The Philippines has recently initiated a cruise visa waiver program, making it simpler for foreign visitors entering the nation via cruise ship.
The waiver was introduced on July 16 as a part of the Philippine Department of Tourism’s (DOT) ongoing effort to encourage more cruise passengers to consider the Southeast Asian country as their next stop.
The Department of Justice, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), and the DOT jointly launched the cruise visa waiver program.
Boosting the numbers
Christina Frasco, the secretary of the Department of Transportation, claims that the programme is a reflection of the administration’s desire to stimulate the economy through new tourism initiatives, especially the national cruise tourism development strategy.
“We are expecting more tourists to arrive in the Philippines with the implementation of the cruise visa waiver program, especially now that the country is well on its way towards becoming a preferred destination for luxurious expedition cruises on cruise ships that can accommodate a larger number [of passengers],” Frasco stated.
Over 101,000 passengers visited the Philippines during the previous year, with 123 port calls. The Department of Transportation (DOT) intends to boost the numbers by at least 118,000 passengers this year through the cruise visa waiver program.
What is it all about?
The Philippines offers a cruise visa waiver program, but it is only good for a single entry and a maximum stay of 14 days. It cannot be renewed or converted into another kind of visa or immigration status.
Foreign individuals requiring visas who enter and exit the nation on cruise ships for touristic purposes only are eligible for the waiver scheme. Applicants should have no intention to deviate from the ship’s local cruise itinerary.
Eligible foreigners may apply for the waiver online through the BoI’s e-services portal.
This visa waiver, which is only intended for cruise tourists, allows foreign citizens to enter and exit the Philippines on the same cruise ship for a certain amount of time. The waiver cannot be altered or extended, as emphasised by the authorities.
Through 123 port calls, the Philippines received nearly 101,000 passengers in 2023. Following the implementation of the Cruise Visa Waiver program, the nation expects 117 cruise visits in 2024, which might result in the arrival of almost 118,000 passengers. It is anticipated that this rise will greatly strengthen the travel and tourism sectors and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.
