The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is tightening the visa requirements for nationals of the People’s Republic of China (“China”) coming to the Philippines. Effective immediately, Chinese nationals applying for temporary visitor’s visas are required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The stricter visa requirements are deemed essential for maintaining the country's national security and economic management while protecting its citizens and interests.
The new requirement aims to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent tourists. It will also assist in effectively verifying the identities of Chinese tourists.
Additional Visa Requirement
Chinese nationals applying for a temporary visitor’s visa at Philippine Foreign Service Posts are required to submit a copy of their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates. The submitted certificate must be registered for at least six months at the time of the submission of the visa application. The exceptions for this requirement will only apply to Chinese nationals currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education in their country of residence who will be required to submit proof of enrollment, and retirees above 55 years old.
Visa applicants are still required to submit other required materials, such as proof of financial capability (e.g., bank statements and employment certificates), a notarized letter of support from a host in the Philippines if applying for an individual visa, and hotel and airfare bookings.
KPMG INSIGHTS
While stricter visa requirements may enhance the security and regulatory control of the country, they can also have a wide-ranging impact – potentially one that is negative – on tourism and the economy. With China as one of the top sources of foreign tourists in the Philippines, a decline in tourism arrivals could happen as Chinese nationals may find the additional requirement burdensome.
If companies need assistance with understanding the visa requirements for Chinese nationals coming to the Philippines, they may reach out to their immigration counsel or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in the Philippines (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTE
1 Department of Home Affairs, “Additional Requirements for Chinese Nationals Applying for Philippine 9(A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa” (13 June 2024).
Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the Philippines.
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