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Visa reforms seen to boost tourism
(philstar.com) Updated March 21, 2012 12:16 PM Comments (0)
MANILA, Philippines - The government is set to implement a number of visa reforms intended to boost the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.
The new visa policies include additional visa-freee privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals traveling 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, Australia, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa.
The new policies were agreed upon in a recent meeting between Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, and BI Commissioner Ricardo A. David Jr.
The new policies are set to simplify entry requirement procedures and processes and allowing tourists more time in the Philippines.
"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 Jimenez.
