Filipino travelers will soon be able to visit India without paying any visa fees, a move expected to strengthen tourism and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on Tuesday during a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is on a five-day state visit to India. The gesture is in response to the Philippines’ decision in June to allow Indian tourists to enter visa-free for up to 14 days.
“I thank Prime Minister Modi in turn for the introduction of a scheme to grant visa free of charge to Filipino tourists traveling to India,” Marcos said, expressing his gratitude for the initiative and encouraging more Indian tourists to explore the Philippines.
Currently, Filipino nationals are required to pay nearly P6,000 in visa and banking fees to travel to India. While no official start date for the free visa policy has been announced, the move is expected to significantly ease travel between the two countries.
The announcement comes ahead of the launch of direct flights between Manila and Delhi, set to begin on October 1 via India’s flag carrier, Air India. The resumption of direct air connectivity is seen as a key factor in boosting two-way tourism and business exchanges.
According to the Department of Tourism, India is already one of the fastest-growing source markets for Philippine tourism. From January to August 2024, the country welcomed over 55,800 Indian tourists—a 17% increase from the same period last year.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to tapping into India’s growing travel market. “The Department of Tourism has placed strategic focus on the Indian market, recognizing its vast potential—from enhancing connectivity and visa facilitation, to promoting travel experiences for Indian tourists,” she said.
During the state visit, both countries also signed 13 bilateral agreements, including a 2025–2028 tourism cooperation program and a joint declaration establishing a “strategic partnership.” The pact will deepen cooperation in defense, trade, and tourism.
Frasco, part of the Philippine delegation, is also expected to meet with key Indian stakeholders in travel, hospitality, and commerce to forge deeper collaborations and promote the Philippines as a prime destination for Indian travelers.
