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.

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 –

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