Visa reforms to spur tourist arrivals

MANILA, Philippines - Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. announced that visa reforms to be implemented soon will boost the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.

Among the new visa policies agreed upon in a recent meeting between Jimenez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David, Jr. are the increase in the visa-free privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines as part of a tour group handled by a Department of Tourism-accredited Philippine tour operator, and a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australian, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore or United Kingdom visa.

The implementation of these new policies is part of the government’s efforts to attract more foreign tourists and spread the benefits of tourism to the countryside by simplifying entry requirement procedures and allowing them more time to experience what the Philippines has to offer.   

“We need to address the perception abroad that it is difficult to enter the Philippines. With these visa reforms, we will be at par with the entry policies of our neighbors in the region and, for some markets, more liberal. This will definitely help in achieving our target of 10 million foreign visitors by 2016,” said Jimenez. 

Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia allow entry of nationals of most countries without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Tourists entering Cambodia are issued visas upon arrival valid for one month, except for nationals of ASEAN countries who are allowed to enter visa-free.  

Other policy reforms are currently being reviewed by a working group composed of representatives from the Departments of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration, including a special long-stay visa for active retirees.