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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines, India lift visa restrictions, restore flights under tourism pact

Philippines, India lift visa restrictions, restore flights under tourism pact

Published Aug 7, 2025 12:37 pm  |  Updated Aug 7, 2025 01:14 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippines and India lifted visa restrictions and restored direct flights under a tourism cooperation pact.
  • President Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Modi witnessed the ceremonial exchange of the signed agreement in New Delhi.
  • Indian tourists may enter the Philippines visa-free, while Filipinos are eligible for free e-visas to India.
  • The agreement covers joint efforts in marketing, training, and tourism development from 2025 to 2028.
The Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of India have lifted visa restrictions and restored direct flights under a tourism cooperation pact that outlines joint efforts in marketing, training, and tourism development from 2025 to 2028.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the agreement is expected to boost Indian arrivals to the Philippines as both countries intensify cooperation on tourism promotion and access.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi witnessed the ceremonial exchange of the implementation program on Aug. 5 in New Delhi during the Philippine leader’s state visit.
Under the agreement, Indian tourists may now enter the Philippines visa-free, while Filipino travelers to India are eligible for free e-visas.
Marcos also announced the resumption of direct flights between Manila and New Delhi in October, citing air connectivity as key to strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding tourism flow.
Modi welcomed the travel measures and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deeper tourism and air linkages with the Philippines.
The program outlines cooperation in wellness tourism, cruise and adventure travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), education, culture, and sustainability.
It also promotes joint planning between public and private sectors to advance tourism development.
The DOT reported that 51,116 Indian tourists visited the Philippines from January to July 2025.
With travel barriers lifted and direct flights restored, the DOT expects Indian tourist arrivals to continue rising in the coming years.
A Joint Working Group will regularly assess the progress of the program under the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation.
“This strengthens our global position as a top-of-mind destination while deepening our cultural exchanges and economic gains,” Frasco said.

Related Tags

Philippines–India relations tourism cooperation visa-free travel direct flights
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