India offers Pinoys free 30-day e-Tourist visa

MANILA, Philippines — For an entire year, the government of India is offering Filipinos a chance to acquire a 30-day e-Tourist Indian visa for free.

The Indian embassy in Manila announced that the offer has been available to Filipino citizens since Aug. 1 and will be offered until July 31, 2026.

Interested applicants may apply online via indianvisaonline.gov.in.

“By default, a double entry e-Tourist visa valid for 30 days from the date of the first arrival in India will be granted to the applicant. Double entries will be granted within the e-Visa validity period stamped by the Bureau of Immigration on the passport at the time of entry. The first arrival must be made on or before the date mentioned in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA),” the announcement read.

“Applicants must apply at least four days in advance of the date of arrival. Such application can be made up to 30 days in advance from the proposed date of travel. Applicant’s passport should have at least six months’ validity at the time of making the application,” it added.

The Indian embassy noted that at the time of immigration check in India, if so asked, applicants must produce either return or onward journey ticket and proof of sufficient funds to spend during the stay in India.

Applicants are reminded that they will be required to pay visa fees as prescribed for all other e-visa categories.