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The National
10 hours ago
- The National
Free visa for Indians to the Philippines: What to know, where to go and what to see
Beginning Sunday, June 8, all Indian passport holders can attain visa-free entry into the Philippines for tourism purposes for up to 14 days. The rule is an extension of the previous one that allowed Indian passport holders with valid visas or residency permits for the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Singapore, the UK and all Schengen countrie s to enter the Philippines for up to 30 days. 'These updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed at any Philippine port of entry,' a representative for the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi told The National. How the free visa for Indians works In order to get visa-free entry into the Philippines, Indian passport holders must possess the following documents: – A passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay – Confirmed hotel accommodation and booking – Proof of financial capacity – Return or onward ticket to the next country of destination. The 14-day tourist visa is not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories. Indian nationals must also not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines in order to be admitted into the country without a visa. Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendable period of 30 days for tourism, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination. Indian nationals transiting through the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are required to apply for an appropriate Philippines visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin, place of legal residence or any country that requires an entry visa for Indian nationals. Where to go With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a tropical paradise renowned for its natural beauty. Perfect for adventure seekers, there's also a lot of history to explore as well as culinary gems. Here are 10 places to keep on your list and what to see and do in each. Cebu The tourist gateway to the central and southern parts of the Philippines, Cebu in the Central Visayas region is renowned for its beaches, dive sites and impressive history. Learn more about the country's Spanish colonial past at Cebu City, from the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino church to Magellan's Cross and Fort San Pedro as well as the country's oldest street, Colon Street, named after Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon in Spanish). If history is not your only idea of a fun island holiday, there are plenty of stunning beaches and picturesque spots for diving and snorkelling. Take part in whale shark watching in Oslob or go for a snorkelling and diving expedition at the 24-hectare coral-studded Sumilon Island. Bohol Bohol is famed for its Chocolate Hills, the name given to the hundreds of grass-covered limestone mounds in the island province. Comprising more than 70 islands, Bohol has a lot to see and do, from close encounters with endangered tarsiers – one of the world's smallest primates that are native to the island – to a trip to touristy Panglao Island, known for its pristine white sand. There's also the Hinagdanan Cave, a 100-metre-long cave that once served as a hiding place for locals evading the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. A naturally lit cavern, it's now a popular attraction as well as a swimming spot. Boracay One of the most popular destinations in the Philippines, Boracay was once a quiet hideaway favoured by backpackers. Now it welcomes about two million visitors per year. Consistently rated as housing some of the world's best beaches, the 1,000-hectare island was famously closed for six months in 2018 to repair decades of harm caused by unchecked tourism. The island is now back to its former glory, with strict environmentally friendly laws to maintain its pristine white-sand beaches. El Nido Often touted as a budget-friendly alternative to a Maldivian getaway, El Nido on Palawan Island has limestone cliffs, quartz lagoons and some of Asia's best beaches. The main town buzzes with boutiques, music-filled bars and a mix of street food and high-end dining, plus a market to pick up souvenirs. The area is teeming with flora and fauna, making for great snorkelling and diving opportunities. Island-hopping is a good way to experience Palawan at large, with travellers able to visit hidden lagoons, course through subterranean rivers and lounge on secluded beaches. Siargao The tiny island of Siargao is often called the surfing capital of the Philippines. It remains something of a tropical paradise with its palm-covered hills and pristine waters attracting surfers from around the world, but not yet drawing huge crowds of tourists. But that won't last for long, as authorities have plans for a cruise terminal, larger resorts and airport expansions. So if you want to get there before the crowds, now is the time to go. Apart from world-class surfing, the island has golden beaches and water that is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. It has lush forests, mangrove swamps and cascading waterfalls, all served up with a laid-back atmosphere and slow-paced lifestyle. Intramuros In the historic heart of Manila, the walled city of Intramuros is a unique tourist attraction. These fortifications were built nearly 450 years ago, and have since protected the stately churches, museums and mansions of this citadel, which was built by the Spanish after they invaded the Philippines. Here, you can also find the Rajah Sulayman Theatre, named after a 16th-century Muslim hero in this majority-Christian nation who challenged the Spanish when they attempted to conquer the nation in the 1520s. Intramuros is also home to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines completed in 1607 and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Vigan The north-western city of Vigan is a 16th-century Unesco World Heritage Site, one of the few Spanish colonial towns whose old structures have largely remained intact. With a blend of Chinese, Spanish and native influences, its cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages will take you back in time. Clark Located only 60km away from metropolitan Manila, the city of Clark is a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital and is known for its imposing mountains and lush greenery. Part of the Pampanga province, widely considered the culinary capital of the Philippines, it also attracts adventure travellers. It is worth trekking to the majestic Mount Pinatubo, an active volcano whose crater is now transformed into an emerald-green lake. The Puning Hot Springs in the nearby Sapangbato district, with thermal springs situated on an elevated enclave, offer an opportunity to unwind and soak up nature. Makati and BGC If city vibes are what you're looking for, the financial districts of Makati in Metro Manila and the newer and flashier Bonifacio Global City on the eastern shores of Manila are also cultural and entertainment hubs. Home to large corporations, embassies and five-star hotel chains, they are also teeming with malls. The two cities are about a 24-minute car ride apart. Flights to the Philippines From the UAE, Emirates offers direct flights to Manila, Cebu and Clark from Dubai, while Etihad Airways operates direct flights to Manila from Abu Dhabi. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific also offer direct flights between Dubai and Manila.
