By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
Indian tourists may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendable and non-convertible period of 14 days starting this June 8, Sunday, in a move aimed towards increasing tourist arrivals.
In an advisory released on Saturday, June 7 the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Indian tourists need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, proof of financial capacity, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits and are visiting for tourism purposes, meanwhile, may enter the Philippines visa-free for a non-extendible period of 30 days.
The DFA said the updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry but are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories.
Indian nationals must not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration in order to be admitted into the country without a visa.
Exempted from the visa-free scheme, on the other hand, are Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities.
The DFA said these individuals are required to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country or origin, place of legal residence or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals.
Indian nationals who are eligible for e-Visas may also apply through the official Philippine e-Visa website, evisa.gov.ph.
E-Visas may not be extended or converted to other visa-based stays or other admission status categories. (PNA)
