Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Good news for Filipino travellers dreaming of visiting the Taj Mahal or exploring the bustling streets of Mumbai! The Indian Embassy in Manila announced that starting August 1, Filipinos can apply for a free 30-day e-tourist visa to India. The scheme will run for an initial period of one year, ending July 31, 2026, following the recent state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India. Applicants will be granted a double-entry e-tourist visa valid for 30 days from the date of their first arrival in India. The second entry must be used within the visa’s validity period as stamped by the Bureau of Immigration upon entry.

How to apply for India e-tourist visa

The application must be filed online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least four days before arrival and can be submitted up to 30 days in advance of the intended travel date. To qualify, an applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application. Upon immigration check in India, travellers may be asked to present a return or onward journey ticket and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. The free 30-day e-tourist visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for travel to protected, restricted, or cantonment areas. Existing rules for other e-visa categories—such as longer-term tourist visas, e-Business, e-Medical, or e-Conference visas—will still apply, and fees will be charged for those types. The embassy advised that those who prefer a regular paper visa must still pay the prescribed visa fees. For detailed procedures and requirements, visit the official Indian e-visa portal or the Indian Embassy in Manila’s advisory. CAM/Expat Media
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