THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be issuing landed visas to Chinese travelers to further boost the tourism and economy of the country.
According to the BI, the new program is in compliance with the Department Circular granting visa upon arrival (VUA) to Chinese nationals issued by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente believed that through the program, more Chinese tourists and investors will enter the country.
"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.
Morente said Chinese nationals who are members of tour groups that will enter the country must be accredited by the Department of Tourism.
The investors meanwhile must be endorsed by local and foreign chambers of commerce.
Morente 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.
Interested Chinese nationals may apply for their landed visas at the BI for an initial authorized stay of 30 days.
They may further apply for an extension of up to six months.
Under the rules, applicants should have valid passports and return tickets and they should not be listed in the BI's blacklist or a subject of an Interpol red notice.
The BI said qualified Chinese nationals should file their application at least 10 working days before their arrival to the Philippines.
If the applicants are qualified, the BI commissioner shall issue an order approving the VUA. The order shall be presented by the Chinese passengers to immigration officers upon their arrival to the country. (SunStar Philippines)