AFTER a two-year delay, the Philippine eVisa system for Chinese nationals traveling for business or tourism was finally rolled out on Monday, November 3, with simultaneous launch ceremonies held across eight cities in China: Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen.
The relaunch follows the abrupt suspension of the eVisa system in November 2023, just three months after its pilot. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited system reliability and payment processing limitations as key reasons for halting the rollout. At the time, the platform only accepted cash, debit, and credit cards-excluding dominant mobile payment options in China such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
The suspension had ripple effects across the tourism sector. In a September 2025 budget hearing, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told lawmakers that the DFA’s cancellation of the eVisa program-originally projected to issue up to 2 million visas annually-was a major factor in the country’s failure to meet its 2024 target of 7.7 million foreign arrivals. Only 5.95 million tourists visited the Philippines that year, a 28.3-percent drop from the 2019 peak.
Jointly developed by the DFA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the eVisa system is part of the Philippine government’s broader push to digitize consular services and improve the travel experience for foreign visitors.
VFS Global, a leading provider of technological services for governments and diplomatic missions, will manage the application and payment processing.
‘The Philippine Embassy is happy to announce the official launch of the eVisa, in line with the directive of the President to enhance client experience, digitize services, and further invigorate the country’s tourism sector,’ said Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz in a statement.
The eVisa allows Chinese nationals to apply online 24/7 for a non-convertible, non-extendable visa valid for a 14-day stay. Designated ports of entry include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Ambassador FlorCruz also highlighted the Philippines’ growing reputation as a top travel destination, citing the country’s recent ‘Island Charm Award’ at the 2025 Beijing International Diving and Resort Travel Expo. ‘This honor, through the efforts of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Beijing, highlights not only our remarkable dive sites but also our rich marine biodiversity,’ he said.
Chinese nationals may apply for an eVisa through https://www.vfsglobal.com
For Chinese travelers seeking to stay longer than 14 days or enter through other airports, applications must now be filed in person-not at the embassy or consulates, but at VFS Global centers located in Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Although the Philippines has no consulate in Fuzhou, the Consulate in Xiamen will process and release visas submitted through the Fuzhou center.
The Philippine Visa Application Centers operate from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
During the Beijing ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Arnel G. Talisayon and Consul General Rodillo Catalan represented the Philippine Embassy.
Consuls General Ivan Frank Olea, Iric Arribas, Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Edna May Lazaro, Myca Magnolia Fischer, and Winston Dean Almeda led the launches in the other cities.
The VFS Global sites for Philippine visa applications are located at:
Beijing: West Gate, Floor B1, Guanghua Lu SOHO II, No.9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100020
Chongqing: 31F, CCOOP, No. 235 Minsheng Road, Yuzhong District, 400010, Chongqing, China
Fuzhou: Floor 14, Liyu Bund Centre, No. 363 Middle Jiangbin Blvd., Taijiang District, Fuzhou
Guangzhou: 8th Floor, GAL Tower, No. 78 Pazhou Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Hong Kong: 7th Floor, Lee and Man Commercial Center, 169 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Shanghai: 3rd Floor, Jiushi Commercial Building, 213 Sichuan Middle Road, Huangpu District, 200002, Shanghai, China.