The Philippine Embassy in Beijing is set to launch an electronic visa (eVisa) system for Chinese nationals in November 2025, a move expected to strengthen travel, trade, and tourism ties between the Philippines and China.
Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz announced that the eVisa will soon be available to qualified applicants in Mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions through Philippine Consulates in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen.
“Applicants will soon be able to apply for Philippine electronic visas online, making the process more convenient for temporary visits to the country,” FlorCruz said.
The Ambassador said the initiative aligns with the Embassy’s efforts to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Philippine-China diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the relaunch, saying the suspension of the eVisa system in 2023 significantly affected tourism arrivals from one of the country’s strongest pre-pandemic markets.
“This development is both necessary and overdue,” Frasco said. “It responds to market demand and restores our regional competitiveness. We thank the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for acting on this long-standing call.”
Frasco said that while an immediate surge in arrivals is unlikely due to timing and external factors, the reinstatement of the eVisa sends a positive signal to travelers and tourism stakeholders alike.
As of September 2025, the Philippines has welcomed 203,923 Chinese visitors, with recovery still ongoing. The DOT continues to work with public and private partners to enhance visitor accessibility through digital reforms, including a digital nomad visa and a VAT refund program for tourists.
Chinese nationals visiting for tourism or business may apply for a 14-day, non-extendable stay, entering through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The Embassy will release details of the application process in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and VFS Global.
First introduced in 2023, the eVisa system is expected to streamline consular operations and improve the travel experience. Its relaunch underscores the Philippines’ commitment to accessibility, efficiency, and stronger tourism cooperation with China.
