Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and India are on the cusp of a groundbreaking advancement in tourism and aviation, thanks to successful bilateral talks and the implementation of visa waiver measures. The synergy of enhanced connectivity, visa reforms, and joint marketing efforts is set to make visits to the Philippines even more accessible for Indian travelers. The Philippines recently introduced two new visa exemption categories for Indian nationals, and direct flights connecting New Delhi and Manila are anticipated to commence by late 2025.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Visa Easing and Direct Route Opening
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) has initiated market testing and proof-of-concept operations via charter flights to target India's rapidly growing outbound travel market. This demonstrates the Philippine government's strong commitment to attracting Indian tourists.
In the aviation sector, both countries' airlines are collaborating to establish direct routes, fostering a more convenient travel environment. In February, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) met with Air India officials to discuss the feasibility of opening direct routes between the two nations. The meeting, held at the CAAP office in Manila, delved into proposed routes, flight frequencies, and logistical considerations for efficient and seamless approval processes. CAAP also discussed the necessary documentation, technical specifications, and procedural framework for flight approvals.
On April 28, 2025, Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced at a European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) meeting in Makati that direct Air India flights from Delhi, the Indian capital, to Manila would commence "later this year." The direct route between Delhi and Manila, initially scheduled for October 2024 under a codeshare agreement between Air India and Philippine Airlines (PAL), was postponed to 2025, though specific reasons for the delay were not clearly stated. While PAL previously operated this route but suspended it, the re-establishment of this direct service is expected to positively impact the consistently increasing influx of Indian tourists.
Last year, Paz Alberto, President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippines Chapter and President of Ark Travel Express, strongly advocated for the introduction of an electronic visa (e-visa) system as a key to boosting the Indian travel market. The Philippine government's introduction of new visa waiver policies for Indian nationals is seen as a response to these demands. Currently, Indian travelers holding valid visas for Japan, Australia, Canada, the Schengen Area, Singapore, the United States, or the United Kingdom are permitted visa-free entry for 14 days, which can be extended to 21 days. While some visa benefits existed previously, this measure further expands them.
Indian Tourists Emerge as a Key Driver of the Philippine Tourism Market
Despite the absence of direct flights, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Philippines has remained consistently strong. In fact, Indian tourist numbers have sometimes surpassed those from traditional long-haul markets in Philippine entry statistics. Philippine tourism authorities expect that simplified visa procedures and enhanced air connectivity will drive even greater growth.
Tourism Secretary Frasco previously confirmed that an Indian government working group had visited the Philippines to explore closer tourism cooperation. She stated, "The objective was to reopen the Philippine tourism landscape to the Indian market." Secretary Frasco also added that the Philippine Department of Tourism would work closely with Indian tour operators and travel agencies to organize group tours and clearly demonstrate demand. She emphasized the importance of the Indian market, stating, "It's not merely opening a route; it's opening the door to one of the most promising travel markets in the world."
The number of Indian tourists is on a steady upward trend. In 2023, the Philippines welcomed over 5.4 million foreign tourists in total. While the exact ranking of Indian tourists has not yet been compiled, considering that in 2022, South Korea ranked second (over 1.44 million visitors), the United States third (over 950,000 visitors), and Chinese tourists fourth (over 270,000 visitors), India's potential is considered substantial. The Philippine Department of Tourism is actively readjusting its strategy to attract visitors from other key markets, including India, following a decline in Chinese tourist numbers.
Expanding from Military to Tourism Cooperation
In addition to advancements in tourism and aviation, relations between India and the Philippines are also strengthening in the field of military cooperation. India has become a major supplier of military equipment to the Philippines, including the delivery of Brahmos supersonic missiles to the Philippine armed forces in Manila. This multifaceted cooperative relationship is deepening trust between the two countries, which is expected to positively influence tourism exchanges.
Manila and New Delhi have the potential to open a strong travel corridor, dramatically increasing Indian tourist numbers and providing a much-needed boost to Philippine tourism. The easing of visa policies and the establishment of direct flights will not only enhance travel convenience but also serve as important foundations for deepening cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.
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