SBS Australia
09-05-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
'We want to have our say': Filipinos in Australia cast their votes in the Philippine elections
The Philippine Midterm Elections will take place on May 12. For the first time, Filipinos living overseas, including those in Australia, can vote online. As of December 2024, more than 19,000 Filipinos in Australia, Nauru, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia have registered to vote in this year's elections, according to the Philippine Embassy in Australia. Voters have considered candidates' track records, alliances, and integrity as key factors in deciding who to vote for. 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Philippine Embassy in Lisbon Conducts Field Missions in Portugal and Angola for the 2025 National Elections
The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal conducted three field pre-voting enrollment and voting missions for the 2025 National Elections overseas. These missions were held from 26 to 28 April 2025 in Luanda, Angola and on 04 May 2024, in the cities of Porto and Faro, Portugal. Overseas Filipinos who encountered challenges in the online voting system received assistance in their pre-voting enrollment and in casting their votes, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, seniors, and others experiencing difficulties in enrolling and/or casting their votes in the online election. The Embassy also provided assistance to citizens now based in Portugal but registered in other jurisdictions, and encouraged unregistered walk-in clients to participate in the next voter registration cycle. The Philippine Embassy continues to encourage all Filipinos to exercise their right to vote, and reminds all overseas voters in Portugal of the following important dates: 07 May 2025 (4:59 PM, Lisbon Time): End of Enrollment Period for Registered Voters 12 May 2025 (12:00 NN, Lisbon Time): End of Voting Period. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
Vancouver Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Ottawa Filipino community grieves after Lapu Lapu Festival incident in Vancouver
Article content 'Father give us light. Enlighten us and illuminate us. We also pray for comfort even for those people who are right now grieving because of the loss of a loved one,' said Pastor Alvin Molito at Sunday's service, which was livestreamed on Facebook. Article content 'Even for the people in Vancouver, who experienced a tragic, horrible experience. Father, we pray you will reach out to these people, especially to the families who lost their loved ones in a very sudden and unexpected way. Lord, truly in this world we cannot fully explain and comprehend. So we ask for your presence, that you will be a constant source of strength and peace in our lives.' Article content The Philippine Embassy in Canada said it is ready to assist affected Filipinos and their families through its Assistance-to-Nationals hotline, which can be reached at 613-614-2846. Article content Article content 'The Philippine Embassy in Canada expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on 26 April 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and the Filipino-Canadian community during this difficult time,' a statement on the embassy's website reads. Article content The Philippine Extravaganza for Arts, Culture and Heritage said in an official statement that it will be implementing 'enhanced emergency preparedness plans and strengthened safety measures' for its upcoming summer festivals, which include the Ottawa Fiesta Extravaganza on June 21 and 22 at the EY Centre. Article content 'As a community, we stand united — bound by our resilience, compassion and enduring hope. In the face of tragedy, we find strength in one another and a renewed commitment to care for and protect our community,' the statement read. Article content Article content 'In light of this incident, PEACH is implementing enhanced emergency preparedness plans and strengthened safety measures to ensure that our upcoming summer festival will be a safe, joyful and successful celebration of our culture and heritage. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community remain our highest priority.'
Filipino Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Philippine Embassy to hold community outreach in Abu Dhabi
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), will be conducting a series of community outreach programs to provide essential consular and labor-related services to Filipinos residing in the emirate. The outreach will take place on the following dates and locations: Al Dhannah City – April 26, 2025 (Saturday) Madinat Zayed – April 27, 2025 (Sunday) Al Ain – May 3-4, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday) (Note: MWO services in Al Ain will be available only on May 3.) This initiative aims to bring the services closer to Filipinos living far from the capital, making it more convenient for them to access essential documentation and labor assistance without the need to travel long distances. Interested individuals are encouraged to complete a pre-registration survey through the provided links for each venue. Among the services to be offered are consular services, which include passport application and renewal, notarization and authentication of documents, and the registration of vital events such as births and marriages. The embassy will also have a COMELEC information and assistance desk for those with election-related inquiries. Labor services will also be available, including contract verification, assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and support for the Social Security System (SSS) and PAG-IBIG/HDMF (Home Development Mutual Fund). The final venues for the outreach activities will be announced soon. Filipinos in the areas covered are urged to stay tuned to official Philippine Embassy channels for more updates.
