In this file photo, a group of Chinese tourists pose for pictures in front of the monument of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal at a park in Manila. AFP FILE PHOTO /JAY DIRECTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) clarified Friday that not all Chinese nationals entering the country are issued visas upon arrival (VUA).
DOT said VUAs are only granted to Chinese tourists who passed the screening processes of tour operators accredited by the agency and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
“In the case of Chinese nationals, the agency wishes to clarify that the visa upon arrival (VUA) is only granted to Chinese tourists who have passed the screening of tour operators accredited by both the DOT and the BI,” DOT said in a statement.
“Said visitors will only be allowed entry after submission of all pertinent documents subject to the review and approval of the BI,” it added.
DOT’s clarification came in the wake of the proposal of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to remove the VUA privilege for foreigners entering the country following National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon’s warning that the influx of undocumented foreigners, particularly Chinese tourists, might be a security threat to the country.
“We need to put an end to visas upon arrival; all visas should be issued by consular offices after vetting,” Locsin said. “We must take extra care in outsourcing any part of the visa application process, picking only the most reputable worldwide.”
READ: Locsin wants to drop ‘visas upon arrival’ privilege
DOT said it is also open “to review and reevaluate” the issuance of VUA to foreign visitors alongside BI and DFA.
“Moreover, we agree that prime importance should be placed on the security and safety of our guests and locals. The grant of visas is to ensure entry of desirable visitors,” DOT said. /kga