India e-Tourist Visa for Filipinos: Free 30 Days

Filipino nationals are eligible for a free 30‑day double‑entry Indian e‑Tourist Visa (e‑TV) for arrivals between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026, per the Indian Embassy in the Philippines. Applications are completed online through India’s official e‑Visa portal. The visa permits two entries within its validity, supporting short tourism trips and regional side‑travel. During the stated period, the Embassy advises that government visa fees are waived for Filipino e‑Tourist Visa applications.

Eligibility Criteria
– Nationality: Philippine passport holders applying for an e‑Tourist Visa.
– Purpose: Tourism, casual visits to meet friends/relatives, sightseeing, short recreational activities (no employment or journalism).
– Passport validity: At least 6 months from date of application, with two blank pages.
– Arrival window: First arrival on/before the ETA validity date stated on the Electronic Travel Authorization.
– Application timing: Submit at least 4 days before intended arrival; applications generally open up to 30 days in advance.
– Port of entry: Arrival at one of India’s designated e‑Visa airports or seaports; exit via any authorized Immigration Check Post.

Visa Types (Tourism‑focused)
– e‑Tourist Visa (Filipino nationals, 2025 – 2026 initiative):
– Entries: Double entry permitted within the visa’s validity as stamped on arrival.
– Stay: Up to 30 days total; validity counted from first arrival in India.
– Fee: Embassy advisory indicates no government visa fee for Filipino applicants during Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026.
– Channel: Online application only via official Indian e‑Visa portal; ETA issued electronically.
– Outside the initiative period or for other purposes (business/medical/conference), different e‑Visa categories, fees, and rules apply per standard Government of India e‑Visa policy.

Required Documents
– Valid Philippine passport with at least 6 months validity from the application date and two blank pages.
– Recent passport‑style color photograph (as per e‑Visa portal specifications: front‑facing, white/light background, JPEG format, size limits per portal).
– Passport biodata page scan (clear, full page per portal specs).
– Travel details: Intended arrival date, port of entry, and accommodation address in India.
– Contact details and emergency contact information.
– Payment readiness: Although the Embassy advisory states no fee for Filipino e‑Tourist Visa during the specified period, be prepared for portal account setup and any technical verifications.

Application Process
1) Prepare documents: Passport (valid ≥6 months), photo, passport scan, trip details.
2) Apply online only at the official Indian e‑Visa portal (Government of India). Create or use an application ID; select e‑Tourist Visa and Philippine nationality.
3) Complete the application form accurately, matching passport details exactly. Select arrival port and intended travel dates within the Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026 window.
4) Upload required photo and passport scan per format rules.
5) Submit the application at least 4 days before planned arrival and not earlier than 30 days prior to travel, per Embassy guidance.
6) Monitor email for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Print a hard copy and keep a digital copy.
7) Travel to India: First entry must occur on or before the ETA validity date. Present ETA and passport at the designated e‑Visa counter on arrival. The officer will stamp the visa, which then governs the double‑entry validity and stay.

Processing Times and Fees
– Processing time: Apply at least 4 days before arrival; many e‑Visas are processed within several days, but apply early within the permitted 30‑day window.
– Fees: The Indian Embassy in the Philippines advises that e‑Tourist Visa fees are waived for Filipino nationals for arrivals between Aug 1, 2025 and Jul 31, 2026. Outside this period, standard e‑Visa fees (if any) per Government of India schedules may apply.

Practical Tips & Common Issues
– Print your ETA: Carry both printed and digital copies; ensure names and passport numbers match exactly.
– Arrival deadline: Your first entry must be on/before the ETA date. Plan flights accordingly.
– Double‑entry usage: You can re‑enter once within the visa’s validity as stamped on first arrival. Ensure your second entry and exit occur within that validity and 30‑day stay limit.
– Port selection: Enter via a designated e‑Visa airport/seaport listed on the official portal. Check your arrival airport supports e‑Visa processing.
– Overstay risks: Overstaying or violating conditions can lead to fines, future visa difficulties, or removal. Track your 30‑day stay from the first arrival.
– Changes in policy: Always re‑check the official e‑Visa portal and the Indian Embassy in the Philippines before applying, as rules and fee waivers can change.
– No work/journalism: e‑Tourist Visa prohibits employment, paid performances, or journalistic activities. For other purposes, apply for the appropriate category per official guidance.

Authoritative Sources
– Government of India, Official e‑Visa Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
– Bureau of Immigration (India) and Ministry of Home Affairs notices linked via the e‑Visa portal for category rules and designated ports.
– Embassy of India, Manila (official announcements/advisories for Filipino travelers): https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/ and/or the Embassy’s verified advisories and social channels referenced on the Embassy site.

Notes on Verification
– The free 30‑day double‑entry e‑Tourist Visa for Filipino nationals, valid Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026, and the 4‑day minimum/30‑day maximum application window, are drawn from the Indian Embassy in the Philippines’ official advisory. The structural rules on e‑Visa validity, ETA first‑arrival requirement, passport validity, and designated ports are consistent with the Government of India’s e‑Visa policy pages.