These days it is not only more fun in the Philippines. The fun lasts longer!

Beginning 01 August 2013, the Philippines extended its visa-free privilege from twenty-one (21) to thirty (30) days for nationals from 151 countries listed in Executive Order No. 408, including Australia.

Under its new visa policy, foreign nationals of 151 countries can enjoy the privilege of entering the Philippines without a visa and staying in the country for a maximum of thirty (30) days, provided that:

• They are holders of a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay in the Philippines, and
• They possess a return ticket to the country of origin or onward ticket to the next country of destination.

The initiative, a product of inter-agency coordination among the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), aims to facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals who plan to engage in tourism activities or explore the Philippines as an investment destination.

The list of 151 countries whose nationals can travel to the Philippines visa-free

can be accessed at the Philippine Embassy website www.philembassy.org.au

under the section on Consular Services – Visa.