Entry visas at the airport for Chinese tourists

To draw more tourists from China, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be issuing visas to Chinese nationals upon their arrival in the Philippines.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has issued a circular implementing the visa upon arrival (VUA) program for Chinese nationals.

BI commissioner Jaime Morente said this would be implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, international airports in Clark, Mactan and Kalibo, and sea ports in Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic, Laoag and Caticlan.

“We aim to facilitate the expeditious entry and admission of Chinese nationals into the country and thus attract more tourists and investors from China,” Morente said in a statement.

The VUA scheme is open to Chinese nationals who are either part of tour groups organized by operators accredited by the Department of Tourism; businessmen endorsed by local and foreign chambers of commerce and government agencies; or athletes and delegates of conventions and exhibitions.

Chinese nationals may apply for their landed visas through their tour operator at the BI office at least 10 working days before their arrival.

The VUA allows an initial authorized stay of 30 days, which may be extended up to six months.