The Philippines will allow Chinese nationals to enter and stay in the country without a visa for up to 14 days starting Friday, January 16, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday, January 15.
The DFA said the move aligns with President Marcos’ directive to boost trade, investments, and tourism, while strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China.
According to the DFA, the visa-free entry privilege applies strictly to Chinese nationals traveling for tourism or business purposes.
”The said privilege allows for a non-extendable 14-day stay, which is non-convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category,” it said.
The DFA also said that the visa-free privilege will only be valid for entry through two Philippine airports: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu.
Upon arrival, Chinese nationals only need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
”To ensure that security and public order are maintained while facilitating the entry of legitimate travelers, checks on derogatory records of travelers will continue to apply,” DFA said.
”The visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires,” it added.
Prior to the announcement, the government allowed Mainland Chinese nationals to enter the Philippines for an initial stay not exceeding seven days, provided that they possess a return ticket and a valid or unexpired Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen, or US visa.
The seven-day visa-free entry may be extended by an additional 14 days to complete a maximum of 21 days. (Joseph Pedrajas)
