30 Day Visa Back On The Books

[Jollygoodfellow]

Seems to be heading for reality. :unsure:A March 21, 2012 press release from the Department of TourismTourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. announced that visa reforms, which will be implemented soon, will boost the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.The new visa policies were agreed upon by Secretary Jimenez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo A. David Jr. It now includes the increase in the visa-free privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals travelling to the Philippines as part of a tour group handled by a Department of Tourism-accredited Philippine tour operator, and a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australian, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa.The implementation of these new policies is part of the Aquino Administration’s efforts to attract more foreign tourists and spread the benefits of tourism to the countryside by simplifying entry requirement procedures and processes and allowing them more time to experience what the Philippines has to offer. “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 neighbours 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 Secretary Jimenez.Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia allow entry of nationals of most countries without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Tourists entering Cambodia are issued visas upon arrival valid for one month, except for nationals of ASEAN countries who are allowed to enter visa-free.Other policy reforms are currently being reviewed by a working group composed of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Bureau of Immigration, including a special long-stay visa for active retirees.http://www.gov.ph/2012/03/21/visa-reforms-to-boost-phl-competitiveness-spur-arrivals/

[Jim Sibbick]

Heading there but not there yet!The only one saying anything at all is tourism secretary Ramon R. Jimenez JrIt is his personal wish but he has no power to authorise the changes.Regards: Jim

[JJReyes]

Philippine tourism is missing out on the huge snowbird market. They need to add a 90 days visa waiver for persons aged 55 years and older. Countries with severe winters near the Philippines include Japan, China and South Korea. The warm climate states in the USA receive tens of thousands from Canada, Europe and Japan every year. We have a 90 visa waiver program with 34 countries. By the way, these are repeat customers. They buy vacation properties and come every year.

[scianna54]

Any word on when this will be implemented?

[Jollygoodfellow]

Heading there but not there yet!The only one saying anything at all is tourism secretary Ramon R. Jimenez JrIt is his personal wish but he has no power to authorise the changes.Regards: Jim

Well not sure about that as the story says its all agreed on by several people in different departments and then this line says,

The implementation of these new policies is part of the Aquino Administration’s efforts to attract more foreign tourists and spread the benefits of tourism to the countryside by simplifying entry requirement procedures and processes and allowing them more time to experience what the Philippines has to offer.

[Jim Sibbick]

Well not sure about that as the story says its all agreed on by several people in different departments and then this line says,

I agree with all you say. And for all we know, it will start next week.However, the only person giving media interviews at the moment is the head of the Department of Tourism.Department of Tourism do not make policy.When it is the head of the Bureau of Immigration telling us, then I will believe that it is going to happen.Regards: Jim

[Old55]

I don't see anything on the Bureau of Immigration web to do with a 30 day visa but if you read here it seems a done deal;Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said that the new policies were agreed upon by himself, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr."It now includes the increase in the visa-free privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals travelling to the Philippines as part of a tour group handled by a Department of Tourism-accredited Philippine tour operator, and a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australian, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa," he said.Link; http://www.interaksyon.com/article/27630/philippines-approves-new-visa-policies-for-foreign-touristshttp://immigration.gov.ph/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90777/90851/7766488.html

[Jollygoodfellow]

Well seems its all systems go now.Mar 30, 2012MANILA, Philippines - Tourists from 166 countries can now avail of the expanded 30-day free visa upon arrival and six months for retirees as part of the government efforts to prove "It is more fun in the Philippines".Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez said this in a speech before the General Membership Meeting of the Makati Business Club that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration have issued circular to extend the free visa upon arrival to 166 countries to 30 days from 21 days and for retirees to enjoy 6 month free visa upon arrival.The rest of the story.http://www.eturbonews.com/28575/philippines-offers-foreign-visitors-30-day-free-visa

[Dave Hounddriver]

It sounds great but I can find nothing new on the mainstream media. BI website still does not show any news about it.The 6 month free retirement visa sounds too good to be true.

[Jake]

It sounds great but I can find nothing new on the mainstream media. BI website still does not show any news about it.The 6 month free retirement visa sounds too good to be true.

It will take more time for the agents of bureau of immigration to replace their exiting table. Perhaps the newtable will include a automated money counter when money is passed under the table.....he, he.