India–Philippines Travel Pact: Visa-Free Entry & Direct Flights from October 2025

A New Era in India–Philippines Travel Relations

In a strategic boost to bilateral relations, India and the Philippines are rolling out major travel upgrades starting October 2025. Indian passport holders can soon travel visa-free to the Philippines, while Filipinos will gain free e-visa access to India.

This announcement follows a high-level summit in New Delhi, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formalized a strategic partnership between the two nations—marking a transformative shift in connectivity and cooperation.

Visa-Free Entry for Indian Travellers

Indian travellers can now enjoy 14 days of visa-free stay in the Philippines—making it one of the most accessible international destinations for beach holidays, MICE tours, and medical travel in Southeast Asia.

What Indian citizens need to enter the Philippines visa-free:

• Passport valid for 6+ months beyond intended departure

• Proof of accommodation (hotel or host confirmation)

• Sufficient funds for the stay

• Return or onward confirmed flight ticket

Top agent picks: Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, and Manila are expected to surge in popularity.

Free e-Visas for Philippine Nationals Visiting India

India, in return, is set to offer free electronic visas (e-Visas) to Philippine nationals. This is expected to boost inbound travel from Southeast Asia, especially in sectors like:

• Cultural and spiritual tourism

• Ayurvedic and medical tourism

• Academic and business visits
  
  

With the removal of visa fees and paperwork, India becomes more accessible for Filipino tourists, students, and business professionals alike.

Direct Air India Flights: Delhi–Manila Route Launching October 1

For the first time, Air India will launch direct non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, cutting down hours of transit via third countries.

Flight Schedule (Starting October 1, 2025):

Starting October 1, 2025, Air India will operate direct flights between Delhi and Manila. Flight AI 2362 will depart from Delhi at 13:20 and arrive in Manila at 22:40. The return flight, AI 2361, will depart Manila at 23:40 and arrive in Delhi at 03:50 the following day.

Frequency: 5 times/week (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun)

Aircraft: Airbus A321neo

Cabins: Business, Premium Economy, Economy

This move is expected to streamline leisure, VFR (visiting friends & relatives), education, and corporate travel, reducing dependency on layovers in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.

A Strategic Win for B2B Travel, Aviation & Trade

The announcement is more than a tourism headline—it's a signal of deepening strategic ties. The India–Philippines partnership now opens doors for:

• Airline consolidators to market new routes and promotions

• Corporate travel managers to book seamless inter-Asia flights

• Student travel agencies to explore high-volume seasonal demand

• Tour operators to build curated India–Philippines packages

With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties being celebrated in 2025, this move is both symbolic and practical—aimed at boosting travel, trade, and mutual growth.

What This Means for B2B Travel Professionals

• Travel agents can now market Philippines as a visa-free, beach-rich destination to Indian leisure travelers.

• Consolidators should update GDS and fare engines to reflect the new direct route inventory.

• Tour planners have an opportunity to package India for Filipino travelers more competitively than ever before.

• Corporate travel managers can build seamless itineraries with direct air access and no visa overhead.
  
  

Final Takeaway

The India–Philippines travel corridor is set to evolve rapidly—powered by visa-free access, free e-visas, and direct flights. For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and aviation pros, the time is now to align your offerings, update packages, and grab this first-mover advantage.

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