Philippines Relaxes Visa Requirements For Indian Nationals

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Indian nationals who are holders of valid United States, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Singapore or the United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or permanent residence permits can now enter the Philippines at major international airports, secondary international hub, as well as seaport as passengers aboard cruise ships or vessels visa-free for 14 days. The Philippine Embassy here in announcing this Wednesday, however, said that Indian nationals who were not AJACSSUK visa holders were still required to apply for a Philippine visa. Previously, Indian nationals of this category can only avail of the visa-free privilege at Ninoy Aquino International Airports (NAIA) I, II and III, the embassy said in a statement. It said the relaxation of rules was by virtue of revised visa guidelines by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, released on April 13. They were granted visa-free entry for an initial stay of not exceeding 14 days, provided their passports were valid at least six months beyond their completed stay, had returned or onward ticket to their country of destination and had no derogatory record, it added. In addition, their visit to the Philippines should be strictly for tourism purposes, and the type of visa will be not convertible to other visa categories. The embassy said the 14-day, visa-free entry might be extended by an additional seven days for a maximum of 21 days. Those wishing to stay for more than 21 days, might apply for visa at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, or any Philippine embassy or consulate in a country that required Indian nationals to apply for entry visas, it said. --BERNAMA