Manila: Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced the upcoming launch of the electronic visa (e-Visa) application at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for Chinese nationals in November. The new system aims to enhance accessibility for travelers to the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco emphasized that while an immediate surge in tourist arrivals may not occur due to timing and external travel factors, the policy represents a significant step in improving accessibility. She highlighted that this move restores confidence among travelers and tourism stakeholders who rely on effective government action.
Frasco assured that the Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue collaborating with stakeholders to align policies with market needs. She acknowledged that the suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 hindered the country's ability to achieve its tourism targets, especially from China, a key pre-pandemic market. The relaunch is seen as a necessary response to persistent market demand and industry feedback.
The DOT expressed gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for their efforts in reinstating the e-Visa system. In previous communications with the Philippine News Agency, the DOT stated that visa facilitation is crucial for attracting travelers from major markets like China. The suspension of the e-Visa program, coupled with strict visa caps for free independent travelers (FITs), has limited the Philippines' ability to serve charter flights.
The DOT noted that appointment slots for FITs were limited, and group visa applications were restricted to twice a week. Frasco believes that reinstating the e-Visa policy will streamline the travel process and make the Philippines more accessible to Chinese leisure and business travelers. Before the pandemic, China was the Philippines' second-largest source of tourists, with 1.7 million visitors in 2019.
From January to September 2025, the Philippines recorded 203,923 Chinese arrivals, as reported by the DOT.
