THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has made its Transit Tours available to foreign passengers transiting through Manila via Philippine Airlines (PAL), offering a curated, safe and time-bound sightseeing experience in the capital’s iconic attractions. After its successful launch in December 2025, the Transit Tours are now available for booking through PAL’s official website and the LovePH mobile application. The DOT said the initiative is designed to transform long layovers into meaningful tourism experiences while strengthening Manila’s role as a welcoming international gateway. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the program also aims to generate employment and livelihood opportunities for local tour guides, transport providers, and small enterprises. “We express our warmest gratitude to our colleagues in the private sector for supporting our initiative to maximize the potential of our tourist spots and extend an invitation to foreign travelers who are just passing by,” Frasco said. “Because what our transit tours actually provide are opportunities: an opportunity for tourists to explore Manila in between flights, an opportunity for our Filipinos to earn a living, and an opportunity for our industry to enhance visitor experience,” she added. Conceptualized by the DOT, Transit Tours allows eligible travelers from visa-free countries with layovers of at least eight hours to explore Manila instead of remaining inside airport terminals. The required layover period already includes a two-hour buffer before and after the tour to allow for immigration processing and airport procedures. Beginning Jan. 30, 2026, passengers may choose tours covering Intramuros and the National Museum in the morning, or entertainment destinations such as Solaire and Okada in the afternoon. Each four-hour tour costs $50 per person and includes transportation on a 49-seater air-conditioned bus, a DOT-accredited tour guide, entrance fees, insurance coverage, water and a rain cover.