Visa-free entry for Chinese travelers starts today

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines strictly for tourism or business purposes without the need to obtain a visa for a stay of up to 14 days starting today, Jan. 16, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced.

The DFA yesterday said the “visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires.”

“This is in line with the President’s directive to facili- tate trade, investments, and tourism, as well as strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China,” the DFA said.

Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines strictly for tourism or business purposes may avail themselves of the new visa-free entry privilege.

The privilege allows for a non-extendable 14-day stay, which is non-convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category.

The visa-free privilege will be valid for entry only through the Ninoy Aquino Interna- tional Airport in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu Interna- tional Airport in Cebu.

Upon arrival, Chinese nationals need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contem- plated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destina-

“To ensure that security and public order are maintained while facilitating the entry of legitimate travelers, checks on derogatory records of travel- ers will continue to apply,” the DFA saidtion.