Tourism Department Eyes "Liberalized" Visa Policies For Cruise Passengers

The Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that it is considering the liberalization of visa policies for cruise passengers to help position the country as a "premier cruise destination" in the region.

The Norwegian Jewel, a vessel under the premiere brand, Norwegian Cruise Lines, brought 1600 passengers to Boracay last year. I Photo: Ocean World Travel

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco remarked, "The DOT is working very closely with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on the aspect of the liberalization of cruise tourism visas. An announcement will be made very soon on this aspect."

She added, "I assure our stakeholders in the cruise tourism industry that our focus here at the DOT is to expand our cruise tourism destinations in the Philippines."

In addition to easing cruise passenger entry, the government is also improving cruise tourism infrastructure across the country, Frasco shared.

She cited the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) plans to build more ports dedicated to cruise tourism, including in Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, and Puerto Galera.

Among the ports under PPA that cater to cruise vessels are the Ports of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol, and El Nido, Palawan, she said.

The DOT chief pointed out that in 2023, the country recorded 125 cruise calls, bringing in an estimated 101,573 passengers to Philippine shores. She highlighted an impressive hike in the figures for the sector this year, noting that the DOT has already logged 117 cruise calls with an estimated 123,042 passengers.