The current visa‑free rule only works for Chinese travelers who arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or Mactan‑Cebu International Airport. These two airports are Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and Mactan‑Cebu International Airport in Cebu.

The Department of Tourism has proposed adding Clark, Caticlan, Bohol and Palawan airports. The change would allow charter flights from China to land at these airports.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara‑Mathay said the proposal still needs approval and must be discussed with another government agency. The tourism department hopes the wider visa‑free access will help it meet its target of 6.4‑6.8 million international visitors in 2026. In the first eight months of 2026, the Philippines received 4.42 million visitors, and Chinese tourists were 303,567, or 6.9 % of all arrivals.

Under the current visa‑free rules, the foreign affairs department says travelers must have a confirmed hotel booking, a return or onward ticket, and they can stay for only 14 days. The stay cannot be extended or changed to another visa type.