MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to spur tourist arrivals, the government is increasing the number of days that foreigners from 166 countries can stay in the Philippines without a visa.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in a statement, said concerned government agencies have agreed to allow tourists from 166 countries to stay in the Philippines for 30 days without a visa. At present, these tourists can stay here without a visa for 21 days.

Chinese nationals have been granted a 30-day visa-free stay in the Philippines, provided they are part of a tour group handled by a DOT-accredited operator. Indian nationals are given a 14-day visa-free stay, if they have valid visas from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Shengen, Singapore, and UK.



"We need to address the perception abroad that it is difficult to enter the Philippines. With these visa reforms, we will be at par with the entry policies of our neighbors in the region and, for some markets, more liberal. This will definitely help in achieving our target of 10 million foreign visitors by 2016," said DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia allow entry of nationals of most countries without visa for stay of up to 30 days. Tourists entering Cambodia are issued visas upon arrival valid for one month, except nationals of ASEAN countries who are allowed to enter visa-free.

The DOT said other policy reforms are currently being reviewed by a working group composed of representatives from the agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration, including a special long-stay visa for active retirees.