New travel corridor boosts tourism and people-to-people ties between India and the Philippines
In a major move to deepen regional ties, the Philippines has granted visa-free entry to Indian citizens, while also offering free e-visas for Filipino travelers to India. This mutual travel easing is designed to stimulate tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
At the same time, Air India has announced plans to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila later this year. Together, these initiatives mark a strategic shift toward greater regional mobility, simplified cross-border access, and stronger economic engagement between South and Southeast Asia.
Policy shift to attract Indian tourists
The Philippines is one of Asia’s most scenic destinations, with growing ambitions to become a top travel spot for Indian tourists. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), over 60,000 Indian travelers visited the Philippines in 2023, a number expected to rise significantly under the new visa-free policy.
Indian passport holders can now enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days, provided they hold a valid visa or residency in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, or Schengen countries. Moreover, the Philippines has also introduced free e-visa processing for Indian citizens not meeting the above conditions.
This is part of a larger push to diversify the country’s tourism base. As travel from China remains inconsistent and European demand softens, the Philippines is now turning to fast-growing Asian markets like India for sustainable tourism growth.
Visa-free entry to Indians
The decision to allow visa-free entry to Indians is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. India has one of the world’s largest and youngest populations, with a rising middle class eager to explore international destinations. With its beaches, islands, and historical sites, the Philippines sees an opportunity to capture this market.
Moreover, Indian wedding tourism, tech MICE events, and student exchanges are areas poised for growth. Visa-free access makes it easier for Indian families and companies to consider the Philippines as a preferred location.
For the Indian side, offering free e-visas to Filipino nationals ensures that cultural exchange is balanced and accessible in both directions. This strengthens the long-standing diplomatic relationship that dates back to 1949.
New air routes boost regional access
Alongside the visa update, Air India has confirmed plans to begin nonstop flights between Delhi and Manila by the end of this year. This will be the first direct air route between the two capitals, significantly reducing travel time from over 10 hours (via layovers) to just 6.5 hours.
More importantly, the route supports growing business, academic, and tech linkages. Several Indian firms in IT and pharma are expanding into Southeast Asia, and easier air connectivity improves talent mobility and partnership flow.
For Filipino travelers, the direct flight opens doors to northern India’s rich cultural circuit—Agra, Jaipur, and Amritsar—without complex layovers. This may encourage more outbound tourism and education interest from the Philippines.
Regional implications and travel diplomacy
These changes are part of a larger trend in Asia, where countries are using travel policy to deepen strategic ties. Both India and the Philippines are active members of ASEAN+ mechanisms and have supported Indo-Pacific frameworks focused on people-centered development.
The visa-free entry to Indians and new flight route also support India’s “Act East” policy and the Philippines’ “Build Better More” vision for infrastructure and economic reform. Moreover, these moves align with broader regional aims for travel and tourism recovery post-pandemic.
Smaller nations in ASEAN are increasingly courting Indian travelers, aware of the potential spending power and cultural alignment. The Philippines, with its English-speaking population and tropical appeal, may now have a competitive edge.
A new bridge between South and Southeast Asia
The visa-free entry for Indians and the upcoming Air India route reflect more than convenience—they reflect strategic friendship. As both nations prioritize regional cooperation and people-driven diplomacy, these steps represent tangible progress.
In the coming years, the India–Philippines travel corridor could become a model for other South–Southeast Asia links. With smoother mobility, growing trust, and aligned interests, the two democracies are set to strengthen bilateral ties across tourism, trade, and technology.
