The Philippine government has initiated a significant policy shift by granting Chinese nationals visa-free entry for stays up to 14 days, effective January 16, 2026. This strategic move aims to revitalize tourism numbers that have dramatically declined since the pandemic era.
According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the visa exemption applies exclusively to tourism and business purposes. The arrangement permits a non-extendable 14-day stay that cannot be converted to other visa categories. Travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, confirmed accommodation bookings, and return or onward flight tickets.
The policy comes as response to a staggering decline in Chinese tourism. Pre-pandemic data from 2019 showed over 1.8 million Chinese visitors, while 2024 figures revealed only approximately 312,000 arrivals—the weakest recovery among Southeast Asian nations. Neighboring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore hosted approximately 3.7 million, 3.3 million, and 3 million Chinese tourists respectively during the same period.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco attributed the dramatic drop primarily to visa restrictions, including the suspension of electronic visas for Chinese nationals. The new visa-free arrangement will remain in effect for one year with provisions for security screening of travelers’ derogatory records. Notably, the policy lacks reciprocity as Filipinos still require visas to visit China.
This initiative follows similar visa facilitation measures extended to Indian nationals in June 2025, indicating the Philippines’ broader strategy to boost its tourism-driven economy through eased entry requirements for key markets.