MANILA, Philippines - The government is set to implement a number of visa reforms intended to boost the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.
The new visa policies include additional visa-freee privilege for 166 countries/territories from 21 to 30 days, granting of a 30-day visa-free stay to Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines as part of a tour group handled by a Department of Tourism-accredited Philippine tour operator and a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australia, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa.
The new policies were agreed upon in a recent meeting between Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, and BI Commissioner Ricardo A. David Jr.
The new policies are set to simplify entry requirement procedures and processes and allowing tourists more time in the Philippines.
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Germany "urgently" advises against travel to Bangkok
By Deutsche Presse Agentur
Berlin - The German foreign ministry expressed "great concern" at the violent clashes in the Thai capital Bangkok on Friday, and "urgently" advised against travel to the city.
The German embassy had scaled back its work to a bare minimum but remained open - unlike some other embassies - a foreign ministry spokesman said.
The ministry had warned last month about the tense situation in the Thai capital, where an anti-government protest camp has come under siege from thousands of Thai soldiers.
The latest warning did not include Bangkok airport, which remained safe for transit passengers, the ministry spokesman said.
One demonstrator was killed in Friday's clashes, in the heart of Bangkok's posh commercial district.
