Visa-Free Entry Introduced for Eligible Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals who hold a valid U.S., Japanese, Australian, Canadian or Schengen visa can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to seven days (with the possibility of one 14-day extension) for tourism or business as long as their passports are valid for six months beyond the contemplated stay, they have a return or onward travel ticket, and a clean record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. However, once they enter the Philippines, they may not convert to work visa status or apply for a Special Work Permit, the short term work permit option. Chinese nationals entering the Philippines to work must hold a 9a temporary visitor visa.