New Zealand, Australia, Morocco, Egypt, Botswana, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, South Korea, and Japan are among the One Fifty Eight countries as of January 2025 offering visa-free travel, significantly boosting the Philippines’ tourism sector. This policy is attracting a diverse array of international tourists, revitalizing local economies, and promoting cultural exchange throughout the archipelago. The inclusion of these key nations underscores their vital role in the global travel landscape and highlights the Philippines’ emerging status as a top tourist destination.

The Philippines, a nation in Southeast Asia, is located in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of an expansive archipelago of over 7,000 islands and islets situated roughly 500 miles (800 km) from Vietnam’s coast. Its capital is Manila, although Quezon City holds the distinction of being the most populous city. Both cities are integral parts of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), situated on Luzon, the archipelago’s largest island. The country’s second-largest island is Mindanao, located in the southeast.

Tourism in the Philippines saw an increase in 2024, with more tourists visiting than in the previous year. According to reports by the Department of Tourism, from January 1 to December 31, 2024, the country welcomed 5,949,350 international visitors, marking a 9.15 percent increase from 2023’s total of 5,450,557 visitors. Of the tourists in 2024, 91.42 percent, or 5,438,967, were international tourists, while the remaining 8.58 percent, or 510,383, were overseas Filipinos.

South Korea remained the leading source of tourists, with numbers rising to 1,574,152 in 2024 from 1,455,977 in 2023, which represents over 26.46 percent of the total market share.

The Philippine economy also recorded significant growth, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. This rise contributed to an annual growth rate of 5.6 percent for the year.

Visa-free countries

Asia: Notable for its economic powerhouses and diverse cultures, Asia includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Hong Kong (SAR China), Macao (SAR China), Israel, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Indonesia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. These countries vary widely in their visa-free access, reflecting both their diplomatic relations and their positions on the global stage.

Europe: Home to many of the world’s most visited countries, Europe’s list includes Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Malta, Austria, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Croatia, San Marino, Andorra, Sweden, United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Vatican City, Türkiye, Russian Federation, and Serbia. The Schengen Agreement among many of these countries allows for especially easy movement across borders.

North America: Featuring some of the largest economies and most popular tourist destinations, this continent includes Canada, United States, Mexico, Bahamas, Barbados, and smaller yet significant countries like Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Grenada, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Dominican Republic. These countries offer a range of visa-free access policies, largely influenced by their economic and political ties.

South America: Known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant cultures, South America’s representatives are Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Suriname, and Guyana. These nations have been working towards greater regional integration, which includes easing travel restrictions among them.

Oceania: This region includes Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Nauru. Oceania’s island nations vary greatly in size and population, and visa policies are often designed to encourage tourism while protecting local cultures and economies.

Africa: Africa’s diverse countries like South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland (eSwatini), Cape Verde Islands, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Benin, Gabon, Zimbabwe, Guinea, Mauritania, Uganda, Ghana, Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Togo, Comoro Islands, Niger, The Gambia, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Djibouti, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Ethiopia, Congo (Rep.), Central African Republic, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cameroon, and Eritrea, each have unique visa requirements that reflect their individual security needs and economic conditions.

TTW CEO Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan Says: The Philippine government’s visa-free policy is proving to be a catalyst for the nation’s tourism industry, attracting a wide array of international visitors. With one hundred fifty-eight countries as of January 2025 offering visa-free travel, tourists from across the globe are boosting local economies through their expenditures in various sectors and enriching the cultural tapestry of the country through diverse interactions. The inclusion of prominent countries from different continents in the visa-free program highlights their significance in global travel and tourism, further cementing the Philippines’ status as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

Top busiest airports in the Philippines

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA): Located in Metro Manila, NAIA serves as the primary international gateway to the Philippines and is the busiest airport in the country. In 2024, NAIA recorded a passenger throughput of over 50 million, an increase of nearly 11%, driven by a rise in flight numbers and a surge in domestic travel.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA): Situated in Cebu, this airport is the second busiest in the Philippines and is praised for its modern facilities, including a new terminal dedicated to international flights. MCIA’s passenger volume grew by 13 percent to 11.32 million in 2024, up from 10.03 million in 2023, boosted by significant increases in both local and international arrivals.

Clark International Airport: Located in Pampanga, north of Manila, Clark International has been undergoing significant upgrades and expansions, aiming to serve as a major alternative to NAIA and alleviate congestion. In 2024, Clark International Airport handled 2.4 million passengers, marking a 20% increase from nearly 2 million in 2023, as reported by its private operator, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD).

These airports are vital hubs that support both domestic and international travel, significantly contributing to the connectivity of the Philippines with the rest of the world.

Top airlines in the Philippines are renowned for their diverse service offerings

1. Philippine Airlines (PAL) – This is the country’s flag carrier and oldest airline, known for its wide network of destinations both within the Philippines and internationally. Philippine Airlines is appreciated for its reliability and comprehensive service, including punctuality and a modern fleet.
2. Cebu Pacific – Known as the leading low-cost carrier in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific offers extensive flight options across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and North America. It is favored for its affordable pricing and promotional offers, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers.
3. AirAsia Philippines – A branch of the global AirAsia group, this airline provides competitive prices and connects over 30 locations in Asia and Australia. It’s recognized for its efficient service and frequent sales, appealing to both domestic and international travelers looking for value.

