The Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) has chosen Shanghai, China to soft launch the country’s new e-Visa system, aimed at simplifying the visa application system for foreign tourists.
Under the e-Visa system, applicants will be able to fill out relevant forms and pay visa fees online, although some individuals may still need to attend face-to-face interviews at the discretion of the Philippines embassy or consulate, Philippine News Agency reports.
The system is specifically targeted at those applying for temporary visitors’ visas for the purpose of business or leisure, with the DoT placing no cap on the number of applications it will accept as part of the beta testing period.
DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Henry Bensurto Jr said Shanghai was chosen for launch because it typically has the most applicants in China. It is hoped testing will be rolled out to more Chinese cities in the short-term before a full launch to other countries before the end of the year.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said he hoped the e-Visa system would encourage more people to visit the Philippines, particularly given the slower return of Chinese tourists than from other source markets.
“This endeavor is a compelling reminder that our whole-of-government approach is critical in reinvigorating the tourism industry and balancing the country’s national security and economic interests,” Manalo said.
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