FAQs 常见问题
BASIC FAQS ON PHILIPPINE EVISA
(as of 01 November 2025)
Note: Visa regulations are subject to change at anytime
OVERVIEW
What is eVisa?
The eVisa is an electronic visa issued through an authorized online platform that serves as official authorization for a foreign national to enter the Philippines, subject to existing immigration laws, rules, and regulations, without the need for a physical visa label or sticker in the passport.
The eVisa for Chinese nationals is for temporary tourist or business visitors to the Philippines, valid for up to 14 days, through the ports of entry in Manila and Mactan, Cebu.
The eVisa is an easy, convenient, and safe way to enter the Philippines. The eVisa enhances the efficiency of the consular operations of Philippine foreign service missions in China and improves service delivery to the public.
The eVisa system was first launched in 2023. It was first tested in China and subsequently in other countries. The eVisa is being prepared for full implementation in China.
Who can apply for the eVisa?
Chinese nationals within China who will visit the Philippines for tourism or business purposes can apply for the eVisa with a non-extendable 14-day validity through the ports of entry in Manila and Mactan, Cebu.
Application Proper
When will I apply for the eVisa?
The eVisa Portal will be available on 01 November 2025. Please wait for further announcements.
Is the portal always available?
Yes. After launch, the portal is accessible 24/7. Applications lodged beyond working hours (9:00–18:00) are queued for processing on the next working day. You can easily apply anytime, anywhere – right from the comfort of your home.
How do I apply?
Apply online via the eVisa Portal:
For mainland China: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/en/phl
For Hong Kong and Macau: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/hkg/en/phl
Accomplish the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and track the status of your application.
How long should I wait for my eVisa?
Four (4) working days from the submission of the application to the Embassy or Consulate via the eVisa portal.
How long does it take to process conventional sticker visa applications (for tourism and business purposes beyond the allowed 14 days under eVisa)?
Six (6) working days from the submission of the application to the Embassy or Consulate by the Philippine Visa Application Center (VFS Global).
Where should group tour visa applications be submitted?
Applications for group tour visas must be submitted directly at the Embassy or Consulate for processing.
How are student visa applications processed?
Student visa applications should be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate for processing.
Is there a limit on the number of applications I can submit per eVisa account?
Each eVisa account allows for multiple applications through a family booking option, making it easier for families to apply together.
How many appointments can I schedule per eVisa account?
Each account can schedule up to five appointments according to VFS guidelines, and accounts cannot be reused for additional bookings.
Are walk-in applications accepted at Philippine Visa Application Center (VFS Global)?
Yes, walk-in applications are accepted at the Philippine Visa Application Center (VFS Global), but they incur an additional service fee for processing.
What should I do for urgent visa applications?
For urgent visa applications, it is advisable to consult with the Philippine Visa Application Centers (VFS Global), as they coordinate directly with the Embassy and Consulates for eVisa and conventional visa processing.
Travel Parameters
Which ports of entry are available for eVisa holders?
eVisa holders can only enter the Philippines through the ports of entry in Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
For all other ports of entry, one can apply for a conventional visa through the Visa Application Centers that will be launched in Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, and Hong Kong.
How long can I stay in the Philippines using the eVisa?
eVisa holders can stay for a non-extendable 14-day period.
What if I want to stay longer than 14 days or enter through other ports of entry for business or tourism purposes?
In this case, Chinese nationals and all other eligible applicants may apply for the conventional physical (machine-readable) visa affixed to the applicant’s passport for tourism or business purposes through the nearest Visa Application Centers that will open in Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Can I convert the eVisa to another type of visa like a student or working visa?
No, eVisas are non-convertible. Please apply directly with Foreign Service Posts if you need a tourism visa for conversion to another category.
Fees, Requirements, and Status
What is the cost of the eVisa?
RMB 380 eVisa fee + RMB 98 VFS service charge = RMB 478 total. Fees are subject to change and are non-refundable once processing begins.
What are the requirements for applying for an eVisa?
Please visit the VFS Global website at VFSglobal.com for more information. Usual requirements include a valid passport, a recent photograph, an itinerary, proof of financial capacity, and category-specific supporting documents, among others.
Is a complete (end-to-end) passport copy required for eVisa applications?
A complete copy of the passport is not required for the eVisa application, although it may be requested later by the consular officer if needed.
What documentation is required from authorized representatives?
Authorized representatives need to submit an authorization letter with an original signature of the applicant, as well as a valid ID of both applicant and the authorized representative.
