BEIJING — The Philippine Embassy in China will begin issuing electronic visas (eVisas) to Chinese nationals starting November 2025, as part of efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges and promote trade and tourism between the two countries.

“I am pleased to announce that the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, as well as our Consulates in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen, will soon begin issuing Philippine electronic visas to qualified applicants residing in Mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions, enabling applications to be made online and making the visa application process more convenient for those making a temporary visit to the Philippines,” said Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz.

Chinese citizens traveling to the Philippines for tourism or business purposes for up to 14 days may apply for the eVisa. The visa will be valid for non-extendable stays and entry will be limited to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The embassy said more details about the eVisa, including the official websites and submission procedures, will be released soon. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and VFS Global in China. Ambassador FlorCruz signed a Memorandum of Agreement with VFS Global on October 15, 2025, to carry out the presidential directive.

Chinese travelers who plan to stay in the Philippines for more than 14 days, along with other eligible foreign nationals residing in China, may still apply for traditional visas through the nearest Visa Application Centers in Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

“The implementation of the eVisa comes at an opportune time,” said Ambassador FlorCruz. “Under the leadership of Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the Department of Foreign Affairs met with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July 2025 for the Joint Consular Consultations.”

He added that the meeting emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, which aligns with the embassy’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-China diplomatic relations this year.

Initially launched and tested in Manila in 2023, the eVisa system is expected to streamline consular operations and improve public service delivery. China remains one of the major sources of tourists for the Philippines and the region.