More relaxed visa policies for tourists

The decision was the result of a meeting between Mr. Jimenez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo A. David, Jr.

Among the new visa policies agreed upon 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 Tourism department said the implementation of these new policies is part of the Aquino administration’s efforts to attract more foreign tourists and spread the benefits of tourism to the countryside by simplifying entry requirement procedures and processes 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 Mr. 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 consisting of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration, including a special long-stay visa for active retirees.

Source - bworldonline