New eVisa system: Philippines targets more Indian tourists
Asean country eager to open up the doors to more Indian visitors: official
Manila: The Philippines is welcoming Indian travellers with open arms as it rolls out a new eVisa system designed to make travel easier and faster.
The system, now fully operational, allows Indian nationals to apply online through evisa.gov.ph, pay fees securely, and receive their visas without visiting an embassy.
Why this matters
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the country is ready to greet more Indian tourists, with local destinations prepared to offer unique experiences.
India is already a growing market, with over 66,000 Indian visitors arriving from January to October 2024 — a 13.88 per centincrease compared to same period last year, as per official data.
Smooth process
Since the system's soft launch in 2023, over 7,200 eVisas have been issued. Travelers reported that the process is simple and reliable.
Improvements have been made to enhance user experience, thanks to collaboration between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
Growing potential
India’s travel market is booming. The Philippines aims to tap into this market with more flights and convenient entry options.
Secretary Frasco emphasised that this move is part of a broader digital transformation agenda, aiming to attract more Indian visitors and boost tourism.
Easier access
With easier access and a welcoming environment, the Philippines hopes to become a top destination for Indian travelers.
“The Philippines has been ready for quite some time, and we are very eager to finally open up the doors to the Indian market,” Frasco told local media.
India’s international travel market is expected to reach $55.39 billion by 2034, with 50 million Indians traveling abroad by 2030, according to consulting firm Nangia NXT.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) also predicts that India will drive global tourism growth, thanks to a growing middle class and better air travel connections.