Philippines Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens: Requirements & How to Apply

Can China citizens enter the Philippines?

Yes, Chinese citizens can enter the Philippines, provided they have a valid visa. Those who want to visit the country for leisure purposes need to apply for a tourist visa to the Philippines. Those visiting for business, medical treatment, sailing, filmmaking, journalism, athletic, and performing arts purposes must file the corresponding visa application.

Do Chinese nationals need a tourist visa for the Philippines?

Yes, Chinese nationals who want to explore the Philippines as a tourist need to apply for a tourist visa. You can apply for a tourist visa for the Philippines at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate near you. Note that while some visa applicants may apply at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad, others are required to apply at the embassy or consulate in their country of origin or legal residence.

How long can Chinese tourists stay in the Philippines?

The maximum allowable days a Philippines visa holder can stay in the country is 59 days, but this will still depend on the type of visa given to you. However, those who wish to extend their stay beyond 59 days may apply for an extension of authorized stay. They can apply for this at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office or other authorized immigration offices in the Philippines. This extension requires tourists to pay a fee. The total amount will depend on the applicant’s age and length of extension.

I am a Chinese national with a valid American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, or (AJACS) visa. Do I need to apply for a Philippine visa?

Chinese passport holders who have a valid visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, or a Schengen Area country are not required to apply for a tourist visa to the Philippines, provided that they are only visiting the country for leisure purposes. They are permitted to stay in the Philippines for a maximum period of 7 days.

Note that this does not apply to business travelers, who would still need to apply for a business visa.

Can Chinese tourists apply for a Philippine visa on arrival?

No. China is not included in the list of countries whose citizens can apply for a visa on arrival. Chinese tourists need to apply for a Philippine visa in advance.

What are the requirements for applying for a Philippines tourist visa for Chinese citizens?

The requirements for a China to the Philippines visa depend on the type of visa you are applying for.

Minimum Requirements for Temporary Visitor’s Visa or 9(a) - including visitors coming for business, leisure, medical treatment, training, or attendance in conferences and meetings

• A filled-out visa application form

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the authorized period of stay in the Philippines

• A travel itinerary or reservations for flights to the Philippines (it is not advisable to purchase the ticket before you are granted a visa) 

• Proof of status as a tourist or a businessman

• Two passport-size photos taken within three months of application

• Hotel booking in the Philippines or proof of lodging (it is not advisable to pay for your room before you are granted a visa) 

• Payment of visa fee

Additional requirements for Tourism or Leisure Visitors or 9(a-2)

• Personal appearance of the visa applicant. Exemptions may be made for non-appearing applicants, depending on the embassy or consulate. They may need to mail in their requirements or send a representative with their notarized visa application and a notarized authorization letter.

• Proof of financial capacity, which include but are not limited to:

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months

  • Employment certificate

  • Guarantee from a sponsor with their own proof of financial capacity

• Proof of ties to the home country, which include but are not limited to:

  • Employment certificate

  • Property ownership documents

• If you are visiting someone in the Philippines, a letter of invitation from them

• Additional requirements that may be requested by the visa officer

Additional requirements for Business Visitors or 9(a-1)

• Personal appearance of the visa applicant

• For business owners:

  • A photocopy of the data and signature pages of their passport 

  • The original copy of the invitation letter from the Philippine government or a private entity or endorsement from a chamber of commerce in the country where the business is located

  • Proof of business operations and income, which include but are not limited to business permit, business license, business registration, bank statement, or tax statement for the last 6 months

• For employees:

  • Certificate of employment of letter of guarantee from the company or sponsor

  • Endorsement letter from the applicant’s company

• Additional requirements that may be requested by the visa officer

Additional requirements for unaccompanied minors

• Children less than 15 years old who will not be accompanied by either parent must apply for a Waiver of Exclusion Ground or WEG, which has the following requirements:

  • Notarized affidavit of consent by either parent or the legally appointed guardian of the child, which names the person who will be accompanying the child to the Philippines and with whom the child will stay during their visit

  • A photocopy of the data page of the child’s passport

  • A photocopy of the data page of the accompanying adult or guardian’s passport

  • Payment of fees

How do I apply for a Philippine tourist visa as a Chinese national?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a tourist visa for the Philippines if you are a Chinese national:

1. For a fuss-free application, contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate you want to file your application with and verify their list of requirements for a tourist visa application.

