Chinese nationals get visa-free entry to PH for 2 weeks
Chinese nationals can enter the Philippines without obtaining a visa for a 14-day stay beginning Jan. 16.
The Department of Foreign Affairs announced the new visa-free program on Jan. 15. It said that this is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to "facilitate trade, investments, and tourism, as well as strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China."
The visa-free entry privilege applies to Chinese nationals traveling to the country for tourism or business purposes through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport only. It allows for a non-extendable 14-day stay, which cannot be converted to another Philippine visa category.
According to the DFA, upon arrival, Chinese visitors must present a valid passport, confirmed hotel accommodation, and a return ticket.
"To ensure that security and public order are maintained while facilitating the entry of legitimate travelers, checks on derogatory records of travelers will continue to apply," the DFA said.
The visa-free entry will be in effect for a year and subject to review before its expiration, as per the agency.
From January to November 2025, the Philippines saw 248,339 visitor arrivals from China, the fifth highest after South Korea, USA, Japan, and Australia.
Meanwhile, Filipino nationals visiting China still need a visa to enter the country.
In June 2025, the DFA announced a visa-free entry privilege for Indian nationals to boost tourism arrivals in the country.
The latest Henley Passport Index for 2026 was recently released, with the Philippines placing 73rd in the global passport power index. Currently, Filipino passport holders can access up to 64 countries globally without a visa.
