PH introduces 'Cruise Visa Waiver' to boost tourism

On Tuesday, the Philippine government unveiled the "cruise visa waiver," a new initiative aimed at simplifying entry for visa-required foreigners vacationing on cruise ships. This move is expected to make the country a more attractive destination for international tourists.

Eligible travelers can apply for the waiver through the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) e-services portal at https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco expressed optimism that this program would draw more cruise passengers to the Philippines. In her speech, she highlighted that the initiative underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to digitalization and aligns with the national strategy for cruise tourism development.

In 2023, the Philippines welcomed 123 port calls, resulting in over 101,000 passengers. For 2024, the Department of Tourism anticipates at least 117 port calls, which could bring in more than 118,000 visitors. Frasco believes the cruise visa waiver will further boost these numbers, positioning the Philippines as a top choice for both luxurious expedition cruises and larger cruise ships.

Ben Line Agencies Marine Agency Services director and vice president, Capt. Terence Uytingban, praised the initiative as a significant advancement for the country’s cruise tourism. He noted that the formalization of the visa waiver provides a sense of security for cruise lines and passengers, assuring them of a streamlined entry process.

"This policy change ensures a permanent solution, giving confidence to cruise lines and their passengers that they can visit the Philippines without entry issues," Uytingban said. He added that this program puts the Philippines on par with other major cruise destinations that offer similar accommodations.

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). DOJ Assistant Secretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong assured that stringent measures are in place to protect the country’s borders.

The waiver is available to visa-required nationals entering and exiting the Philippines via cruise ship for tourism purposes, provided they adhere to the ship's local itinerary. The waiver allows for a single entry and a maximum stay of 14 days. It is non-extendable and cannot be converted to other visa types or statuses.