The Philippines will no longer require a visa for visitors arriving on cruise ships, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
This will be made possible through the new Cruise Visa Waiver program, a joint venture between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“The Cruise Visa Waiver is a significant step in revitalizing our tourism industry after the pandemic,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. “It ensures that cruise tourists can easily visit and enjoy our beautiful country.”
Boost cruise visitors
By making the visa application procedure simpler for passengers arriving on cruise ships, it intends to enhance the Philippines' standing as a top cruise destination and draw in more cruise travelers.
With accolades like Asia's Best Ports of Call for 2024 from the 19th Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju, South Korea, and Best Cruise Destination from the World Cruise Awards in Dubai, the country is becoming more and more well-known on a global scale in cruise tourism, according to the BI.
“The Cruise Visa Waiver allows visa-required foreign nationals to enter the Philippines for a limited duration, strictly for cruise tourism purposes. This streamlined process is designed to facilitate entry for tourists, ensuring a seamless travel experience,” the Bureau said.
However, the Cruise Visa Waiver is non-transferable, non-extendable, and requires the bearer to board and disembark from the cruise ship.
Inter-agency collaboration
The latest inter-agency collaboration between the DOJ and DOT will play a huge role in boosting the country’s economy and tourism.
Over 101,000 passengers arrived in the Philippines last year through 123 port visits, the BI reported. The hope is that the new Cruise Visa Waiver program will help bring in more.