2. Compile all the documentary requirements.

3. Visit visa.gov.ph and choose China as your country of citizenship. Make sure that you have access to a printer and a scanner or camera, as you would need to print, sign, and then upload your application form.

4. Proceed and click the “Apply For Individual Visa” button.

5. Fill out the application form. Double-check all entries to ensure that there are no errors.

6. When you are done, print your application form, sign it, and upload the signed form, your ID photo, and a copy of your passport. 

7. If you are applying in person, check the submission times of the embassy or consulate you are applying with. Note that while some embassies and consulate offices allow walk-in applicants, some may require that you get an appointment.

8. If the embassy or consulate you are applying with allows a mail-in option and you plan to apply this way, you need to have your visa application form notarized. Send this, along with a cover letter and the other requirements, in a packet to the embassy or consulate. Note that some embassies and consulate offices have different requirements for mail-in applications, so make sure to follow what applies to you.

9. Wait for your visa application to be processed. If your visa application is approved, it may be mailed to you, or you may need to pick it up at the embassy or consulate. 

How long does it take to process a Philippines tourist visa application for Chinese nationals?

The processing of your Philippine tourist visa depends on which embassy or consulate you filed your application with. Some offices may take as quick as 2 working days, while some may take 2 weeks or even longer. 

Can I extend a Philippines tourist visa for Chinese nationals?

Yes. You may apply for an extension of authorized stay beyond 59 days at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office or any of its other authorized immigration offices in the Philippines. You need to bring your passport, a filled-out application form, and a sworn statement for updating your length of stay.

After submitting your requirements to the Bureau of Immigration, and if you have no derogatory records, a clearance certificate shall be issued. After payment of the necessary fees, you will be able to claim your passport stamped with the extension of your stay.

How long can I get a Philippines tourist visa extension for Chinese nationals?

Thanks to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) Program, passport holders of visa-required countries, including China, can stay a maximum of 24 months from their first arrival in the Philippines.

Tips and Reminders for Chinese nationals applying for Philippine tourist visa

• The requirements, guidelines, processing times, and fees vary from one embassy or consulate office to another. Make sure you reach out to them before starting your application to ensure you have the correct information to avoid delays on your application.

• Some documents issued outside the Philippines, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and qualifications, have to be verified by a Philippine Embassy before they can be submitted as part of your application.

• Documents that are not in either English or Filipino must be translated professionally before they can be submitted as part of your application.

• Submitting your application does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa. It is not recommended to pay for tickets or accommodations before you are granted a visa. Note that only reservations and not paid bookings for Philippine travel packages are required for your application. 

• Make sure you allot enough time for your visa application to be processed before your actual trip. The embassies and consulate offices will not expedite your visa application just because your departure date is nearing.

• Note that after you have paid your visa application fees, it will not be refunded, regardless if your application is approved or denied.

Chinese tourists who want to explore some of the best places to visit in the Philippines can do so after applying for a Philippine tourist visa. If you have all the required documents and if you apply ahead of time, you’ll increase your chances of getting approved for a visa. Once approved, you are free to book Philippine honeymoon packages, luxury vacation packages, and Philippine tours.

• Rent a car in the Philippines

• Book tours:

  • Philippine island hopping tours

  • Philippine whale shark tours

  • Philippine firefly river tours

  • Philippine canyoneering tours

To make your trip even more hassle-free, make sure to read up on Philippine travel requirements and our Philippine travel guide.