PH offers 14-day visa-free stay for Chinese nationals

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
January 15, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officially announced Thursday, January 15, that Chinese nationals may now visit and stay in the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days, effective January 16.

“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,” the DFA said in a statement.

While it will grant Chinese nationals the privilege to stay in the country “strictly for tourism or business purposes,” the DFA noted that their stay is non-extendable and not convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category.

The DFA added that visiting Chinese nationals are required to present a passport valid for at least six months, along with their “confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination,” upon their arrival through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), where the visa-free privilege is only valid.

“The visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires,” the DFA stated.