DOT Chief Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco (center) welcomes the implementation of the e-visa system for temporary visitors. The pilot of this implemention will be among Chinese nationals. | PHOTO: Department of Tourism website
MANILA, Philippines — The newly-launched Philippine e-visa system proves that there is more to the bilateral relations between China and Philippines, other than the ongoing West Philippine Sea conflict.
This statement comes from Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.
The new e-visa system will be pilot tested in Shanghai, China,
“The West Philippine Sea conflict was never the sum total of our relationship with China, and the pilot testing of this new e-visa system at the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai reflects that fact,” de Vega told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
DFA launched the Philippine e-visa system on August 24.
The project is in partnership with Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
This initiative will allow tourists to apply for and obtain visas online, making it easier for them to visit Philippines.
The streamlined e-visa application process covers four simple steps:
The applicant will be asked to sign up for a personal account in the e-visa website.
The applicant starts an e-visa application by entering required personal information.
Afterwards, the applicant will be tasked to upload a photo, along with necessary requirements such as passport, proof of bona fide status as a tourist or businessman, among others.
The applicant pays the e-visa fee through available payment methods.
“We thank the DICT for their invaluable participation in the e-visa project,” De Vega said.
“This will strengthen our economic promotion drive as it will facilitate the issuance of visas for thousands of persons wishing to visit the Philippines for tourism or business purposes,” he added.
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