New Delhi/Manila – In a significant move to enhance tourism and strengthen bilateral ties, the Philippines has announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, while India will extend free e-visa facilities to Filipino citizens. The development marks a major step forward in deepening people-to-people connections and expanding travel opportunities between the two countries.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, who welcomed the Philippines’ decision. “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 Prime Minister said.
Visa-Free Travel Details
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Indian citizens can now travel to the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days. He added, “We expect that these measures would bolster our tourism exchanges, commercial linkages, and people-to-people interactions.”
Direct Connectivity Soon
In addition to easing visa rules, both nations are also working to enhance air connectivity. Direct flights between Delhi and Manila are expected to be launched later this year, further streamlining travel for tourists, students, and business professionals.
A Boost for Regional Ties
The reciprocal visa arrangements are being hailed as a strategic move to boost regional cooperation and foster economic and cultural exchanges. The initiatives are expected to increase tourist traffic and strengthen diplomatic and commercial engagements significantly.