The Philippines opens its borders to Indian travellers with a 14-day visa-free policy. This decision aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties between the two nations. In return, India extends free electronic visas to Philippine visitors. Plans for a direct Delhi–Manila flight further ease travel in 2025.
Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry to Indians and Lists Global Visa-Free Destination
| Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry | Granted to Indian passport holders |
| Visa-Free Duration | 14 days |
| Reciprocity | India offers free electronic visas to Philippine visitors |
| Direct Flights | Delhi–Manila route planned within 2025 |
| Total Visa-Free Countries for India | 30 |
| Total Visa-On-Arrival Countries | 21 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization | Seychelles |
| Announcement Date | August 2025 |
Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry Details
Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days. Requirements include:
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
No advance visa application or fee applies. Immigration officials stamp passports on arrival, allowing immediate entry under the new policy.
India’s Reciprocal Offer
To balance the arrangement, India grants free electronic visas to citizens of the Philippines. Applicants complete an online form and receive authorization before departure. The e-visa program streamlines entry procedures and removes the need for embassy visits.
Countries Granting Visa-Free Access to Indians
Thirty countries allow Indian passport holders to enter without a visa. These destinations welcome short-term stays without advance applications:
- Angola
- Barbados
- Bhutan
- British Virgin Islands
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Iran
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Macao
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Nepal
- Niue
- Philippines
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Thailand
- Vanuatu
Stay durations vary by country but generally range from 14 to 90 days.
Countries Offering Visa-On-Arrival
Twenty-one nations issue visas upon arrival to Indian travellers. Key examples include:
- Cambodia
- Jordan
- Laos
- Maldives
- Qatar
- Myanmar
- Bolivia
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Samoa
- Djibouti
- Marshall Islands
- Mongolia
- Comoros
- Burundi
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Palau
- Cape Verde
- Bolivia
Visitors pay a small fee and present basic documents at entry points to obtain the visa.
Electronic Travel Authorization
Some countries use an Electronic Travel Authorization system instead of traditional visas. Seychelles grants an ETA on arrival, allowing Indian visitors to stay for up to 90 days. Travellers submit personal and travel details online or upon landing, then receive approval without embassy visits.
Impacts on Travel and Tourism
Visa-free and easy-entry policies benefit travellers and host nations by:
- Reducing travel costs and paperwork
- Encouraging spontaneous trips and repeat visits
- Boosting local economies through tourism spending
- Strengthening cultural and business exchanges
- Simplifying business travel and family visits
Enhanced connectivity through direct flights further supports these benefits.
Preparing for Visa-Free Travel
Indian travellers should:
- Ensure passport validity of at least six months
- Confirm return or onward travel plans
- Carry proof of accommodation or sufficient funds
- Review specific entry conditions for each destination
- Monitor policy updates before departure
Proper preparation ensures a smooth arrival and stay abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Up to 14 days without a visa.
Seychelles provides an electronic travel authorization on arrival.
A valid passport, return or onward ticket and proof of funds.
Yes. Most charge a nominal fee and request basic documents.
Officials plan to launch these routes in late 2025.
The Philippines’ decision to grant 14-day visa-free entry to Indian passport holders, India’s reciprocal free e-visa offer and the prospect of direct flights mark a new era in bilateral travel. With 30 visa-free and 21 visa-on-arrival destinations available, Indian travellers enjoy unprecedented mobility. Careful planning and awareness of each country’s rules make the most of these opportunities for leisure, business and cultural exchange.
Click here to learn more