Philippines Tourist Visa
9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa · For China citizens
Planning a trip to the Philippines as a Chinese citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your tourist visa application: required documents, current fees of $27, processing times of 3-5 business days, and the convenient e-visa option for stays up to 30 days.
Philippines Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For China citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the Philippines
Complete the online application form on the official eVisa portal or embassy form
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Philippine visa requirements
Confirmed round-trip or onward flight tickets
Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in the Philippines
Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip
Application Process
Chinese citizens can apply for a Philippines tourist visa through the convenient e-visa system or at Philippine embassies and consulates.1 The e-visa is the fastest and most convenient option for tourism visits.
1. Choose Your Application Method
For stays up to 30 days, the e-visa system at evisa.gov.ph is recommended.1 For longer stays or if you prefer in-person processing, visit the Philippine Embassy in Beijing or consulates in Shanghai, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Chongqing, or Hong Kong.3
2. Create Account and Complete Application
Register on the e-visa portal and fill out the online application form.1 Provide your personal information, travel details, passport information, and upload required documents including your passport photo page, photograph, and travel itinerary.
3. Upload Supporting Documents
Submit clear copies of your passport, recent photograph, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and financial evidence.1 Ensure all documents are in PDF or JPEG format and clearly legible.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the e-visa fee of $27 USD online using a credit or debit card.1 Keep your payment confirmation for your records.
5. Receive Your e-Visa
Once approved, your e-visa will be sent to your registered email address.1 Print a copy to present at immigration upon arrival in the Philippines. Processing typically takes 3 business days.
Fees
| Visa Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (Single Entry) | $27 USD | 3 business days |
| Embassy/Consulate Application | $40 USD | 3-5 business days |
| Visa Extension (1 month) | ~₱3,000 PHP | Same day |
| Visa Extension (2 months) | ~₱5,000 PHP | Same day |
Additional service fees may apply at embassies and visa application centers.
What You Need to Prove
To obtain a Philippines tourist visa, you must demonstrate:12
- Genuine tourism purpose: Your visit is for leisure, family visits, or permitted tourist activities
- Sufficient funds: You have adequate financial resources to cover your stay
- Ties to home country: You have reasons to return to China after your visit
- Valid travel documents: Your passport meets validity requirements
- Confirmed travel plans: You have accommodation and return transportation arranged
Processing Times
E-visa applications are typically processed within 3 business days.1 Embassy applications may take 3-5 business days for standard processing.
Factors that may extend processing time:
- Peak travel seasons (Chinese New Year, summer holidays)
- Incomplete documentation requiring additional information
- Applications requiring additional verification
- High volume of applications
Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date to allow time for any delays.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive it via email.1 Print the e-visa and keep it with your travel documents. At Philippine immigration, you may be asked to show:
- Your printed e-visa or visa sticker in passport
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Contact details of where you will be staying
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, you will receive notification explaining the reasons.1 You can:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the specific concerns raised
- Apply through an embassy if your e-visa was refused, as embassy officers may review differently
- Seek assistance from a travel agency or visa consultant for complex cases
There is no formal appeal process for tourist visa refusals. Focus on addressing the stated reasons before reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete Documentation
Application submitted without all required documents such as flight itinerary, accommodation proof, or clear passport copy.
How to avoid: Use the checklist on the e-visa portal to ensure all documents are uploaded. Double-check that files are clear and readable.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show adequate funds to cover the trip expenses and daily costs in the Philippines.
How to avoid: Show at least $500 USD equivalent in readily accessible funds. Provide 3 months of statements showing consistent balance.
Unclear Travel Purpose
The stated purpose of visit is vague or the itinerary does not align with tourist activities.
How to avoid: Provide a clear travel itinerary with specific destinations. If visiting family, include invitation letter with their details.
Passport Issues
Passport has insufficient validity, no blank pages, or the uploaded copy is unclear or unreadable.
How to avoid: Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date with 2 blank pages. Upload a high-quality scan.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying or immigration violations in the Philippines or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about your travel history. Provide explanation for any previous issues and show changed circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit the Philippines?
Yes, Chinese citizens require a visa to enter the Philippines. You can apply through the e-visa system for stays up to 30 days, or through Philippine embassies and consulates for longer stays.
How long can I stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa?
The initial tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. This can be extended at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration for stays up to 36 months in total, though extensions beyond 6 months require an Alien Certificate of Registration.
What is the Philippines e-visa and who can apply?
The Philippines e-visa is an electronic visa that allows eligible tourists to apply online. Chinese citizens can use this system for tourism or business visits through Manila or Cebu international airports.
How long does Philippines visa processing take?
E-visa applications are typically processed within 3 business days. Embassy applications may take 3-5 business days for standard processing. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
What is the Philippines tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens?
The e-visa fee is approximately $27 USD. Embassy applications may cost around $40 USD. Additional service fees may apply depending on where you apply.
Can I extend my Philippines tourist visa?
Yes, you can extend your visa at any Bureau of Immigration office in the Philippines. Extensions are granted in 1-month or 2-month increments, and you can extend up to a maximum stay of 36 months.
What happens if my Philippines visa is refused?
If refused, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing the concerns. Common refusal reasons include insufficient funds or incomplete documents.