BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
PH Opens 14-Day Visa-Free Entry To Chinese Tourists
FILE
The Philippines is set to welcome more Chinese visitors after the government announced a new visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals, effective January 16, 2026.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Chinese passport holders will be allowed to enter the country without a visa for up to 14 days, provided their visit is strictly for tourism or business. The move follows a directive from the President aimed at boosting trade, investments, and tourism, while also strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and China.
Under the new policy, the 14-day stay is non-extendable and cannot be converted into any other type of Philippine visa. The privilege is limited to arrivals through two major international gateways: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu.
Chinese travelers availing of the visa-free entry must present a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. They will also be required to show confirmed hotel accommodations or bookings, as well as a return or onward ticket to their next destination.
The DFA stressed that while the policy is meant to make travel easier for legitimate visitors, security checks will remain in place. Authorities will continue to screen arriving passengers for any derogatory records to ensure public safety and order.
The visa-free arrangement will be implemented for an initial period of one year and will be subject to review before its expiration, depending on its impact on tourism, the economy, and security considerations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Chinese passport holders will be allowed to enter the country without a visa for up to 14 days, provided their visit is strictly for tourism or business. The move follows a directive from the President aimed at boosting trade, investments, and tourism, while also strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and China.
Under the new policy, the 14-day stay is non-extendable and cannot be converted into any other type of Philippine visa. The privilege is limited to arrivals through two major international gateways: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu.
Chinese travelers availing of the visa-free entry must present a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. They will also be required to show confirmed hotel accommodations or bookings, as well as a return or onward ticket to their next destination.
The DFA stressed that while the policy is meant to make travel easier for legitimate visitors, security checks will remain in place. Authorities will continue to screen arriving passengers for any derogatory records to ensure public safety and order.
The visa-free arrangement will be implemented for an initial period of one year and will be subject to review before its expiration, depending on its impact on tourism, the economy, and security considerations.
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Jan 15, 2026
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