READY TO TRAVEL A look at the Davao Tourist Passport to be shown at HTX 2025. (Photo courtesy of Davao Tourism Association's Facebook page)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, Jan. 6, debunked claims that the visa policy for Chinese nationals has already changed.
"As of today, the visa policy for entry of Chinese nationals to the Philippines remains the same," DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said.
"Visa applications continue to be processed by our Foreign Service Posts in accordance with existing visa regulations for Chinese nationals," she added.
The agency's clarification came after a Chinese national supposedly received an email from the Philippine Consulate General saying that Chinese passport holders may now enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism and business purposes.
Currently, the Philippine government allows Mainland Chinese nationals to enter the Philippines for an initial stay not exceeding seven days, provided that they possess a return ticket and a valid or unexpired Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen, or US visa.
The 7-day visa-free entry may be extended by an additional 14 days to complete a maximum of 21 days.