In what is clearly a bid to enhance tourism, investments and trade, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Chinese nationals are being granted visa-free entry into the Philippines and they are allowed to stay up to fourteen days, according to a GMA Network news report.
The Philippines continues to fail to attract enough foreign tourists and the growth of the national economy clearly slowed down in recent times.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines is granting visa-free entry to Chinese nationals starting January 16 in its bid to increase Chinese trade, investments and tourists, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.
Under the new policy, Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines without the requirement of obtaining a visa for a stay of up to 14 days.
“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 DFA said in a statement.
Such visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires.
The visa-free privilege will be valid for entry only through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu.
Upon arrival, Chinese nationals need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
“Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines strictly for tourism or business purposes may avail of the new visa-free entry privilege,” the DFA said.
However, the DFA said visas (cannot) be extended beyond the allowable 14-day stay and is non-convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category.
For added context about the potential risks that come with attracting Chinese tourists, watch the video below.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new policy by the national government is the right move even though there is tension between Communist China and the Philippines? Does this new policy make the Philippines look very desperate to attract money from Chinese visitors? Are you concerned that criminal activities here in the Philippines will get worse as more Chinese tourists enter the country?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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