Philippines Introduces Visa Waiver to Boost Cruise Tourism
The Philippines made a significant move to enhance cruise tourism by launching the country’s first Cruise Visa Waiver program on July 16, 2024.
With this new program, cruise travelers (or their travel advisors) no longer need to secure a tourist visa before arriving by cruise ship.
The Bureau of Immigration unveiled the program at an event hosted by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority in Pasay City, attended by senior government officials.
“The Cruise Visa Waiver is a significant step in revitalizing our tourism industry after the pandemic. It ensures that cruise tourists can easily visit and enjoy our beautiful country,” said Norman Tansingco, commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration.
“The pandemic had a profound impact on our tourism sector, but with initiatives like the Cruise Visa Waiver, we are confident in our ability to rebound stronger,” Tansingco added. “This program is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the tourist experience while ensuring national security.”
International cruising resumed in the Philippines in February 2023, following a 3-year suspension. Seabourn’s Seabourn Encore was the first cruise ship to visit the Philippines post-pandemic, stopping at Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan.
Under the new visa waiver program, all foreign nationals who normally require a visa are permitted to enter the Philippines for a limited period specifically for cruise tourism. The waiver stipulates that each guest must arrive and depart on the same ship, and it cannot be extended.
Developed in collaboration with the departments of tourism and justice, the program aims to simplify the process and establish the Philippines as “the cruise hub of Asia” with its 7,640 islands.
Top cruise destinations in the Philippines include Manila, the beach paradise of Boracay, Puerto Princesa with its limestone caves and Subterranean River National Park, and the islands of Bohol, El Nido, and Subic Bay.
The country is also improving its cruise infrastructure with new terminals being built in Siargao, a popular surfing destination, and Coron, Palawan. Recently, the Philippines received a Best Cruise Destination award and was named among Asia’s Best Ports of Call for 2024.
Destination Expects Big Jump in Cruise Arrivals in 2024
In early 2024, tourism officials announced that the country anticipates welcoming around 300,000 cruise guests, marking a 275% increase compared to 2023, when only 80,000 visitors arrived.
Cruise lines calling at ports in the Philippines include Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Seabourn, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Azamara, and Hapag Lloyd.
For instance, Azamara offers a 20-night “Treasure of Asia” voyage aboard the 684-guest Azamara Onward, departing on March 14, 2025. The cruise from Singapore to Bangkok will call at Puerto Princesa and Manila in the Philippines, as well as destinations in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Princess Cruises’ 2,670-guest Diamond Princess will stop in Manila during its 22-day “Asia & Australia” cruise, sailing from Sydney, Australia to Tokyo on February 21, 2025. Other stops include Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, and several Japanese ports.
The Philippines has strong ties to the global cruise industry, partly due to the significant number of Filipino nationals working as crew members on many cruise ships.