How do I check my status?
Log in to your VFS eVisa portal account to view real-time updates.
I have a valid Philippine visa issued before 1 November 2025. Can I still use it?
Yes. Your visa remains valid for use until the printed expiry date.
Security and Data Protection
How secure is the eVisa?
The Philippine government has partnered with VFS Global, a leader in government and diplomatic mission technology services worldwide. VFS Global will manage the front-end of the eVisa operations. In turn, the Philippine consular missions in China will continue to undertake back-end functions of the operation and maintain the authority to approve or deny visa applications.
Applicants will submit documents online for thorough verification, with approval granted solely by Philippine consular missions in China. The system maintains the same security screening processes as conventional visa applications.
Is my personal data protected when accessing the eVisa portal?
Of course, the eVisa system operates in full compliance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other related laws in ensuring the protection of data and information.
Decisions and Reapplications
Does approval guarantee entry?
No. Final admission is at the discretion of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. You may be asked to show onward/return tickets, accommodation, and proof of financial capacity, among others.
I was denied a visa. When can I apply again?
You may reapply after six (6) months from the date your previous application was received by the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Center.
I do not qualify for the eVisa. What are my other options?
You have several options:
A. Valid AJACS Visa Holders for Chinese nationals
Chinese nationals visiting for tourism may be granted visa-free entry for up to 7 days if all of the following are met:
You hold a valid conventional AJACS visa — a visa issued by Australia, Japan, America (United States), Canada, or the Schengen Area.
Your national passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
You have a return or onward ticket.
You have no derogatory record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
The 7-day stay may be extended by 14 days (maximum 21 days) by the Bureau of Immigration, subject to their rules.
B. Conventional Visa Application for Chinese nationals
Tourism/Business (no conversion after arrival): Apply through the Philippine Visa Application/Assistance Center (VFS Global).
If you intend to convert to another visa type after arrival (e.g., work, study) or you need a non-tourist visa: Apply for a conventional (physical, machine-readable) visa directly at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General.
Service Channels and Hours
VFS Visa Application Centers (conventional visa submissions)
Open 09:00–15:00, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays).
Locations launching: Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai.
Embassy/Consulate websites
PH Embassy – Beijing: https://beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Consulate-General – Chongqing: https://chongqingpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Consulate-General – Guangzhou: https://guangzhoupcg.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Consulate-General – Hong Kong: https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Consulate-General – Macau: https://macaupcg.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Consulate-General – Shanghai: https://shanghaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Consulate-General – Xiamen: https://xiamenpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
STEPS FOR VISA APPOINTMENT 签证预约步骤
FOR INDIVIDUAL APPLICANT 个人申请人
1. Download and fill-in completely the appropriate visa application form 下载并完整填写相应的签证申请表
2. Attach latest photo taken within 6 months 附上近6个月内拍摄的照片
- Visa or passport size 签证或护照尺寸
- Plain white background 纯白色背景
- Full-face view with neutral expression 全脸视图，表情自然
- No eyeglasses, earrings, necklace or any head covering the hair or hairline 不可佩戴眼镜，耳环，项链或任何遮盖头发或发际线的头饰
3. Personally sign the application form 申请表由本人签名
- Affix thumb mark (in case of “no signature” in passport) 按拇指指纹（如护照上无签名）
- Parent to sign for minor applicants. 未成年申请人由父/母代签
4. Set an appointment for personal appearance and submission of documents at the Consulate through the Wechat QR Code below. 扫描以下二维码预约时间，本人到领馆面签并递交材料
5. Go to the Consulate at the appointed date and time and bring the accomplished application form and other requirements. 在预约时间携带完整填写的申请表和其他材料到领馆
Reminders: 提醒：
Personal Appearance is required, except for: 必须本人面签，除了：
- Minors 7 years old and below 7周岁及以下的未成年人
- Senior Citizens (75 years old and above)* 老年人（75周岁及以上）*
- *Please prepare authorization letter *请准备授权书
- No escorts allowed. Except for: 禁止陪签，除了：
- Minors 8-17 years old 8-17周岁的未成年人
- Senior Citizens 老年人
- Persons with Disability (PWD) 残障人士
- Pregnant women 孕妇
- Please wear appropriate attire (NO shorts, sleeveless or tank tops, and slippers). 请穿着适当的服装（禁止穿短裤、无袖或背心和拖鞋。
