NSA Año: Visa-free entry of Chinese to PH comes with security measures

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Friday said security measures are in place to prevent the entry of undesirable foreigners with the Philippines' move to grant 14-day visa-free entry to Chinese citizens.

Año told GMA News Online that the visa-free entry for Chinese nationals is limited to tourism and business travel only.

"Appropriate security measures are well emplaced to all irrespective of nationalities to keep them safe and identify undesirable aliens," Año said in an online message.

"Basic conditions are imposed like; visa free entry is non extendable, ports of entry are [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] and [Mactan-Cebu International Airport] only and applicants must have no derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration," he added.

Concerned government agencies are working together for the conscientious implementation of the new policy, according to Año.

On Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines is granting visa-free entry to Chinese citizens starting January 16 to increase Chinese trade, investments, and tourists.

Under the new policy, Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines without the requirement of obtaining a visa for a stay of up to 14 days.

Such visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires, according to the DFA.

Tourist destination

Meanwhile, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) is batting for the country to be promoted as a chosen destination for Chinese tourists following the implementation of the new visa-free entry policy.

In a statement on Friday, the FFCCCII said the move helps position the Philippines alongside countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that are major tourist destinations.

"We at FFCCCII believe that tourism is the quintessential low-hanging fruit of the Philippine economy. We are blessed not with potential, but with proven, world-class assets: the legendary Filipino hospitality and the breathtaking, natural beauty of our tropical archipelago. This policy directs a powerful economic engine toward the heart of our nation," said FFCCCII President Victor Lim.

Lim said Chinese outbound travel is projected to exceed 200 million by 2028, with more Chinese travelers positioning themselves as high-spending tourists seeking family travel, cultural exploration, shopping, island leisure, and premium culinary experiences.

"This is not just about tourists; it is about creating sustainable livelihoods, empowering local entrepreneurs, and fostering truly inclusive Philippine economic growth that reaches every corner of our islands," he noted.

Lim called on tourism-related sectors to enhance the Philippine visitor experience to further boost the tourism market.

"Let us seize this positive momentum and work together to ensure the Philippines claims its rightful place as a top destination for the world," he shared.

Call for reforms

In an earlier statement, FFCCCII called for reforms on the Philippine tourism market as the group flagged 5.24 million international arrivals in the first 11 months of 2025.

This was a 2.2% decline from 2024 and 37% lower than pre-pandemic 2019 numbers, the FFCCCII had said.

"This Philippine tourism decline is a direct blow to our national economic well-being… To revive our economy from the grassroots up, we must first reform and revive tourism. Our challenges are clear and must be met with equal clarity of action," Lim said earlier.

FFCCCII has suggested the implementation of visitor-friendly visa policies, modernization of airports and inter-island travel infrastructure, and global promotion of the Philippine landscape. — VDV, GMA Integrated News