DOT welcomes e-visa resumption for Chinese tourists

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the reinstatement of electronic visas (e-visas) for Chinese nationals, a move expected to help revive one of the Philippines’ strongest pre-pandemic tourism markets.

In a statement on Friday, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the launch of e-visas in November marks a “necessary and overdue” step toward making travel to the Philippines more accessible and competitive.

“The suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 had a significant and measurable impact on our ability to meet tourism targets, particularly from one of our strongest pre-pandemic markets,” Frasco said.

“The relaunch of the e-Visa system directly responds to persistent market demand and industry feedback, and addresses a gap that has constrained our regional competitiveness for nearly three years.”

Frasco thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for their efforts to reinstate the digital visa platform.

“We extend our appreciation to the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for acting on this long-standing call,” she added.

The tourism chief said the initiative will streamline the travel process for Chinese visitors and restore market confidence, though she cautioned that the impact on tourist arrivals may not be immediate.

“While we do not expect immediate surges in arrivals given the timing of implementation and broader external factors, this policy milestone provides a strong signal to the market that the Philippines is taking steps to improve accessibility,” Frasco said.

“It restores confidence, not only among travelers but also among our tourism stakeholders who depend on timely and enabling government action.”

According to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, Chinese nationals traveling for tourism or business may apply for an e-visa online starting November. The visa allows a non-extendable stay of up to 14 days and entry through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said the program, implemented in partnership with VFS Global and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), aims to make the visa process more convenient.

“The implementation of the eVisa comes at an opportune time. It will enhance efficiency in consular operations and significantly improve the delivery of services to the public,” said FlorCruz.

Chinese travelers who plan to stay longer than 14 days may continue to apply for regular visas through Philippine visa application centers in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and other major cities.

Frasco noted that China remains a vital market for Philippine tourism. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists ranked among the country’s top international visitors. However, the 2023 suspension of the e-visa system and pandemic-related travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in arrivals.

As of September, the Philippines recorded 203,923 visitors from China, according to DOT data.