Saturday, July 20, 2024
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Philippines has rolled out a new Cruise Visa Waiver initiative to streamline entry for foreign tourists arriving on cruise ships who otherwise require visas, as declared by the Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday.
This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Justice, was officially unveiled on July 16 at the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority in Pasay City. The launch event featured prominent attendees, including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, and BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
Designed exclusively for cruise tourism, this visa waiver permits foreign nationals to stay in the Philippines for a specific period, provided they arrive and leave aboard the same cruise vessel. The waiver cannot be altered or extended, as emphasized by the authorities.
In 2023, the Philippines welcomed over 101,000 passengers through 123 port calls. With the introduction of the Cruise Visa Waiver program, the country anticipates 117 cruise visits in 2024, potentially bringing in around 118,000 passengers. This increase is expected to significantly boost the tourism industry and aid in the nation’s economic resurgence.