Reported on May 13 by the reference news website According to a report on the website of Singapore's Lianhe Morning Post on May 13, the Philippine Immigration Office said on May 12 that tightening visa requirements for Chinese tourists would help the Philippines protect national security because "Chinese citizens participate in illegal activities in the Philippines".
The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced stricter visa regulations for Chinese citizens. In this regard, many people worry that this may "hinder the tourism industry and hurt enterprises".
According to GMA News Network, Philippine Immigration Bureau spokesman Sandoval said in an interview with the local radio station that although tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government must also take stricter measures to protect the public interests.
She said that the Immigration Bureau has been strictly checking the arrival of foreigners, especially those involved in illegal activities.
The Philippine Foreign Ministry said that the embassies and consulates in China had received a large number of problematic visa applications, so they decided to tighten visa applications for Chinese tourists. However, the Philippine Foreign Ministry also stressed that the continued tension between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea was not the reason for tightening visa regulations.
It was reported that after the new visa regulations came into effect, visa applicants must submit social insurance as proof of identity, bank statements, letters of support from Philippine hosts, hotel and air ticket reservation certificates, etc. In addition, tourists with the group must arrive and leave together, and cannot leave the group.