Philippines extends visa-free stay for 151 countries

The Philippines is extending a warmer welcome to citizens of 151 countries by allowing them to stay in the country visa-free longer.

Starting Aug 1, 2013, nationals from countries with visa-free privilege may stay for 30 days in the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

The visa-free stay is an extension of the previous period of only 21 days.

The new policy is in line with government goals of boosting tourism and attracting more foreign investments in various areas in the Philippines.

Under the new scheme, qualified foreign nationals only need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay and an outbound ticket.

"This move will hopefully encourage more tourists and investors to visit and stay in the Philippines by removing the need for them to report to immigration offices for a stay of up to a month," Assistant Secretary of Consular Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda said.

"It will also give them more flexibility in planning and managingtheir schedules," he added.