Philippines Extends Visa-Free Stay Duration for Tourists

The government of the Philippines has decided to increase the visa-free stay duration for entry into the country from 21 days to 30 days.

This decision applies to 150 countries starting from July 1st, aiming to enhance tourist attraction, especially from neighboring countries like Malaysia.

The Philippine ambassador to Malaysia, J. Eduardo Malaya, stated in a release, 'With the new regulation, we anticipate a substantial rise in tourist numbers, not only from Malaysia but also from other countries worldwide.'

He emphasized the close bond between the two nations, emphasizing increased flights as significant opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange. 'Extending the visa-free days for travel to the Philippines allows tourists to explore additional destinations such as Tagaytay, Boracay, Cebu, Camarines Sur, and other rural areas.'

He also added that the extension of visa-free days only applies to tourists with passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the Philippines, along with round-trip or onward tickets.

According to the Philippines Department of Tourism, in 2012, the country attracted 4.27 million tourists, representing a growth of over 9% compared to 2011. This marked the first time the number of visitors surpassed 4 million per year.

Based on Malaysia's statistics, in 2012, Malaysia welcomed over 25 million tourists, including 508,744 visitors from the Philippines. Conversely, 114,513 Malaysian tourists visited the Philippines, nearly a 25% increase from the previous year, making Malaysia the 10th largest tourism market for the Philippines.

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Source: Mytour Travel Handbook – Courtesy of: Vietnamplus