It is with great joy that we learn from Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco from Department of Tourism (DOT) that new electronic visas (e-Visas) for Chinese citizens will be introduced from November 2025. ‘The suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 had significant and demonstrable impact with regard to our capacity to deliver on the promises of the tourism sector, especially in one of our key markets before the pandemic. Secretary Frasco said that the e-Visa system has been on the agenda of the Department of Tourism ever since it was put on hold because they expect electronic visas to have a lasting impact on the inflow of foreign visitors.
Hence, this progress is not only important but it is also long overdue. The gap that has stunted our regional competitiveness for almost three years has been addressed with the swift relaunch of the electronic visa system which is a result of the persistent market demand and feedback from the industry. Furthermore, “we appreciate the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for answering this long standing request. It has been a long time in coming,” she added.
Frasco emphasized the ability of the system to facilitate and enhance the travel experience making it easier for our clients to access. The Department of Transportation, on the other hand, is unwilling to predict a surge in the volume of arrivals expected by the end of the year.
The perception of changes as negative out shadow the policy changes benefits. “The MIL decision as public policy technically qualifies for change of perception as benefits usually frame the outcome as nominal – is is in the response controlled. ublished policy. We do not expect arrivals will sky rocket as outcome of the timing site controlled. However, welcoming the changes,” the head of DOT quoted.
The suspension of the Philippine e-Visa system in 2023 did major targets. We will change,” she said.
“DILG has said many times we need to work with government and private sector for policy changes to address market demand.”
Nepal has growing cordial relations with the People’s Republic of China. Due to the growing influence of China in the South Asian region and in a bid to gain the trust of the latter, the government of China helped Nepal with the construction of the ring road of Kathmandu. In the much earlier point of history, we can see the trade relations of the two countries blooming as early as the ancient Silk Route. China had always been in the front line in trade and commerce; Along with Indian traders, the Chinese merchants thronged Nepal.
As of September 2025, The Philippines has already recorded 203,923 Chinese passport holders coming to the Philippines as tourists.
In order to ensure that the infrastructure and digital systems are ready to handle the anticipated tourists, the Department of Transportation works with public and private partners. Also, the Department of Tourism manages several special projects of the government, including the recently launched visa for digital nomads and a proposed legislation to exempt foreign visitors to this country from VAT. These measures are intended to improve the country’s overall attractiveness.
