Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, now Philippines: South East Asia is the new backyard of India?
Visa relaxation makes a destination more attractive for trouble -free journey. Visa-free for Indians with the Philippines, can we expect the influx of Indian tourists in the country?

In short
- The Philippines has recently announced a visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
- Air India is set to start direct flights between Delhi and Manila.
- The outbound journey of South East Asian countries has increased.
There is a new stamp to pursue Indian travelers! The Philippines has announced a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists. Yes, you read that right. This latest step is part of the country’s plan to promote tourism.
Reuters said, “The visa-free system is aimed at increasing tourism arrival from India, which increased by 12 percent to about 80,000 in 2024.”
This means that so far another travel diary is being written, it is just a boost of paperwork.
In 2025, the bucket list is getting longer and the budget budget is expanding. Passengers are now more open to travel not only in India but also at the globally. International travel has begun to feel accessible as a domestic migration, and sometimes as cheap.
But let’s be real, the journey is not just about fun and beautiful ideas. First step? Planning and Booking (Yon): flights, hotels, journey programs, visa applications. Now imagine international trips, reduce visa stress. Bingo!
Heart wakes Low Visa Stress!
We all know that visa work is time -consuming, expensive and stressful. This is the reason that countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival (VOA) are becoming a big win for Indian travelers. According to Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, 44 percent of Indian passengers are more likely to visit countries with trouble -free visa process.

Popular destinations offering VOA for Indian passport holders are: Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Jordan among others.
Some countries are even more cold – no visa is required, but only for limited days. Mauritius, Nepal, Hong Kong, Fiji, Philippines (now proud of that list), and more.
VOA and Visa-free stays are often time-limited and purpose-specific. The requirements can change, and you don’t want a surprise at the airport – so double -checked!
Rise of South East Asian trip
Let us agree that Southeast Asia is clearly a moment. The tourism sector has increased significantly. Experts believe that this is just the beginning.
Thailand has been a trip staple for Indians. However, in the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia stole the headlines as the most viewed country. According to Malaysia tourism data presented in the VN Express report, more than 10.1 million foreign passengers visited Malaysia. Thailand came second with 9.55 million tourist tourists, followed by 6 million in Vietnam and 4.31 million in Singapore.
So, what is really discussion around this region?
“South East Asia fully fits the bill. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now Philippines provide strong prices for money, visa-friendly policies and many types of experiences. As the air connectivity improves and more passengers look for short-hall sites, this area looks for coherent growth, looks at Karan agarval, directors, directors, directors, directors, directors, directors. Director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director, director Today India,

Hari Ganpati, co-founder of Piciertril, also highlighted the role of growing disposable income and how the Philippines is now emerging as a passenger’s favorite.
“Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam – These destinations have been consistently favorite, but we are looking at a growing interest in places like the Philippines, which was not prominent a few years ago. According to recent figures, Bali has continued its leadership, involving around 23.43 percent of Indian passengers for this. Prasad,” he says.
There has been an increase in demand for places such as Da Nang and Fu Kwok in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos, and now, many areas within the Philippines, such as Sebu and L Nido. “We have seen a change in the booking pattern. Passengers are asking for more individual journey programs in these areas, including offbeat location, culture retreat and Pak tourism,” they say.
Therefore, the experiences of proximity, culture, adventure, budget and luxury travel make these Southeast Asian countries a-stop shop for all types of travelers.
Why choose Philippines for your next holiday
The Philippines suddenly found a place on the search engine, Instagram reels and Pinterest travel mood boards. Soon after the declaration of visa rest, the discovery of the island country has increased rapidly.
“In just one week, our discoveries from India increased by about 25 percent, with the Philippines to the third to the third most discovered destination in Southeast Asia, just behind Thailand and Indonesia. The one who stands out is the speed and stability of this interest. It will continue to speed up, which is to increase the demand for travel as well as one and 15-25 per percent,” EasemytriP tells. Today India,
Accepting the increase in search demands, Ganpati also states that increase in interest is not only due to visa relaxation, but also due to the increasing reputation to offer adventure and luxury experiences due to the increasing reputation of the region. With amazing islands, inexpensive luxury resorts and water-based activities, it provides the correct mixture of relaxation and adventure for both joints and families.
not there yet
The last minute booking between Rush (Hello, Summer Vacation!), One aspect can still become a barrier: direct connectivity. Air India is ready to start direct flights between Delhi and Manila, but it starts only in October 2025.
“Currently, limited flight options can serve as a preventive. Presenting more direct routes for major destinations from major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in the Philippines will play an important role in unlocking the entire tourism potential of the country for Indian travelers,” is called Agarwal.
Philippines calling!
Are you already planning your island escape journey schedule? From waterfalls to postcard-perfect beaches, there are some popular tourist places here.
Boracay: This is where you will find that Seren turquoise water and powder white sand. Not feelings, but yes – worth framing, and a swing that feels like a dream.
Safety: It is a tropical blockbuster- adventure and relaxation, all in one. An L can detect lagoon in Nido and Shipavrak dives in Koron. Or soak kayaks and water and birds in the sound of ripping water through limestone rocks.

Bohole: A shelter for nature lovers, this island is famous for its prestigious Chocolate Hills (not, not food). These hills are popular due to the unique geological structure of limestone. It is also the home of the most young primates, called Tarseers. This place provides a tropical experience where you can drop the rivers down, enjoy heritage churches and bases in the sun, of course!
Siargao: It is called ‘Surf Capital of the Philippines’. Reef brakes, marine life, and secluded beach are crowded. You can just rent a scooter and detect beautiful roads of the island.
Banu rice terrace: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with succulent rice pads, as far as your eyes can take you. These roofs were built by manual labor thousands of years ago.

Sebu: Are you a water baby? Sebu is the place where you can follow the waterfall in Kaswan. You can snork your way through rocks and experience swimming with soft veterans – whale sharks!
There are many other islands that provide skidiving, natural waterfalls, cliff jumping etc.
Domestic journey is getting more expensive every day, for Indians, travel to these South East Asian countries seems like a viable and attractive alternative, and there is no debate.