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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Reinstatement of Chinese e-Visa affirms PH readiness to welcome more visitors—Frasco

Reinstatement of Chinese e-Visa affirms PH readiness to welcome more visitors—Frasco

Published Oct 17, 2025 01:09 pm

At A Glance

  • Electronic visas (e-Visas) for Chinese nationals will be reinstated in November 2025.
  • DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the move affirms the country's readiness to welcome more visitors.
  • The e-Visa suspension in 2023 led to a sharp decline in arrivals from China.
  • As of September 2025, 203,923 Chinese tourists have visited the country.
  • The DOT continues to work with the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to enhance travel accessibility.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (File photo: DOT)
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (File photo: DOT)
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said on Friday, Oct. 17, that the reinstatement of electronic visas (e-Visas) for Chinese nationals demonstrates the country’s readiness to welcome more travelers and its renewed confidence in advancing the tourism market.
The e-Visa system, set to take effect in November 2025, is expected to help revive arrivals from China, historically one of the country’s largest source markets for visitors.
Arrivals fell sharply after the system’s suspension two years ago, compounded by pandemic-related travel restrictions that slowed recovery across the sector.
“The suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 had a significant and measurable impact on our ability to meet tourism targets, particularly from one of our strongest pre-pandemic markets,” Frasco said.
According to her, the DOT had long anticipated the lasting effects of the suspension, prompting the agency to consistently advocate for the system’s reinstatement to restore accessibility for Chinese visitors.
She expressed appreciation to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for acting on the DOT’s long-standing call to bring back the e-Visa system.
While an immediate surge in arrivals may not be expected due to "seasonal and external factors," the relaunch, Frasco noted, “provides a strong signal to the market that the Philippines is taking steps to improve accessibility.”
The initiative, she added, restores confidence not only among travelers but also among tourism stakeholders who rely on timely and enabling government action.
Data from the DOT showed that as of September 2025, there were 203,923 Chinese tourists who had visited the country.
The tourism chief emphasized that the department continues to work closely with both public and private partners to enhance digital platforms and other infrastructure that facilitate travel.
Complementary initiatives, including the implementation of the digital nomad visa and the VAT refund program for tourists, are also being pursued to further strengthen the country’s attractiveness and competitiveness as a global destination.

Related Tags

DOT Christina Garcia-Frasco Chinese e-Visa tourism recovery Chinese tourists
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