The Philippine government on Tuesday launched the “cruise visa waiver,” making entry into the country easier and seamless for visa-required foreigners vacationing on board cruise ships.

Eligible foreigners may apply for the waiver at the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) e-services portal at https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said she anticipates this program to attract more cruise passengers to consider the Philippines as its next destination.

In her speech, Frasco said this launch reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment towards digitalization and aligns with the country’s national cruise tourism development strategy.

In 2023 alone, the country received 123 port calls, bringing in more than 101,000 passengers. This year, the Department of Tourism projects at least 117 port calls that could translate into more than 118,000 visitors.

“With the implementation of the cruise visa waiver program, we expect these to increase and we expect more tourists to arrive in the Philippines, especially that the Philippines is well on its way towards becoming a preferred destination for luxurious expedition cruises to cruise ships that can accommodate a bigger number,” Frasco said.

In a separate interview, Ben Line Agencies Marine Agency Services director and vice president, Capt. Terence Uytingban, described the initiative as a “big step forward” for the country’s cruise tourism as it institutionalizes the visa waiver for visiting passengers.

“It’s a change of policy that will really help. In the past, it’s like (a form of) accommodation – the passengers and the cruise principals are not assured that they can really come,” he said.

“If it’s a policy change, then it means it’s permanent. So, it gives assurance to the cruise lines and, of course, to the riding cruisers that there is really an accommodation policy in the Philippines that allows cruise passengers to embark on the vessels and then enjoy the Philippines.”

Uytingban added that this program makes the Philippines “at par” with major destinations that already have similar arrangements for cruise passengers.

The program is a joint undertaking of the DOT, the BI, and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

At the ceremony, DOJ Assistant Secretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong said stringent measures are in place to safeguard the country’s borders.

Those eligible for the waiver program are visa-required nationals arriving into and departing from the country via cruise ship for tourism purposes only and have no intention to deviate from the ship’s local cruise itinerary.

The waiver is for single-entry use and is valid up to a maximum of 14 days stay in the country. It is non-extendible and non-convertible to other types of visas or status. (PNA)