Cruise visa waiver: Charting a course for tourism growth

By: Elizabeth Basul

THE Philippines is positioning itself as a premier destination by streamlining entry procedures for international cruise travelers. In a strategic effort to welcome more visitors, the country is cutting down on complexities and focusing on delivering a seamless travel experience, boosting tourism and fueling economic recovery post-pandemic.

Recognizing the need to strengthen processes and enhance visitor experiences, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched the Cruise Visa Waiver Program. As outlined in BI Memorandum Circular 2024-001 and developed in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT), the waiver simplifies the entry process for visa-required foreign nationals aboard cruise ships or passenger boats arriving in the Philippines, enhancing efficiency and supporting the growth of the cruise tourism industry.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a list of 157 nationalities that are automatically exempt from applying for a cruise visa. The exemption stems from a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and these countries, allowing their citizens— who are not classified as restricted nationals by the DFA — to enter the country without the need for a visa. The BI issues cruise visas based on this list. For nationalities not on the list and require a visa, applicants must meet the necessary requirements for entry provided below.

To qualify for a cruise visa waiver, visa-required nationals who wish to enter the Philippines as temporary visitors on cruise ships or passenger boats must meet the following requirements:

– They must be tourists on board cruise ships managed by Philippine tour operators accredited by the DoT and BI;

– They must hold a valid passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival unless their country is on the list of nationals whose citizens may enter with passports valid for less than six months;

– They are not on the BI blacklist or are not excludable under Section 29 of the Philippines Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, or are not the subject of an existing Interpol Red Notice or any other intelligence advisory received by the Intelligence Division; and

– They must pay the prescribed fees outlined in Section 4 of the memorandum circular.

The cruise visa is valid for a maximum stay of 14 days, is non-extendable, and is for single-entry use only. It cannot be used to apply for any other type of immigration status, such as a working visa and permit.

Once the DoT- and BI-accredited Philippines tour operator has fulfilled all the requirements for the cruise visa application, the Immigration Regulation Division (IRD), through the Bay Service Section or BI alien control officer, will assess the application. The IRD will then draft an order that includes details of the travel, the tourist's name, and any other necessary personal information. It's important to note that there is an evaluation process and required signatures before issuing the cruise visa waiver order. This is because the BI has a comprehensive review mechanism in place to ensure accurate evaluation of applications based on established criteria before issuing an approval order.

Additionally, the BI commissioner will be the one to sign the order of approval. At least three days before the planned departure of the cruise ship or passenger vessel from its last port of origin, the order will be transmitted to the DoT and the tour operator in the Philippines, which is accredited by the BI. The order should also be sent to the immigration boarding officer, who is responsible for completing the necessary requirements for advance boarding on the cruise ship, as well as to the BI sub-port office closest to the port of entry.

There is no doubt that the Cruise Visa Waiver program is a strategic move to revitalize the Philippines' tourism sector, particularly the cruise industry, which was heavily impacted by the pandemic. By streamlining the visa process for cruise passengers, the program not only boosts the country's appeal as a destination but also creates jobs, stimulates local businesses, and supports the broader recovery of the tourism industry. Moreover, it reinforces the country's commitment to becoming a key player in the global cruise market.

As published in The Manila Times on 9 September 2024. The author is a Senior Manager at the Global Employer Services practice of Deloitte Philippines.