PINOYS will soon be able to travel to India without paying for a tourist visa.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative on Tuesday following a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the President’s five-day state visit to India.
The move is a reciprocal gesture following the Philippines’ decision in June to grant Indian tourists visa-free entry for 14 days.
Prime Minister Modi stated that India would provide free visa facilities to Filipino travelers. President Marcos expressed his gratitude for this initiative, thanking Prime Minister Modi and extending an invitation to more Indian tourists to visit the Philippines. Currently, Filipino nationals pay ₱5,970 (₱5,920 visa fee + ₱50 banking charges) for an Indian tourist visa.
Although a specific implementation date has not yet been announced, this new policy is expected to significantly boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The elimination of visa fees is anticipated to make travel to India more accessible and affordable for Filipinos, potentially leading to a substantial increase in tourism from the Philippines.
This reciprocal agreement underscores the strengthening relationship between the two nations and their commitment to fostering closer ties through increased cultural exchange and tourism.
metrosundaily
