Philippines

The Philippine government has recently introduced new sanitary border control measures, aimed specifically at preventing the introduction and spread of the Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) on its territory. These measures are part of an overall strategy of reinforced epidemiological surveillance, in response to the ... Read the article

On August 24, 2023, the Philippines launched its new e-Visa program, enabling nationals of countries where a visa is required to apply for a visa online. The first tourists to benefit were Chinese in a "pilot" program. They arrived in the country on August 25.

The Philippines has announced that it will expand its electronic visa system (e-visa) in the 3rd quarter of this year to facilitate entry into the country and stimulate foreign investment. According to Jesus Domingo, Undersecretary for Consular Affairs at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the new system will greatly facilitate the application process ... Read the article

The Philippines recently announced a measure to boost tourism in the country by offering 12% VAT refunds to foreign tourists. The measure, which will come into effect next year, will allow foreign tourists to reclaim VAT on goods they purchase in the country.

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. has asked his government to consider extending the e-Visa to nationalities still requiring a traditional visa, such as China and India.

Foreign nationals from 157 countries that are fully vaccinated and not subject to visa requirements (including France) will once again be able to travel to the Philippines from February 10, 2022, the Philippine government has announced. The country of 7,000 islands has decided to follow in the footsteps of its neighbors, Thailand and Indonesia, ... Read the article