Philippines entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter the Philippines in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Chinese nationals. Plan ahead, as processing can take several business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the Philippines. Apply at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate, or check if you're eligible for the eVisa at the official portal. Processing times vary, so apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the Philippines. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers at Manila, Cebu, and other airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host can speed up immigration. If you're staying with friends or family, a notarized affidavit of support and accommodation helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support your stay | Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip. Have at least PHP 10,000 (around $180 USD) in cash or a credit card statement ready. This is rarely checked for short visits but can be requested. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Chinese passport holders must have an approved visa before flying to the Philippines. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Chinese nationals. Airlines will check your visa before boarding.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in the Philippines, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to evisa.gov.ph, create an account, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and scanned passport page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save to your phone: your visa approval email, passport, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them together in a folder or a notes app.
3
Arrive at a Philippine airport
You'll land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), Mactan-Cebu, or Clark. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration. Have your passport, visa approval, and boarding pass ready.
4
Go through immigration
Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with your allowed stay.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay59 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 1,500 (~$27 USD)
Standard visa for tourism, must apply at Philippine embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, valid 6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 3,000 (~$54 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostPHP 5,000 (~$90 USD) plus extension fees
Requires proof of funds and ties to home; apply at Philippine embassy.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD deposit (refundable) + annual fee ~$360 USD
For foreigners aged 50+ with pension or income. Requires deposit of $1,500 (with pension) or $10,000 (without). Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500–$1,000 USD (processing fees)
For foreigners with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires employer sponsorship, Alien Employment Permit, and other documents. Allows work and long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (9(f))
1 year, renewable annually
~$300–$500 USD (processing fees)
For foreigners enrolled in accredited Philippine schools. Requires admission letter, financial proof, and school sponsorship. Allows study and limited work.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$75,000 USD investment + processing fees ~$1,000 USD
For foreigners investing at least $75,000 in the Philippines. Requires proof of investment and business registration. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 59 days, non-extendable. | PHP 1,500 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries, each stay up to 59 days. | PHP 3,000 (~$54 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure or extension. | PHP 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max PHP 10,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Philippines
No transit visa needed
China passport holders transiting through the Philippines to a third country do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, UK, or Australian visas may transit without visa for up to 7 days (subject to immigration discretion).
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and consider vaccination.
LeptospirosisModerate risk
Risk from floodwater or contaminated water; avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in Palawan, Mindanao, and Sulu Archipelago.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manila
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, visa, and payment.
Cebu
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Cebu South Bus Terminal, N. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and visa issues; expect queues.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalManila
LanguageFilipino, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 61.55 PHP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 3–5 business days after you submit your application online. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The visa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Chinese passport holders, expect around PHP 1,500–2,000 (roughly USD 30–40). Check evisa.gov.ph for the exact amount when you apply.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration office in major cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao. Extensions are usually granted for 30 or 60 days. The cost is around PHP 3,000–5,000 depending on the duration.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There's no official appeal process.
If you're staying in the airport and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a connecting flight in a different terminal), you'll need a visa. Check with your airline.
No. Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved visa before you travel.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the visa approval email (printed or digital), your return ticket, and optionally your hotel booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.