aimed at boosting tourism from India—which recorded a 12 per cent rise in arrivals in 2024, reaching nearly 80,000 visitors—this new initiative makes the island nation an even more appealing destination for Indians planning a summer getaway. According to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Indian passport holders can now enter the country without a visa for up to 14 days, provided certain conditions are met. The visa-free stay can also be extended for an additional seven days, allowing tourists a total of 21 days to explore the archipelago's beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks. How To Avail Visa-Free Entry: Hold a valid visa or permanent residency for the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area, Singapore, or the UK. Have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Present return or onward flight tickets upon arrival. The new policy is aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening regional ties, offering Indian travellers a hassle-free escape to one of Southeast Asia's most scenic destinations. Adding to the joy, Air India announced the launch of direct, non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, set to begin on October 1, 2025. The airline will operate five flights a week using Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. With this new route, Air India becomes the sole carrier offering direct connectivity between India and the Philippines, enhancing travel convenience and reinforcing bilateral relations. As summer travel kicks off, these developments open the door for spontaneous holidays to destinations like Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay — now without the paperwork. First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:44 IST
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Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Business Standard
Indians can enter Philippines visa-free for 14 days: All you need to know
The Philippines has now made it easier than ever for Indian travellers to visit. Under a new travel rule from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Indian passport holders with certain foreign visas or residency permits can now enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days. And if you're having too much fun? You can even extend your stay by another 7 days. Who can travel visa-free? If you're an Indian citizen who already holds a valid visa or permanent residency from any of these countries: United States Japan Also Read Australia Canada Schengen Area countries Singapore United Kingdom …then you don't need to apply for a visa to enjoy a short trip to the Philippines! What you need to qualify? Before you pack your bags, make sure you have the following: Your Indian passport (valid for at least 6 more months after you arrive) A valid AJACSSUK visa or PR card A return or onward ticket No history of immigration violations or issues with the Philippines Bureau of Immigration You'll be allowed to stay for 14 days, with the option to extend for 7 more days, making it a total of 21 days max. Pro Tip: This visa-free entry applies at international airports, major ports, and even for cruise passengers — so whether you're flying or sailing, you're covered. Don't Forget Health & Travel Requirements Although the visa requirement is waived, you'll still need to follow the Philippines' current COVID-related protocols — including vaccination rules, health declarations, and any quarantine requirements if applicable. Be sure to check: Department of Health Philippine Bureau of Immigration "The Philippines' decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian travellers is a really positive move, which recognizes India as a key market for tourism. The move also reflects Indian travellers' growing interest in Southeast Asia as a whole. Time and again we have seen how removing friction at the border can play an important role in encouraging more visitors. This is set to further boost demand for the Philippines as a top travel choice," said Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda. Digital Nomad Visa: The Philippines plans to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing remote professionals to live and work in the country. This initiative aims to attract long-term visitors and remote workers. Since 28 October 2024, the Philippine electronic visa (e-Visa) has been made fully available in India and can be applied for online at the 24/7 portal
Filipino Times
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Bureau of Immigration calls for legal sanctions against Filipinos leaving PH illegally
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has expressed his concern over reports that many Filipinos, including victims of human trafficking, have been leaving the country illegally. Viado proposed to lawmakers that they consider imposing legal sanctions against Filipinos who depart the country without proper documentation. 'The country has no specific law penalizing illegal departures. Cases may fall under related violations such as falsification of public documents or tampering under the Philippine Passport Act,' Viado said in a news release. 'But criminalizing illegal exits would serve as a strong deterrent to traffickers and would make victims think twice in accepting such offers,' he added. The suggestion comes after reports that 54 Filipinos who were repatriated from Myanmar could have left the country through illegal exit points, a practice known as 'backdoor' exit. Viado called for tighter monitoring of the southern borders, where traffickers have been using small boats to secretly transport victims abroad. The commissioner emphasized the need for the Philippines to strengthen border controls as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiative to secure the country's borders. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) has also previously conducted a study focused on illegal exits and the smuggling of migrants by sea. The council has recommended that local government units (LGUs) and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs) increase surveillance in areas of concern to help catch traffickers before they can exploit more victims. 'I think this is just the tip of the iceberg,' said Viado, referring to the illegal exits and trafficking activities that continue to be a problem. 'We have long been raising this concern, and it's about time that this be acknowledged and addressed, to prevent more kababayans from being victimized by this syndicate,' he added.
