InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA— The Bureau of Immigration has allowed Indian nationals to enter the Philippines visa-free provided they have valid visas issued by the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, the UK and the EU.
“Indian nationals who avail of this scheme will be granted an initial stay of 14 days, which may be extended for an additional seven days,” Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said.
But their stay cannot exceed 21 days, David said.
Also, visa-free entry would be allowed only at the three terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
David said the new policy is based on a Department of Foreign Affairs circular issued last February, aiming to draw more foreign tourists to the country.
In addition to any of the seven mentioned visas, an Indian traveler’s passport must be valid for at least six months, and he or she must have a return ticket or an onward ticket to the next country of destination.
Also, the traveler must have no derogatory record with the BI, National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency and the International Police.
“Furthermore, Indian nationals admitted into the Philippines via this scheme cannot apply for conversion of their status to other visa categories,” lawyer Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI spokesperson, said.
New Delhi and other key Indian cities also allow Filipinos to receive visas-on-arrival, a policy the Indian government introduced January 1, 2011.
Tourist visas on arrival shall be granted by immigration officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports and shall be valid for a maximum of 30 days with single entry and may be allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year with a minimum gap of two months between each visit.
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