The Philippine government has introduced a new “cruise visa waiver” program aimed at making it easier for visa-required foreigners vacationing on cruise ships to enter the country. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the country’s appeal as a prime destination for cruise tourism.
The cruise visa waiver program allows eligible foreign tourists to apply for a visa waiver through the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) e-services portal. This digitalization effort aligns with the Marcos administration’s commitment to improving and modernizing the country’s tourism infrastructure. The program is part of the national cruise tourism development strategy, which aims to attract more cruise passengers to the Philippines.
In 2023, the Philippines received 123 port calls, bringing in over 101,000 passengers. The Department of Tourism (DOT) projects at least 117 port calls in 2024, potentially translating into more than 118,000 visitors. The implementation of the cruise visa waiver program is expected to boost these numbers significantly, making the Philippines a preferred destination for luxurious expedition cruises and larger cruise ships.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized that the new visa waiver program reflects the government’s dedication to facilitating seamless travel for tourists and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness in cruise tourism. The initiative is seen as a “big step forward” for the industry, institutionalizing the visa waiver for visiting passengers and providing assurance to cruise lines and tourists that they can easily enter the country.
Capt. Terence Uytingban, director and vice president of Ben Line Agencies Marine Agency Services, highlighted that this policy change is crucial for the country’s cruise tourism. It ensures that passengers and cruise principals can confidently include the Philippines in their itineraries, knowing that there is a permanent accommodation policy in place. This program positions the Philippines on par with major cruise destinations that already have similar arrangements for cruise passengers.
The cruise visa waiver program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). At the launch ceremony, DOJ Assistant Secretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong assured that stringent measures are in place to safeguard the country’s borders while facilitating the entry of cruise tourists.
Eligible nationals for the waiver program are those who require visas and are arriving and departing via cruise ship for tourism purposes only. The waiver is for single-entry use. Follow up with full article here
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