Latest news with #PhilippineBureauofImmigration
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- 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.
