India is preparing to grant free e-visas to citizens of the Philippines, while the Philippines has already introduced visa-free entry for Indian travelers visiting for tourism. This reciprocal move is set against the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Both governments have framed the agreement as a symbol of trust and friendship, but also as a practical boost for tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The Philippines’ visa-free policy for Indian nationals took effect on June 8, 2025. It allows Indian tourists to enter without the paperwork and fees previously required. India has announced its plan to offer a matching free e-visa to Filipino citizens, though an exact implementation date has yet to be confirmed. Once live, the arrangement will allow travelers from both sides to plan trips with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.

Celebrating a diplomatic milestone

The announcement was made during talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Romualdez Marcos Jr in New Delhi. The meeting coincided with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. To commemorate the milestone, a joint postage stamp was issued, reflecting shared history and forward-looking cooperation.

The leaders witnessed the signing of thirteen bilateral agreements covering multiple sectors such as defense, maritime cooperation, education, tourism, and trade. One of the most significant was the 2025–2028 tourism cooperation program, designed to guide joint initiatives, training, marketing campaigns, and sustainable travel projects over the next three years.

What the visa waiver means for travelers

For travelers, this agreement removes a major entry barrier. Filipino tourists will be able to apply for a free e-visa to visit India, which will be non-convertible and non-extendible, aimed strictly at short-term tourism. On the other side, Indian travelers already benefit from visa-free entry into the Philippines for tourism purposes.

This is expected to encourage not only leisure travel but also stronger cultural and educational ties. Plans are already being discussed for student exchange programs, cultural festivals, and academic collaborations. By allowing easier movement between the two countries, both governments are hoping to inspire long-term partnerships that go beyond tourism.

Direct flights to transform connectivity

Alongside the visa announcement, the Indian government confirmed it is working on more direct flight connections between Delhi and Manila. Air India announced in June 2025 that it would launch nonstop service between the two capitals starting October 1, 2025.

The flights will operate five days a week — Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays — using Airbus A321neo aircraft. The service will offer Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, appealing to both business travelers and leisure tourists.

Nonstop flights are expected to cut travel time significantly, removing the need for layovers in third countries. For both tourists and businesses, this will mean quicker, more convenient travel between India and the Philippines, potentially opening new avenues for trade, conferences, and cross-border projects.

Economic and cultural ripple effects

Tourism is one of the most immediate areas set to benefit from these changes. The Philippines is looking to attract a larger share of India’s fast-growing outbound tourism market, while India hopes to boost arrivals from the Philippines by offering a more accessible travel process.

Economic benefits are expected in hospitality, aviation, and retail sectors as visitor numbers grow. Cultural benefits could be equally significant. India’s diverse heritage, from the palaces of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala, is now more accessible to Filipino travelers. Likewise, India’s travelers will have greater opportunities to experience the Philippines’ beaches, historical landmarks, and world-renowned hospitality.

Education and cultural diplomacy are also in focus. Easier travel can help universities, cultural organizations, and performing arts groups collaborate more frequently, enriching people-to-people connections.

Tourism ambitions backed by policy

The tourism cooperation agreement for 2025–2028 is a strategic move by both governments. It outlines commitments to joint marketing campaigns, knowledge-sharing in tourism development, and collaborative training programs for professionals in the hospitality and travel industries.

The Philippines has been actively promoting itself in India through roadshows, partnerships with tour operators, and participation in travel fairs. India’s Ministry of Tourism has similarly identified the Philippines as a priority market in Southeast Asia. With direct flights soon to be operational, these promotional efforts can be paired with convenient travel options to convert interest into actual bookings.

Timing and regional context

The announcement comes at a time when Asia-Pacific countries are seeking to revive tourism flows disrupted during the pandemic years. Simplifying visa rules and improving air connectivity are proven strategies to increase arrivals. For the Philippines, attracting Indian visitors — who are known for high spending during overseas trips — could provide a significant economic lift. For India, the Philippines offers an appealing mix of leisure, business, and investment opportunities.

The policy shift also supports broader regional goals. Stronger India-Philippines ties align with India’s Act East policy and ASEAN’s vision for deeper integration among member and partner nations.

The symbolism of shared milestones

The joint postage stamp may seem a small gesture, but in diplomatic terms, it carries weight. It represents continuity, mutual respect, and a shared journey over decades. Linking that symbolism to practical steps like visa waivers and flight agreements makes the celebration tangible for citizens.

By tying the policy changes to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both governments are signaling that the relationship is not just about official visits but about creating everyday opportunities for their people.

Tourism cooperation roadmap 2025–2028

The implementation plan for tourism cooperation lays out concrete goals for the next three years. Joint marketing will target both traditional and emerging traveler segments. Data sharing will help each country understand visitor behavior and preferences. Hospitality training programs will focus on raising service standards to match the expectations of increasingly diverse tourist groups.

Sustainability is also built into the plan. Both nations are aiming to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise environmental or cultural integrity, with eco-friendly practices encouraged for tour operators, hotels, and other stakeholders.

Challenges and strategies

Turning these announcements into reality will require coordinated efforts. India’s rollout of the free e-visa must be smooth and accessible, with clear guidelines for Filipino travelers. The new Delhi–Manila flights will need strong marketing to maintain high passenger loads beyond the launch period.

Possible strategies include promotional fares for early bookings, collaborative tour packages offered by operators in both countries, and seasonal campaigns tied to festivals or events. Close cooperation between tourism boards, airlines, and travel industry bodies will be crucial.

Air India’s role in the new travel corridor

Air India’s choice of the Airbus A321neo reflects careful planning. This aircraft type offers an efficient balance of range, passenger capacity, and fuel savings for the route’s demands. The five-times-weekly schedule provides enough frequency to be practical while allowing adjustments based on seasonal demand.

If the route proves successful, additional frequencies or connections from other Indian cities to Manila could follow, deepening the travel corridor between the two nations.

People-to-people impact

Perhaps the most meaningful changes will be felt at a personal level. Families with members in both countries will find it easier to visit one another. Students will face fewer barriers to studying abroad. Artists, cultural groups, and entrepreneurs will have more opportunities for direct collaboration.

These everyday connections can create bonds that outlast political terms and policy cycles. Over time, the familiarity and friendships built through travel often contribute to stronger diplomatic ties than formal agreements alone.

Outlook for the future

The mutual visa waiver and new direct flights signal a confident outlook for India-Philippines relations. By making travel easier and more appealing, both nations are opening doors to a future of deeper economic cooperation, richer cultural exchange, and sustained tourism growth.

When the first Air India flight departs Delhi for Manila on October 1, 2025, it will carry not just passengers but the weight of a new era in bilateral ties. And when Filipino travelers begin arriving in India with free e-visas in hand, the practical benefits of this diplomatic milestone will be visible in airport arrival halls, hotel lobbies, and tourist landmarks across both nations.