Each of these airlines contributes to the dynamic aviation landscape in the Philippines, supported by their unique service offerings and strategic routes that cater to both leisure and business travelers.

Explore luxurious stays in the Philippines:

JPark Island Resort and Waterpark: This resort features a pool that stays open until 9 PM with a nearby bar. Guests receive complimentary water bottles and can request ice buckets. Accessing the resort’s amenities is streamlined with quick wristband distribution, eliminating long waits.

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu: Renowned for its five-star luxury, Shangri-La Mactan is synonymous with premium hospitality, offering guests world-class service and elegant accommodations.

The Alpha Suites: Located strategically in Makati, this property is ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout and easy access to local attractions. This five-star suite hotel boasts extensive amenities designed to enhance your stay.

Mandarin Plaza Hotel: Situated in the bustling heart of Cebu City, Mandarin Plaza Hotel is just steps away from Ayala Center Cebu Mall. Ideal for couples, it offers an outdoor pool, spa services, and complimentary WiFi, making it a perfect choice for those seeking convenience and comfort in an urban setting.

Key Philippine Festivals to Experience in 2025

Dinagyang Festival (January 24 – 27) In Iloilo City, honor Santo Niño at the Dinagyang Festival, where ‘Ati’ warriors showcase painted faces and ornate attire. This event mixes cultural and spiritual aspects, featuring street dances and a competition among tribes.

Festival Highlights

• Notable for its vibrant drum competition, adding to the festival’s dynamic vibe.
• Recognized as a top cultural event in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism.

Travel Tips

• Air: Regular flights to Iloilo International Airport from Manila and major cities.
• Land: Manila to Iloilo bus journeys last approximately 17-18 hours.

Panagbenga Festival (February 1 – March 8) Celebrate the beauty of blooms at Baguio City’s Panagbenga Festival. Enjoy floral floats, street dances, and trade fairs every February at this enchanting ‘Flower Festival.’

Festival Highlights

• Initiated after the 1990 Luzon earthquake to symbolize hope and renewal.
• The Grand Float Parade is a major attraction, drawing numerous visitors annually.

Travel Tips

• Land: Travel from Manila to Baguio via bus companies like Victory Liner and Genesis, taking about 5-7 hours.

Moriones Festival (April 4 – 12) Delve into the vibrant Moriones Festival during Holy Week in Marinduque, where participants don Morion masks and re-enact the tale of Longinus, a Roman soldier turned Christian.

Festival Highlights

• The parade of Roman soldiers is a festival highlight, accompanied by various street performances.

Travel Tips

• Sea: Ferries from Manila to Marinduque run during the festival, usually taking 4-6 hours.

Kadayawan Festival (August 11 – 17) Join the festivities in Davao during the Kadayawan Festival, celebrating the area’s rich harvest and indigenous culture through vibrant parades and dance competitions.

Festival Highlights

• Features the Davao River Parade and the Sayaw Mindanaw dance contest, celebrating local indigenous dances.

Travel Tips

• Air: Davao City offers frequent flights from Manila.

MassKara Festival (October 1 – 26) Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival, also known as the “Festival of Smiles,” is an exuberant event that celebrates local spirit with masked street dances and festive music.

Festival Highlights

• The MassKara Street Dance is central to the festival, surrounded by carnival activities and food stalls.

Travel Tips

• Air: Fly to Bacolod-Silay Airport, located about 30 minutes from downtown Bacolod.

Pasko sa San Fernando (December) Conclude the year at the Pasko sa San Fernando festival in the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando, featuring magnificent giant lanterns that bring the holiday season to life.

Festival Highlights

• Originated in the 1900s and now a celebrated international event, highlighted by locally crafted parols (Christmas lanterns).

Travel Tips

• Land: Approximately 1.5-2 hours from Manila by bus or car.

Discover Must-See Destinations in the Philippines

Cebu Embark on an underwater adventure in Cebu, a gem in the central Visayas region renowned for its vibrant marine life. Ideal for diving enthusiasts, Cebu offers encounters with whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Beyond the ocean, the island boasts spectacular waterfalls amidst lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers. Hikers can venture into Sudlon National Park, while those interested in history can visit local museums and cathedrals.

Manila Skipping Manila during your visit to the Philippines would be a missed opportunity. The bustling metropolis on Luzon Island buzzes with energy and offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Take a stroll through Rizal Park, admire the historic San Agustin Church, or explore the vibrant street markets near Quiapo Church, where locals gather for weekly worship and to shop for fresh produce and crafts.

Davao City Experience the allure of Davao City, a key destination in the southern region of Mindanao. Despite its urban environment, Davao is closely tied to nature, boasting attractions like Eden Nature Park and the Philippine Eagle Centre. Don’t miss a walk along the scenic Davao Bay or a visit to Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. For shopping and cultural exploration, check out the Abreeza Mall, SM Lanang Premier, and the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography.

Mactan Island For those drawn to the sea, Mactan Island offers top-notch scuba diving experiences. This stunning destination near Cebu City is not only ideal for luxury seekers but also for honeymooners looking for a picturesque getaway. Explore vibrant coral ecosystems or indulge in retail therapy at local shopping centers. For an enriched experience, consider hiring a guide for island-hopping adventures around this breathtaking island.

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