The Philippine tourism sector is expecting a recovery in Chinese travelers as the Pacific archipelago country has resumed an e-visa service for Chinese citizens to boost bilateral ties and people-to-people exchanges.
China was once one of the Philippines' biggest tourism drivers, sending about 1.7 million visitors a year before the COVID-19 pandemic. But arrivals fell sharply amid border closures, tougher visa rules, and geopolitical tensions.
Now, the Philippines is trying to bring those travelers back with a streamlined e-visa system. Its Foreign Ministry has implemented an electronic visa service for Chinese nationals since November 1, allowing people to submit applications online for tourism or business activities for up to 14 days.
The resumption is part of the Philippines' ongoing efforts to revive tourism, rebuild confidence, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China.
"We estimate about a 6 percent increase just in the past few days. It's still early. It's hard to predict on how big of a bump this will create. We believe that this number will grow, especially as we approach the New Year and the Chinese New Year," Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz told China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Chinese travelers can now apply online through the official portal managed by VFS Global, uploading all required documents digitally. Applicants need a passport valid for six months, a recent ID photo, round-trip tickets, hotel reservations, and proof of funds.
Travel agency Uni-Orient, which specializes in bringing Chinese tourists to the Philippines, welcomes the new e-visa rollout. Its vice president,Wilson Techico, said that the profile of Chinese travelers has shifted since the pandemic, but he's hopeful the streamlined system will help revive demand.
"Diving is a niche market. The Philippines is really rich for diving sector like Coron, Batangas. People travel here with family only, family and friends. It's not like a group tour," he said.
Officials hope the fully online system will help bring more Chinese visitors back, especially to places such as Intramuros, one of the most popular ways for tourists to explore the Philippine capital, where Chinese influence has been part of this historic city's story for centuries.
Intramuros tour guide Richard Arellano said he is eager to welcome Chinese visitors again, noting they've long been a familiar presence inside Manila's historic walled city. He said that he often takes them to San Agustin Church, where a pair of Chinese "Fu dogs" at the entrance are believed to have been added by Chinese artisans who helped build the church.
"Inside the museum of Saint Agustin, there are relics from the Song and Ming dynasty because the Chinese are the first traders even before the Spanish came. They traded with leaders like Raja Sulayman, Lapu-Lapu," he said.
Officials say the push to bring Chinese travelers back isn't just about tourism numbers, it's about rebuilding ties. They believe smoother travel and renewed people-to-people exchanges can help deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the friendship between China and the Philippines, laying the groundwork for a more stable relationship in the years ahead.
Philippines tourism sector expects rebound in Chinese travelers as e-visas resumes
