July 17, 2024 - The Philippines has launched a new "cruise visa waiver" program, streamlining entry for foreign tourists vacationing on cruise ships. This initiative aims to attract more cruise passengers and position the Philippines as a premier cruise destination.
Seamless Entry for Cruise Passengers:
Previously, visa-required foreigners faced hurdles entering the Philippines on cruises. The new program allows them to apply for a waiver online through the Bureau of Immigration's e-services portal.
Boosting the Cruise Industry:
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco expressed optimism that the waiver will significantly increase cruise arrivals. "[This] reflects the Marcos administration's commitment towards digitalization and aligns with the country's national cruise tourism development strategy," she stated.
The Philippines witnessed 123 port calls in 2023, welcoming over 101,000 passengers. The Department of Tourism forecasts a rise to 117 port calls and over 118,000 visitors in 2024. Frasco anticipates the waiver to further propel these numbers.
Industry Cheers the Move:
Industry leaders like Capt. Terence Uytingban, director and vice president of Ben Line Agencies Marine Agency Services, hailed the program as a "big step forward." He emphasized the importance of a permanent policy, assuring cruise lines and passengers of a streamlined entry process.
Uytingban further highlighted that the waiver puts the Philippines "at par" with other major cruise destinations offering similar arrangements.
Safeguarding Borders:
The program, a joint effort by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Department of Justice (DOJ), prioritizes border security. Assistant Secretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong of the DOJ assured the public that "stringent measures are in place" to maintain border integrity.
Eligibility and Conditions:
The waiver applies to visa-required nationalities arriving and departing solely via cruise ship for tourism purposes, with no intention to deviate from the ship's itinerary. It's a single-entry waiver valid for a maximum 14-day stay in the Philippines and cannot be extended or converted to other visas.
This move by the Philippine government signifies a significant shift towards a more accessible and tourist-friendly cruise industry.