The Philippines has expressed firm support for the creation of a unified ASEAN visa, a proposal gaining momentum among Southeast Asian nations aimed at boosting regional tourism and positioning ASEAN as a single, compelling destination on the global travel map.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, in a statement issued on 18 May, highlighted the potential of a common visa to transform ASEAN into “a destination for every dream” — echoing the regional tourism brand tagline. Frasco emphasised that the Philippines views the initiative as a vital step toward unifying ASEAN’s diverse destinations under a shared travel framework.

The proposed ASEAN visa, inspired by the European Union’s Schengen Visa and the Gulf Cooperation Council’s joint visa system, would allow international travellers to explore multiple ASEAN countries with a single visa — easing cross-border travel and encouraging longer, more immersive trips.

“To be able to unify the ASEAN as a destination is an aspiration for us in the Philippines,” Frasco said. She added that several ASEAN neighbours have already expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and signalled strong interest in advancing the proposal.

Frasco further noted that while competition among ASEAN nations is natural and healthy, collaboration would unlock far greater benefits for the region. “Collaboration is healthier in a sense that ASEAN coming together to work as a force for good for the world would really benefit all of our countries,” she said.

The Philippines is set to host the ASEAN meetings next year, and Frasco hinted that the topic of a unified visa is likely to be revisited during those high-level discussions.

The move comes amid ASEAN’s renewed push to revitalise regional travel, attract long-haul markets, and leverage collective strengths in the face of global tourism competition.