Content Writer: Janice Chew • Monday, 25/09/2025 - 21:48:54 - PM
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced plans to revitalize Chinese visitor numbers by easing visa restrictions—a key move in its broader tourism recovery strategy. DOT officials highlighted the successful outcomes seen in neighboring ASEAN countries, which boosted tourism by waiving or easing visa rules for Chinese travelers. Today, the DOT is actively coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and its global posts to simplify visa procedures, particularly for free independent travelers (FITs) and group applications.
Once the Philippines’ second-largest inbound tourism market in 2019, Chinese visitation has plummeted this year. The DOT attributes this downturn to the suspension of the e-Visa program and restrictive visa issuance, including limited slots for FITs and group visas capped to just twice per week. These constraints not only hindered independent travelers but also curtailed charter flight operations. Restoring more flexible visa options is viewed as essential to reclaiming lost ground.
Adding complexity to the DOT’s efforts, some analysts argue that easing visa rules while maintaining contentious political positions toward China may appear contradictory. According to one expert, this mixed messaging "is likely to backfire," suggesting that a more consistent diplomatic approach may be needed to engender trust among Chinese tourists. Nevertheless, the DOT maintains that visa facilitation remains a decisive strategy to recapture travelers from this vital market—and hopes that streamlining processes will restore momentum.
