China to seek visa-free entry for its nationals to Boracay, Bohol — envoy
China is exploring the possibility of asking the Philippine government to expand its visa-free entry policies for its nationals to other key tourist destinations such as Boracay and Bohol, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan raised the proposal during the Love Boracay 2026 tourism event, where he met with local officials, legislators, and tourism stakeholders.
In a Facebook post, the embassy said discussions focused on expanding visa-free arrangements to boost tourist arrivals from China.
Officials also explored the resumption of direct charter flights and measures to improve travel convenience between the two countries.
The proposal comes as both sides seek to revitalize tourism flows following disruptions in recent years.
In a speech during his visit, Ambassador Jing emphasized that increasing people-to-people exchanges would naturally strengthen tourism.
“So when we bring more people to visit each other's country… they will share their stories… and that will encourage, attract more tourists to visit each other,” he said.
The talks also covered enhancing consular protection and services for Chinese nationals traveling in the Philippines.
They likewise discussed coordination with local police and tourism stakeholders to ensure the safety of visiting tourists.
During his visit, Jing met with representatives from hotels, travel agencies, and local government units in Boracay to assess on-the-ground conditions. The embassy said these engagements aim to improve the overall travel experience for Chinese visitors.