Filipinos can now travel to India more easily as the country rolls out free e-visas to Philippine passport holders. The announcement comes after a recent state visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and boosting tourism between the two nations.
Direct Flights Between Manila and Delhi Launching Soon
As part of the new agreements, Air India has confirmed that it will launch non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting October 1. These direct flights are expected to significantly reduce travel time and make India more accessible to Filipino travelers.
Air India’s service will operate five times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The airline will deploy its Airbus A321neo aircraft for the route, offering Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seating options.
This makes Air India the only airline currently offering direct connectivity between the Philippines and India, eliminating the need for long layovers in other countries.
Strengthening a 75-Year Bilateral Relationship
India and the Philippines are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. As part of this milestone, both governments have agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. A comprehensive action plan has also been drawn up to support cooperation in areas such as trade, security, technology, and tourism.
Tourism Growth and Opportunities
According to the Philippine Department of Tourism, nearly 80,000 Indian nationals visited the Philippines in 2024, showing a 12 percent increase from the previous year. With the introduction of free e-visas and direct flights, Filipino outbound tourism to India is expected to see a similar rise.
This development presents opportunities for travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and small businesses catering to international visitors. Destinations like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala may soon see more Filipino travelers seeking historical sites, culinary adventures, and cultural experiences.
This visa-free initiative marks a new chapter in India–Philippines relations. For Filipinos, it opens doors to one of Asia’s most dynamic and diverse destinations. With better connectivity, cost-free e-visas, and a growing friendship between the two nations, now is the perfect time to start planning that long awaited trip to India.
