TBM Staff - Mumbai The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially launched its e-Visa system for India, enabling Indian nationals to apply for visas online. This marks a significant step in enhancing accessibility and convenience for travelers to the Philippines.
Online Application Now Available
Indian applicants can visit evisa.gov.ph to apply for e-Visas remotely. Payments can be made securely via direct bank transfer, eliminating the need for in-person visits to consulates.
Successful Launch and Implementation
The full implementation, announced in a DFA advisory dated November 29, follows the system’s successful soft launch and beta testing in August 2023. Operations officially commenced on October 28 at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and the Honorary Consulates in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
As of October 31, over 7,259 e-Visas have been issued, with applicants praising the system for its convenience, reliability, and user-friendly interface. Enhancements have since been integrated to further improve the user experience, developed in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Milestones Achieved
During the beta testing phase, the first Indian e-Visa holder entered the Philippines on April 13, passing through immigration counters smoothly. This milestone affirmed the seamless integration of the e-Visa system with the country’s e-Travel registration system.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive from January 2023 to extend e-Visa services to Chinese and Indian nationals. It was highlighted as a priority in his State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024, as part of the Philippines’ digital transformation agenda.
Boost for Tourism and Connectivity
The e-Visa system is expected to facilitate travel for Indian nationals, promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral ties. With its user-friendly features and streamlined processes, the initiative positions the Philippines as a forward-thinking destination for international travellers.
