In a significant move to enhance tourism and strengthen people-to-people connections, the Philippines has announced that Indian tourists will be permitted to enter the country without a visa. In turn, India will offer free e-visa services to travelers from the Philippines. Additionally, both countries are set to initiate direct flights between Delhi and Manila later this year to improve connectivity.

These announcements were made following bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. during the latter’s visit to New Delhi on Tuesday. During this meeting, the two nations officially upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction that we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of a strategic partnership today. A comprehensive action plan has also been developed to turn the potential of this partnership into tangible outcomes,” Modi stated.

“I reiterated our decision to implement visa-free entry privileges and extended our invitation for more Indian tourists to explore the Philippines. I express my gratitude to PM Modi for initiating a scheme that allows visa-free entry for Philippine tourists traveling to India. We are pleased to resume direct flights starting in October this year and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining and expanding such direct air connectivity,” said President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines.

Facilitating travel between the two nations is a crucial aspect of this partnership. With simplified visa processes and direct air routes on the horizon, both governments are focused on promoting tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges.

India and the Philippines are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. The two leaders unveiled a joint postage stamp to celebrate this milestone.

In June, Air India declared its plans to launch non-stop flights from Delhi to Manila starting October 1, 2025, making it the first and only airline to provide a direct connection between India and the Philippines. This new route is designed to enhance tourism, trade, and cultural interactions between the two nations.

The flights are scheduled to operate five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—utilizing Airbus A321neo aircraft. These planes will offer a three-class layout: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.