Cruise visa waiver to boost post-pandemic tourism – BI

WARM WELCOME. Passengers onboard the Silver Spirit cruise ship are welcomed by Tourism and city government officials, along with performers of native Philippine music and dance at the Manila South Harbor on Wednesday (Feb. 15, 2023). The Philippines’ cruise tourism industry is seen to bounce back since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, with 139 port calls and over 117,000 passengers pegged for 2023 alone. (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said the newly launched Cruise Visa Waiver program will attract more cruise tourists to the Philippines as it simplifies the visa process for passengers on cruise ships.

According to Commissioner Norman Tansingco, the initiative is to enhance the Philippines’ position as a top cruise destination, offering a secure and efficient entry process for cruise passengers.

He noted that with the program, the country is expecting 117 cruise calls with an estimated 118,000 passengers in 2024.

“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. This program is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the tourist experience while ensuring national security,” he said in a statement.

In 2023, the country welcomed 123 port calls, bringing in over 101,000 passengers.

The Cruise Visa Waiver allows visa-required foreign nationals to enter the Philippines for a limited duration, strictly for cruise tourism purposes. This streamlined process is designed to facilitate entry for tourists, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

The cruise visa waiver is non-convertible and non-extendable and would require the bearer to arrive and depart on the same cruise ship. It utilizes the BI’s e-services platform via its website at e-Services.immigration.gov.ph.

The project, which is in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), was launched on Tuesday at the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority (TIEZA) in Pasay City.

“The collaboration between the BI, DOT, and DOJ is pivotal in this initiative. We are united in our effort to strengthen cruise tourism and support the country’s economic transformation,” the BI chief added.

The program was institutionalized under Immigration Memorandum Circular 2024-001 issued by the BI Commissioner on Jan. 25, 2024 and approved by Justice Secretary Remulla on March 14, 2024.

The initiative came when the Philippines was recognized globally as the Best Cruise Destination at the World Cruise Awards in Dubai and Asia’s Best Ports of Call for 2024 at the 19th Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju, South Korea.