Chinese nationals can now enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days, starting Friday, January 16, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced.
This visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed before it expires, the agency said in a statement issued Thursday.
The DFA explained that the move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance trade, investments, and tourism while strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China.
In 2023, the DFA announced a temporary suspension of its e-Visa program amid rising tensions with Beijing over the West Philippine Sea and the arrest of Chinese nationals involved in local crimes.
“Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines strictly for tourism or business purposes may avail of the new visa-free entry privilege. The said privilege allows for a non-extendable 14-day stay, which is non-convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category,” the statement read.
The DFA indicated that the visa-free arrangement will be limited to arrivals via Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu.
“Upon arrival, Chinese nationals need to present a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond their contemplated stay, a confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination,” it added.
The DFA also emphasized that existing screening procedures will continue to ensure security and public order, even as entry requirements are eased for legitimate travelers.
In October, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing announced that Chinese applicants intending to visit the Philippines for tourism or business purposes could apply for an e-Visa if they planned to travel for a non-extendable period of 14 days.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DFA: Chinese can now enter PH visa-free for up to 14 days”
