The Philippines will resume its electronic visa (e-visa) program for Chinese nationals starting in November 2025, the Philippine Embassy in China announced.
What to Know About the e-Visa Relaunch
- The e-visa scheme will allow Chinese travelers visiting the Philippines for up to 14 days (non-extendible) to submit visa applications online.
- Entry must be through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila or Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
- Chinese applicants can apply via Philippine diplomatic posts and consulates in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the e-visa system will use the same platform developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in 2023, and the visa operations in China will be handled through VFS Global.
- For stays longer than 14 days, Chinese or other applicants in China must apply via the conventional visa process at Visa Application Centers.
Why This Matters
Reviving the e-visa program is part of the Philippines’ strategy to boost tourism, simplify travel formalities, and deepen people-to-people and trade ties with China. Before the pandemic, China was a major tourist market for the Philippines.