Starting August 2025, Indian authorities extend complimentary 30-day e-Tourist visas to Philippine travelers.
The Government of India has introduced a new e-Tourist visa scheme for Filipino travellers, effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. This initiative is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and the Philippines and encouraging tourism with simplified, fee-free electronic visa access.
To apply for this free 30-day e-Tourist visa, Filipino travellers must follow a straightforward online process. Here's how:
- Apply online via the official Indian e-visa portal at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- Complete the online application form by entering your passport details and required personal information.
- Since the visa is free during this period, no visa fee payment is needed.
- Submit your application at least 4 days in advance of your planned travel; applications can be made up to 30 days before arrival.
- You will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email once your application is approved.
- Upon arrival in India, present your passport and ETA. The e-tourist visa provides double entry for 30 days from your first arrival date.
This visa is valid for travel within India and allows two entries during its 30-day validity, facilitating short visits or brief trips to neighboring countries like Nepal followed by return entry to India.
It is important to note that any kind of e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. At the time of immigration check-in India, applicants must produce either a return or onward journey ticket and proof of sufficient funds to spend during their stay in India.
The e-visa scheme is valid for entry via designated airports and is a fully online process with no need to visit embassy or visa centers. The applicant's passport should have at least six months' validity at the time of making the application.
Those who wish to obtain regular paper visas, including tourist visas, from the Embassy will require to pay the prescribed visa fees. The Philippine president Marcos visited India recently, marking a significant step in the strengthening of relations between the two nations.
For more detailed information, applicants are advised to refer to the advisory published by the Indian Embassy in Manila, which provides comprehensive guidelines on the e-visa application process. The details of the e-visa application process, as well as other existing rules regarding e-Tourist and other e-visas, can be found at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- The new e-Tourist visa scheme for Filipino travelers, effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, not only encourages tourism but also serves as an opportunity for short visits to neighboring countries like Nepal due to its double entry facility.
- Business travelers who wish to visit India may find this e-Tourist visa beneficial, as it allows for two entries during its 30-day validity, making it ideal for brief trips.
- Additionally, lifestyle enthusiasts will find it interesting to know that this visa is valid for travel within India, allowing them to explore various traditional sports, local cuisine, and cultural landscapes the country has to offer.
