Highlights
- Asian country expects 117 port calls this 2024
- Philippines emerges as preferred destination for cruise travellers.
Manila: Entry process for visa-required tourists will now be a breeze as the Philippines has rolled out the welcome mat for cruise ship visitors with a new streamlined visa scheme.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), in announcing the initiative, extended an invitation to global travellers, urging them to experience the country’s natural wonders, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, and share their experiences with the world.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the DOJ's Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasised on Friday (July 19, 2024) the importance of the Cruise Visa Waiver program.
Streamlined entry process
The programme, implemented through Immigration Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001 in March, aims to provide a convenient, secure, and efficient entry process for cruise ship tourists.
The programme's launch on July 16, 2024 at the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority (TIEZA) in Pasay City marks a significant step forward for Philippine tourism.
It highlights the importance of an accessible and adaptable justice system in fostering economic growth.
The agency also highlighted its potential to significantly boost the country’s tourism industry.
The Cruise Visa Waiver programme is expected to propel the Philippines to become a premier cruise destination, and boost the country’s ranking as the top tourist destination globally.
'Best Ports of Call 2024' award
On July 10, 2024, the Philippines was honoured with the Best Ports of Call 2024 award during the 10th Asia Cruise Awards held in Jeju Island, South Korea.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco accepted the award at the Asia Cruise Forum, emphasising its significance in recognising the collaborative endeavours of cruise tourism stakeholders to revive the Philippines' cruise industry in the post-pandemic era.
The Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju serves as a platform for cruise industry leaders to strategise and enhance Asia's competitiveness in global cruise tourism.
117
Number of cruise ships making port calls in the Philippines (Source: Department of Tourism)The selection of awardees is overseen by the Asia Cruise Leaders’ Network, comprising 74 member organizations from nine countries, with the Philippines currently participating as an observer.
The DOT anticipates welcoming at least 117 port calls, underscoring the growing attractiveness of the Philippines as a preferred destination for cruise travellers.
In 2023, the Philippines secured the title of Asia's Best Cruise Destination at the World Cruise Awards.
What is the Cruise Visa Waiver
The Cruise Visa Waiver is an initiative to streamline the entry process for visa-required foreign tourists arriving on cruise ships.
Here’s a breakdown of the programme:
Benefits: Allows visa-required tourists to enter the Philippines for a limited period specifically for cruise tourism purposes.
Eligibility: Applies to foreign nationals who normally require a visa to enter the Philippines and are arriving on a cruise ship.
Application: Applications are submitted electronically through the Bureau of Immigration's e-services portal: https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/
Conditions:
- Passport validity must be for at least six months from the arrival date.
- Tourists must arrive and depart on the same cruise ship.
- The programme is non-convertible and non-extendable, meaning it cannot be changed to a different visa type and cannot be extended for a longer stay.
- Tourists must be handled by a Bureau of Immigration (BI) accredited cruise tour operator.
(For updates, it is recommended to refer to the official Bureau of Immigration platform).
