The Philippine government has added another requirement for Chinese tourists to ensure their safe entry into the country.

In an advisory, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Chinese nationals applying for a temporary visitor’s visa at Philippine Foreign Service Posts will now be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.

Their certificates must be registered for at least six months at the time of their application, the DFA added.

But there will be exemptions. Those exempted are Chinese nationals who are currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education, who will be required to submit proof of enrollment, and retirees above 55 years old.

"Other exceptions to the requirement will only be considered on a case-to-case basis," DFA's advisory read.

"The additional visa requirement is part of the DFA’s continuing efforts to enhance its visa policies and regulations for the safe and efficient entry of foreign visitors," it said.

In May, the DFA first announced that it would tighten its visa policy for Chinese nationals amid the increasing number of fraudulent applications the Philippine embassy and consulates are receiving.

According to DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, the move "is not related to national security issues." It is also based on the best practice "used by other foreign embassies such as Japan, South Korea, US and UK," he added.

He said the new policy will also be good for Chinese nationals because they are the victims of their fellows in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator's (POGO)-related crimes.