MANILA 15 January 2026 – The Department of Foreign Affairs announces that, effective 16 January 2026, Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines without the requirement of obtaining a visa for a stay of up to fourteen (14) days. This is in line with the President’s directive to facilitate trade, investments, and tourism, as well as strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China.

Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines strictly for tourism or business purposes may avail of the new visa-free entry privilege. The said privilege allows for a non-extendable 14-day stay, which is non-convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category.

The visa-free privilege will be valid for entry only through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu. Upon arrival, Chinese nationals need to present a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination. To ensure that security and public order are maintained while facilitating the entry of legitimate travelers, checks on derogatory records of travelers will continue to apply.

The visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires. END