Philippines grants 14-day visa-free entry to Chinese nationals

The visa-free privilege took effect on January 16, 2026, and is valid for one year

Chinese nationals can now enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days. The visa-free privilege took effect on January 16, 2026, and applies to travelers visiting for tourism or business purposes.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs stated:

"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 visa-free arrangement will be in effect for one year and reviewed before it expires.

Conditions for visa-free entry

Chinese nationals must meet the following requirements to enter the Philippines without a visa:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay
• Confirmed hotel accommodation or booking
• A return or onward ticket to the next destination

The 14-day stay is non-extendable and cannot be converted to any other Philippine visa category.

Limited to two airports

The visa-free privilege is only valid for entry through two designated airports:

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu

Chinese nationals arriving at other Philippine ports of entry will still need to obtain a visa in advance.

Transit visa still required

Chinese nationals transiting through the Philippines en route to a third country are not covered by this visa-free privilege. They must obtain a Philippine transit visa before travel.

Other entry options for Chinese travelers

Chinese nationals who hold a valid Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen, or US visa can enter the Philippines visa-free for seven days, extendable by 14 days for a maximum stay of 21 days.

Holders of Hong Kong SAR passports can enter visa-free for 14 days. Macau SAR passport holders can also enter for 14 days with proof of onward travel.