DUSHANBE, April 16, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that nationals of Belize, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will enjoy visa-free privileges to enter the Philippines for a period of 30 days effective on April 15.

The DFA said in a statement that the move was undertaken to promote tourism and investment from the seven countries.

Nationals of countries who may enter visa-free should present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned period of stay and a return ticket to the country of origin or onward ticket to the next country of destination.

A total of 157 countries have been granted visa-free privileges by the Philippine government.

Meanwhile, the DFA also announced that Somalia has been removed from the list of countries whose nationals enjoy visa-free privilege.