E-visa innovations and visa-free access: Boosting Philippines tourism edge

In the 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council Economic Impact Report, the Philippines ranked first in ASEAN in terms of tourism GDP. However, data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) reveal that the Philippines is recovering more slowly than its Southeast Asian neighbors in intra-ASEAN travel.

These contrasting reports show that the industry excels in economic contribution but still underperforms in visitor volume and regional competitiveness.

In 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs launched the electronic visa (e-visa) system, a digital alternative designed to streamline the application process and improve accessibility for short-term international travelers, to support travel reforms. Since then, the DFA has been eyeing to expand the e-visa system to attract more tourists with a modernized and more accessible process.

The most recent countries added to the e-visa system in 2025 are France, Austria, Greece and the Netherlands. The Bureau of Immigration also eased entry requirements for Chinese and Indian nationals, granting them 14 days of visa-free entry for tourism and business purposes. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with an AJACSSUK (America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area, Singapore and the United Kingdom) visa may stay up to 30 days.

Despite the Philippines’ current standing in intra-ASEAN travel, the DOT expressed optimism about the trajectory of foreign arrivals in general. In particular, the policy shift to granting visa-free entry to Chinese and Indian nationals is expected to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties.

The DOT Secretary already reported improvement in the Indian market, with arrivals increasing by 21 percent following the introduction of the visa-free entry privilege in June 2025.

The introduction of the e-visa marks a more modern, digital-first immigration framework that supports the continued growth of Philippine tourism.

Currently, the selection of countries included in the e-visa system remains limited and public awareness seems low, with minimal discourse surrounding its implementation. But there is a growing anticipation about future expansions and evolutions in how the Philippines welcomes travelers and supports global mobility.

As the system continues to develop, understanding the available entry visa options, whether through a traditional visa issued by a Philippine Consulate, the e-visa system, or visa upon arrival and their specific conditions is essential to avoiding compliance risks.

Norhamnah Baniaga is an assistant manager from the Tax Group of R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG in the Philippines), a Philippine partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. The firm has been recognized as a Tier 1 in Transfer Pricing Practice and in General Corporate Tax Practice by the International Tax Review. For more information, you may reach out to Norhamnah Baniaga or Jozette Issel Dizon through [email protected], social media or visit www.home.kpmg/ph.