First Post-Pandemic Tour Group Visa issued in Shanghai

14 April – Inbound Chinese tourism into the Philippines took another step towards recovering pre-pandemic levels with the issuance of the first group visa for a Chinese package tour group at the Consulate General in Shanghai, on 14 April 2023.

The Tour Group shall be traveling to a Philippine beach destination later this month.

The issuance marks an important milestone in outbound Chinese travel to the Philippines. China relaxed three-years of COVID19-related restrictions on inbound-outbound travel on 08 January, and took a further step on 06 February with the resumption of outbound group tours.

Philippine consular offices across China opened their doors to Tour Group visa applications on 10 April, observing a three-working day turnaround time. The first application in Shanghai was filed on 11 April.

Until this week, had only been accepting individual visa applications.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio, Consul John Francis S. Herrera, and DOT Shanghai Administrative Officer Warren S. Palacio witnessed the release of the visa to the travel agency representative. 

“Our Consulate General fully supports our country’s tourism goals vis-à-vis the Chinese market, which has been an important driver of inbound arrivals prior to the pandemic”, said Consul General Ignacio.

Only Travel Agencies duly accredited with the Consulate General may submit Tour Group Visa applications. These agencies must be accredited by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), must have a subsisting Cooperation Agreement with a DOT-accredited Philippine tour operator, and must be endorsed both by the DOT and the DFA. END