BI will issue visa upon arrival to Chinese nationals

August 17, 2017

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be issuing visas upon arrival to nationals from the People’s Republic of China (PROC) to draw more tourists and investors.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente announced the launch of the new scheme after Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre issued Department Circular 041 granting visa upon arrival to Chinese nationals, according to a statement  on Thursday.

Morente said the scheme is open to Chinese nationals who are members of tour groups organized by tour operators accredited by the tourism department; businessmen endorsed by local and foreign chambers of commerce and other government agencies; and athletes and delegates to conventions and exhibitions.

“Through this scheme we aim to facilitate the expeditious entry and admission of Chinese nationals into the country and thus attract more tourists and investors from China,” the BI chief said.

The program will be implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and in eight other international airports (Clark, Mactan, and Kalibo) and seaports (Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic, Laoag, and Caticlan) throughout the country.

Under the rules, interested Chinese nationals may, through their tour operator, apply for their landed visas at the BI for an initial authorized stay of 30 days and they may apply for extension up to a maximum period of six months.

Applicants should be holders of valid passports and return tickets and they should not be in the BI’s blacklist or subject of an Interpol red notice.  Each of them shall be charged a visa fee of US$25 and P10 legal research fee.

The rules also provide that applications for  visa upon arrival should be filed at least 10 working days before their arrival.

If the applicants are qualified, the BI commissioner shall issue an order approving the visa upon arrival and it shall be presented by the Chinese passengers to immigration officers upon their arrival in the country.

Copies of the order shall also be furnished to the BI port operations division whose personnel (immigration officers) shall implement the visa on the travel documents of the Chinese passengers during the conduct of arrival formalities at the port of entry. DMS