PH launches eVisa scheme for Chinese nationals

Chinese nationals starting November can apply for electronic visas in several Philippine diplomatic posts across China, Manila's embassy in Beijing said Wednesday.

The move, according to the embassy, seeks to continue the Philippine government's efforts "to strengthen people-to-people exchange and facilitate trade and tourism" despite territorial rifts with China in the disputed South China Sea.

“I am pleased to announce that the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, as well as our Consulates in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen, will soon begin issuing Philippine electronic visas to qualified applicants residing in Mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions, enabling applications to be made online and making the visa application process more convenient for those making a temporary visit to the Philippines,” Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said.

China remains a major source of tourists for the region, the envoy said.

First launched and tested in Manila in 2023, the eVisa is expected to not only enhance the efficiency of daily consular operations but also significantly improve the delivery of services to the public, FlorCruz said.

Chinese applicants who will visit the Philippines for tourism or business purposes can apply for the eVisa if they are travelling for a non-extendable period of 14 days.

Chinese travelers should only enter through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

On the other hand, those who wish to stay in the Philippines for more than 14 days, as well as other eligible nationals living in China, may still apply for the conventional visa through the nearest Visa Application Centers that will open in Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

More details about the eVisa, including the relevant websites and procedures for the submission of requirements, will soon be provided by the embassy.

Applcation for Philippine eVisas will be facilitated by VFS Global in China.

“The implementation of the eVisa comes at an opportune time,” said FlorCruz, adding the new policy was a product of the recent bilateral consultations with China in July.

In that meeting, officials from both sides discussed the importance of people-to-people exchange as the two Asian neighbors mark the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations this year, FlorCruz said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News