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PSA: You’ll Soon Be Able to Get Your Indian E-Visa for Free
This comes as President Marcos ends his five-day State Visit to India.
by Leana Vibal
Published on Aug 7, 2025
(SPOT.ph) Good news, travel bugs: If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the winding streets of Delhi, tasting the bold flavors and spices of Indian cuisine, and traveling through the deserts and tundras of the Indian subcontinent, you’re in luck. Your dream getaway to Incredible India is now much closer to making it out of the group chat.
The Indian government just announced that Filipino travelers will soon be eligible for free e-visas—meaning one less expense (and excuse) holding you back from your Indian getaway. Here's what we know so far.
Here’s what we know so far about the new visa policy for Filipinos traveling to India:
Filipinos will soon be able to apply for Indian e-visas without shelling out any visa fees—which means we get to save almost P6,000 in visa fees. That's a little bit of extra cash you can put toward more temple tours, safari trips, or even last-minute shopping sprees in Indian markets.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s five-day visit to India, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen diplomatic ties.
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President f President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet to strengthen Philippine and Indian bilateral relationships. Photo from Facebook/ India in Philippines (Embassy of India, Manila).
During their meetings, Marcos and Modi discussed policies to strengthen the Indian and Philippine bilateral relationship, which include discussions on "strategic cooperation," or active efforts to further intensify defense cooperation, strengthen trading partnerships, and boost tourism and other people-to-people exchanges.
One such example of this improvement in bilateral relationships is the recent extension of visa-free entry privileges to Indian nationals, which, coupled with Air India's upcoming resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Manila, means we can expect more Indian tourists flocking to our different destinations. In return, Modi granted Filipinos free e-visa privileges, making this travel exchange a two-way street.
However, before booking flights to India, it's worth noting that there isn't a set implementation date for this new policy just yet. All these new policies were announced in a joint press conference by the two leaders; additional details and implementing rules and regulations are still to be announced.
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What to see in India:
While seeing the Taj Mahal is surely a great reason to hit up this South Asian nation, there’s so much more to see (and eat) in India. Go on a tiger safari in Ranthambhore or Bandhavgarh, or check out any of the country’s national parks packed with wildlife. Want something more chill? Cruise through the dreamy, palm-lined backwaters of Kerala or take cooking classes in Jaipur or Kochi to get up close with India’s bold and flavorful spices—or just hit the streets for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.
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People riding an elephrant through the streets of Jaipur. Photo from Pexels/ Parv Choudhary..
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Discover India through food. Each region has its own specialty, making India a great place for foodies. Photo from Adobe Stock..
India’s got something for every type of traveler, from the snow-capped Himalayas up north to the sun-drenched Thar Desert out west, all the way to its breezy coastal towns by the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
For more information, visit India in Philippines (Embassy of India, Manila)'s Facebook page.
Also read:
Your Guide to eGovPH: How to Access Government IDs and Services in One App
The SPOT.ph Guide to Using the eTravel System for International Flights
Also read:
Your Guide to eGovPH: How to Access Government IDs and Services in One App
The SPOT.ph Guide to Using the eTravel System for International Flights
Leana is Spot's go-to for Arts & Culture and Things to Do. On any given day, she’s either glued to her screen—or gliding underwater like the mermaid she swears she is. Contact: leana@spot.ph
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