Planning your first trip to India? Before you book your flight and start packing, there are several important travel documents and requirements that Filipino travelers should prepare to help make their journey smoother.
Here is a simple checklist of the important requirements you should know before traveling from the Philippines to India.
1. Valid Philippine Passport
First, make sure you have a valid Philippine passport.
Check your passport's expiration date well before your trip and make sure it meets the entry requirements for your journey. It is always better to check your passport validity before booking your flights, hotels, and tours.
2. Indian e-Tourist Visa
For tourism purposes, eligible Filipino travelers can apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa online through the official Government of India e-Visa website. You may apply HERE.
The application requires travelers to provide the necessary personal information and upload documents, including a scanned copy of the passport bio page and a recent photograph that meets the required specifications.
The official Indian e-Visa website provides the application process, document requirements, visa fees, and other important instructions. The Government of India also advises applicants to use the official website and to carefully check that all information and uploaded documents are correct.
Important: Do not rely on random third-party websites when applying for your Indian visa. Always check that you are using the official Government of India website.
3. Prepare Your Supporting Travel Documents
Aside from your visa, it is also a good idea to have your other travel documents ready.
These may include your:
Return or onward flight ticket
Hotel or accommodation booking
Travel itinerary
Contact details of your accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds
Copy of your passport
Copy of your approved Indian e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization
While not every traveler will necessarily be asked for all of these documents, keeping them accessible can make it easier to answer questions from airline staff or immigration officers if requested.
For your Indian e-Visa, the official Government of India website also advises travelers to make sure their Electronic Travel Authorization has been granted before traveling and to carry a copy of the ETA.
4. Don't Forget Philippine eTravel
If you are departing from the Philippines, remember to complete your Philippine eTravel registration within the required period.
The official Philippine eTravel system states that departing Filipino passengers are required to register or update their information, and registration can be completed within 72 hours or three days before departure. Travelers are also advised to present their eTravel QR code when required for boarding.
Most importantly, eTravel is FREE.
Use only the official Philippine government website and be careful with websites that ask you to pay for eTravel registration. The Philippine government specifically warns travelers about fraudulent websites that charge fees for this service. You may fill out the form online or download the e-travel app.
5. Government Employees Should Check Their Travel Authority
If you are working for the Philippine government, don't forget to check whether you need a Travel Authority or other required clearance before traveling abroad.
Make sure your documents are prepared and approved before your departure date to avoid delays or problems at the airport.
6. Complete India's e-Arrival Card
Before arriving in India, foreign travelers, including eligible Filipino travelers, should also complete the India e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
Take note that the e-Arrival Card is not a visa. It is an arrival information form that must be completed separately from your visa application. The official Government of India e-Visa website states that foreign travelers can complete the e-Arrival Card online through the official government portals or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile application.
And just like with the Philippine eTravel, make sure you are using the official government website and avoid websites that charge unnecessary fees for this form. You may apply for the e-arrival card HERE. You may also fill out the Health Declaration card prior to arrival. You may apply HERE.
7. Check the Latest Requirements Before Your Flight
Travel requirements and immigration procedures can change, so don't rely solely on an old TikTok, Facebook post, or travel video.
Before your departure, check the latest information from the Government of India, Bureau of Immigration, Indian e-Visa website, Philippine government agencies, and your airline.
This is especially important if you are traveling for the first time or if your trip involves connecting flights through another country.
Save This India Travel Checklist
So, before flying from the Philippines to India, remember these important items:
✅ Valid Philippine passport
✅ Indian e-Tourist Visa
✅ Approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
✅ Return or onward flight ticket
✅ Hotel or accommodation details
✅ Travel itinerary
✅ Proof of funds, if requested
✅ Philippine eTravel registration
✅ India e-Arrival Card
✅ Travel Authority, if required for government employees
✅ Copies of important travel documents
And if you want to save money on your trip, don't forget to check my Klook and Agoda travel discount codes before booking your activities and accommodations.
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AGODA Hotel- ENJOYTRAVEL - Redeem Agoda hotel code HERE.
AGODA Activities- ENJOYAGODA - Redeem Agoda hotel code HERE.
You can find discounted rooms on AGODA:
Delhi - Book it HERE.
Agra- Book it HERE.
Jaipur - Book it HERE.
Mumbai- Book it HERE.
Kochi Kerala- Book it HERE.
Important: Travel requirements can change at any time. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant government authorities before your trip.
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