Business leaders welcomed the Philippine government’s move to resume the electronic visa (eVisa) program for Chinese nationals, describing it as a ‘low-hanging fruit’ that could boost the country’s tourism, trade, and investment prospects.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business group, threw its support behind the initiative, which is set to resume in November after a yearlong suspension.
‘We are very supportive of this move because tourism’s potential is quite high,’ said PCCI Chairman George Barcelon in an online interview with INQUIRER.net. He pointed out that other countries in the region, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, have long welcomed Chinese tourists.
Barcelon said China remains the Philippines’ biggest trading partner, especially in terms of imports of raw materials and electronic components vital for manufacturing. But beyond trade, he stressed the economic windfall from tourism.
‘Let’s say, on average, other countries get 3 to 4 million Chinese tourists. If they each spend $1,000-a very low figure-that’s already $3 to $4 billion in income,’ he said. ‘If we allow maybe 1 to 2 million, you’re talking about $1 to $2 billion of additional revenue, particularly for the MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises).’
He called the move ‘a low-hanging fruit’ that the country must now fully tap.
eVisa revival
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) temporarily suspended the China eVisa system in November 2023. But the Philippine Embassy in Beijing recently announced that it would begin issuing eVisas again in November to qualified applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
The eVisa will allow 14-day stays for tourism or business, with entries only via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Longer stays would require a conventional visa through one of several visa centers across China.
Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said the revival of the eVisa system was timely, as the embassy marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties with China and works to expand ‘people-to-people exchanges.’
China has consistently been among the Philippines’ top sources of foreign visitors, with tourist arrivals peaking at 1.7 million in 2019. But arrivals have since dipped, with only 202,738 recorded between January and September 2025.
Investment confidence
Barcelon said easier entry into the country may encourage more Chinese businesses to invest.
‘Before, it’s not that they didn’t want to come here-our visa issuance was just very restrictive,’ he said. ‘Now, if you allow it, they can see that there’s good intent in our country. It goes without saying there will be more chances for investments.’
PCCI Vice President for Trade and Industry Bryan Ang echoed this, calling tourism ‘the gateway to further economic cooperation.’
‘Once word of mouth spreads from tourists that the Philippines is safe and open for business, more attention will be given by Chinese manufacturers and traders to our country,’ Ang said.
He emphasized the need for first-hand experiences: ‘Right now, all they see about the Philippines is limited to what is shown by international media. They must experience our country first hand-to see it is full of potential.’
Ang added that the resumption of eVisas is a ‘significant step’ in the government’s efforts to revive lagging tourist numbers. ‘Before the pandemic, we had almost 2 million Chinese arrivals. I see no reason why we cannot return to these levels,’ he said.
‘The Philippines has the best destinations in ASEAN, and we must continue to promote it to all Mandarin-speaking countries,’ he added.
According to Ang, Chinese tourists spend an average of $1,800 to $2,000 each, higher than most travelers.
‘This sends a clear message that amidst our territorial disputes, we can separate cultural and economic issues for cooperation,’ he said.
Addressing POGO concerns
The revival of eVisas has raised some concerns that it might open new avenues for illicit activities, particularly those linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which were recently banned by the Philippine government.
While acknowledging concerns about potential abuse, Barcelon and Ang stressed that both the Philippine and Chinese governments are now more vigilant.
Barcelon said concerns over POGOs were ‘very minimal,’ adding that the Chinese government itself has been cracking down on those involved in illegal online gaming operations.
‘Our government is also quite strict about this,’ he said. ‘I don’t think they’ll be interested in coming here to be apprehended.’
Ang added, ‘We have learned our lesson from illegal POGOs. Our government agencies are prepared now to look out for illicit activities.’
He said agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Board of Investments (BOI), and Department of Finance (DOF) must take the lead in screening potential investors, in coordination with the Chinese embassy.
‘We cannot welcome Chinese POGO, Chinese crypto, Chinese call center-type of operations. But legitimate investments in manufacturing, tourism, and services should be welcome,’ Ang said.