Manila: The Philippines is optimistic that the launch of its new electronic visa (eVisa) system for Chinese nationals will help attract more visitors and strengthen the country’s tourism recovery. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday announced the official rollout of the eVisa platform for Chinese tourists traveling to the Philippines, a key step toward modernizing consular services and promoting inbound travel.
According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz stated that the initiative, jointly developed by the DFA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitize public services and revitalize the tourism sector. The system had its soft launch on November 1.
The new platform allows travelers to apply for visas conveniently online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, removing the need for in-person submission and reducing processing time. Under the eVisa program, Chinese nationals may apply for single-entry visas valid for a 14-day stay in the Philippines. Chinese nationals residing in mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong will be eligible to apply for Philippine eVisas for tourism and business purposes, provided they will enter through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu.
For travelers staying beyond 14 days or entering through other airports, traditional visa applications remain available through VFS Global centers in major Chinese cities. FlorCruz also highlighted China’s recognition of the Philippines as a prime travel destination, noting that the country recently received the ‘Island Charm Award’ at the 2025 Beijing International Diving and Resort Travel Expo.
The launch was led by Deputy Chief of Mission Arnel Talisayon and Consul General Rodillo Catalan in Beijing, alongside Philippine Consuls General Ivan Frank Olea, Iric Arribas, Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Edna May Lazaro, Myca Magnolia Fischer, and Winston Dean Almeda representing other Chinese cities. The eVisa portal is now accessible at www.vfsglobal.com.
