The Philippines has recently joined a growing list of countries that allow visa-free travel for Indian citizens, making it easier for travellers from India to explore this beautiful archipelago.
Effective from June 2025, Indian passport holders can enter the country without a visa and enjoy a stay of up to 14 days. This stay is non-extendable and cannot be changed into any other visa entry. However, those holding valid visas or residence permits from other major countries, like the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or the Schengen nations, can stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days.
The new rules are easy and straightforward. There’s no paperwork and you do not need any embassy visits or online applications. On arrival, you will just need a valid passport, and a return or onward ticket to receive entry permission for up to 14 days stay.
This one-step entry minimizes stress and gives travellers more time to focus on planning their trip. The policy is expected to make the Philippines much more accessible and especially helpful for students, business travellers, and families planning vacations.
After this announcement, online searches for the Philippines from India have shown a sharp 28% growth and are expected to surge even further, according to visa processing platform Atlys.
While the new visa policy is great news, the experience of landing in the Philippines can be very different depending on which airport you arrive at.
Most international flights from India land in Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, which has gained a reputation for testing travellers’ patience for being overcrowded and chaotic. Consequently, choosing to enter the country via Cebu airport might be a better idea. The airport is widely praised in travel blogs, forums and passenger reviews.
Travellers have praised its relaxed atmosphere, helpful staff, and modern facilities. The international terminal is spacious, and immigration is usually quick and well-organized.
Beyond immigration, the airport provides free Wi‑Fi, comfortable lounges, good food choices and seamless baggage handling.
Cebu airport also connects easily to the city. It is just a 15‑minute ride by car on the new Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway.
Getting there
At present, there are no direct flights from India to Cebu. However, you can book flights with Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and others that offer regular connections from major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, via stopovers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.
The total journey time is usually 12–15 hours, and round-trip fares are usually in the INR 25,000–40,000 range depending on the season.
What To Explore
Cebu offers a unique mix of sun-kissed beaches, waterfalls, historical sites, and city life. It’s one of the oldest cities in the Philippines and is known for its Spanish colonial heritage.
Historical landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and Basilica del Santo Niño are popular tourist sites. Magellan’s Cross dates back to the 1500s and commemorates the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Asia. Fort San Pedro offers a glimpse to the city’s Spanish-era military history.
For religious spots, you can visit the Taoist Temple and the Simala Shrine.
Casa Grando Museum is also worth exploring.
Food
You can take a relaxed stroll along Colon Street where you will find small shops, cafes, and local street food. It is the oldest street in the Philippines.
Lechon, Cebu’s legendary charcoal roast pork, is a must try here. Puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves), lumpia (spring rolls), pancit (noodles), nilarang bakasi (reef eel stew), Sinuglaw (grilled pork belly with vinegar and chili), and banana cue (fried banana with caramel) are some other popular local dishes. Food from the street vendors is often surprisingly clean and flavourful.
If you love seafood, try grilled fish, prawns, crabs, or squid from local eateries or markets. They are very fresh and super tasty!
Restaurants serving Indian cuisine are also available.
Nature
Beyond the city skyline, Cebu is known for its natural beauty and adventure activities. For some adrenaline rush, Kawasan Falls is one of the top attractions. A few hours’ drive from the city, Kawasan is a plunging 40 meters of clear turquoise water where you can try canyoning, swimming, rafting, and cliff jumping.
The island’s highest point, Osmeña Peak, offers an easy trek and is ideal for hikers. It has rolling hills, grasslands, and a panoramic coastal view.
Island tours around Cebu are very popular among Indian tourists. Moalboal is famed for its sardine run—a cloud of fish that envelops snorkellers, and turtle encounters. Visit Oslob for whale watching tours or go to Malapascua Island, where thresher sharks are regularly spotted in early mornings.
You can explore Mactan island for various water activities like diving and snorkelling.
Sirao Garden is known for its vast variety of flowers and is often nicknamed ‘Little Amsterdam’.
For a laid‑back escape, head to Bantayan Island with white sand beaches and calm waters. Olango and Camotes are perfect for bird‑watching, mangrove trails, and fresh seafood.
The island tours are safe, affordable, and easy to book through your hotels.
Cebu Ocean Park offers marine adventures, including aquariums, interactive exhibits, and spacious viewing tunnels. Safari lovers will enjoy the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, with a wide range of animals set in an open natural environment.
Best Time
Cebu is hot and warm all year round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to May, when the weather remains comparatively favourable. You can also plan your trip during monsoon, from June to November, but remember to carry your raincoats and umbrellas. If you are in Cebu in January, don’t miss the Sinulog Festival, a vibrant local celebration.
Local transport options such as Grab taxis, buses or jeepneys are plenty and affordable. English is widely spoken.
