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Philippines grants visa-free entry to Indians, New Delhi to give free e-visa to Filipinos
In a significant move to enhance tourism and foster closer people-to-people ties, the Philippines has announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. In a reciprocal gesture, India has decided to offer free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The decision comes alongside plans to introduce direct flight connectivity between India and the Philippines, expected to be operational in the coming months. This development is set to make travel more convenient and further boost exchanges between the two countries.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the initiative, stating, 'We welcome the decision of the Philippines to grant visa-free entry to Indian tourists. India, in turn, has decided to extend the facility of free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. Efforts will also be made to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila within this year.'
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, elaborated on the Philippines' policy, noting that Indian tourists can now enjoy visa-free entry for up to 14 days. 'We expect that these measures would bolster our tourism exchanges, commercial linkages, and people-to-people interactions,' he said.
These steps are poised to deepen cultural and economic ties, making it easier for citizens of both nations to explore each other's rich heritage and vibrant economies.
Visa-free countries
Visa-free countries for Indian passport holders allow them to travel hassle-free, without the need for applying a visa –
1. Angola
2. Barbados
3. Bhutan
4. British Virgin Islands
5. Cook Islands
6. Dominica
7. Fiji
8. Grenada
9. Haiti
10. Iran
11. Jamaica
12. Kazakhstan
13. Kenya
14. Kiribati
15. Macao
16. Madagascar
17. Malaysia
18. Mauritius
19. Micronesia
20. Montserrat
21. Nepal
22. Niue
23. Philippines
24. Rwanda
25. Senegal
26. St. Kitts and Nevis
27. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
28. Thailand
29. Trinidad and Tobago
30. Vanuatu
Countries that offer Indians visa-on-arrival
It is a type of visa that you get after arriving in a particular country instead of applying it before –
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31. Bolivia
32. Burundi
33. Cambodia
34. Cape Verde Islands
35. Comro Islands
36. Djibouti
37. Ethiopia
38. Guinea-Bissau
39. Indonesia
40. Jordan
41. Laos
42. Maldives
43. Marshall Islands
44. Mongolia
45. Mozambique
46. Myanmar
47. Namibia
48. Palau Islands
49. Qatar
50. Samoa
51. Sierra Leone
52. Somalia
53. Sri Lanka
54. St. Lucia
55. Tanzania
56. Timor-Leste
57. Tuvalu
58. Zimbabwe
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