India has recently announced a significant step to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral ties with the Philippines by offering free electronic tourist visas (e-visas) to Filipino travelers. This decision reciprocates the Philippines’ earlier move to grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals for short stays.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement during the five-day state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to New Delhi in August 2025. The two countries have also elevated their relations to a strategic partnership and plan to initiate direct flights between Delhi and Manila later this year, facilitating easier travel and enhancing people-to-people connectivity.
Free E-Visas and Enhanced Connectivity: A Reciprocal Gesture
The introduction of free e-visas for Filipino tourists reflects India’s appreciation of the Philippines’ visa-free entry policy extended to Indian visitors since June 2025. This reciprocal visa arrangement aims to simplify travel procedures, making it more convenient for tourists from both countries to visit and explore each other’s cultural and economic landscapes.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that bilateral trade between India and the Philippines has exceeded $3 billion, underscoring the growing economic relationship. The leaders jointly announced plans to review the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and negotiate a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement to further facilitate trade and investment. Additionally, direct flights operated by Air India are scheduled to commence from October 1, 2025, providing five weekly non-stop connections between Delhi and Manila.
These flights, using modern Airbus A321neo aircraft with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, are expected to boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange significantly.
Background and Broader Cooperation
India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, although their cultural and civilisational connections date back centuries. The recent state visit by President Marcos included the signing of 14 bilateral agreements covering diverse areas such as mutual legal assistance, defence cooperation, science and technology, space collaboration, and tourism development.
India has committed to assist the Philippines in developing digital infrastructure projects, including sovereign data cloud systems and linking digital public services, enhancing the country’s technological capabilities. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea by advocating peaceful dispute resolution based on international law.
This visit also emphasized cooperation in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, waste management, and satellite technology, reflecting a comprehensive partnership beyond conventional diplomacy.
Economic and Tourism Potential
The free e-visa facility and resumption of direct flights promise to significantly enhance tourism between the two nations. India ranks as the 11th largest source of tourists to the Philippines, with over 55,000 Indian tourists arriving in early 2024, an increase driven by India’s expanding middle class and growing travel appetite.
The Department of Tourism in the Philippines has identified India as a strategic tourism market and is fostering stronger linkages through high-level meetings with Indian stakeholders from the tourism, aviation, and business sectors to catalyze tourist arrivals and cultural exchanges.
Likewise, India’s efforts to ease visa procedures and boost physical connectivity demonstrate its commitment to cultivating closer economic and social ties in Southeast Asia.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s decision to waive e-visa fees for Filipino tourists reflects a spirit of goodwill, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity. Easing travel barriers is more than a policy change; it is a powerful gesture that promotes understanding, dialogue, and cultural harmony between two diverse peoples.
Especially in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, facilitating tourism and interpersonal exchanges fosters trust and long-term cooperation. The strategic partnership between India and the Philippines can serve as a model for how countries can work together to build bridges through diplomacy and connectivity.
We are working to boost cultural linkages between India and Philippines. Our nations will work together in tourism, connectivity and holding regular cultural exchange programmes. pic.twitter.com/Mzg0KubXAG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2025
