Philippines 14-Day Visa Free Entry for China Seen Boosting Casino Revenue

The Philippines has begun allowing Chinese nationals to enter the country visa free for up to 14 days, a policy shift expected to support tourism recovery and increase casino and resort spending in 2026.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Chinese visitors traveling for tourism or business can use the visa free entry starting Friday, January 16. Entry is limited to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The stay is non extendable and cannot be converted into another visa category. The policy will remain in effect for one year and will be reviewed before expiration.

“This is in line with the president directive to facilitate trade, investments and tourism, as well as strengthen people to people exchanges between the Philippines and China,” the department said.

Good to Know

• Chinese tourists can enter visa free for up to 14 days
• Access is limited to Manila and Cebu international airports
• The policy follows the relaunch of the China e Visa program

Tourism Recovery and Casino Spending

China has historically been one of the most important feeder markets for Philippine tourism and casino visitation. Before pandemic disruptions, Chinese tourists represented one of the largest foreign visitor segments and a major source of gambling spend at integrated resorts in Manila.

Tourism data shows the Philippines recorded about 4.77 million foreign arrivals in the first 11 months of 2025, down 3 percent year on year. Chinese arrivals totaled about 248,339 visitors during the same period, or 5.2 percent of all arrivals, and were down more than 16 percent from the prior year.

Industry analysts have linked the decline in Chinese visitors directly to weaker casino volumes, particularly in mass market and premium segments at Entertainment City properties. Integrated resorts depend heavily on foreign tourist traffic for table games, slots, hotel occupancy, dining, and retail revenue.

Why Chinese Visitors Matter for Philippine Casinos

Chinese tourists historically spend more on gaming and resort services than many other visitor groups. Research and operator disclosures show that foreign visitors account for a meaningful share of casino gross gaming revenue in the Philippines, especially at large destination resorts.

Reuters previously reported that Philippine casino revenue is projected to double by 2028, driven by tourism growth, new resort capacity, and recovery in foreign visitation. Analysts have repeatedly pointed to China as a key driver of that rebound.

Easier entry rules can increase short stay travel, weekend trips, and repeat visits, all of which support higher casino turnover and non gaming spend. Even modest gains in Chinese arrivals can materially affect gaming revenue given higher average spend per visitor.

2026 Outlook for Gaming and Resorts

Looking ahead to 2026, the visa free policy is expected to work alongside expanded air connectivity, resort marketing, and regional travel recovery. Casino operators have already signaled expectations of improved foot traffic tied to tourism policy changes.

Gaming revenue forecasts for 2026 point to continued growth across integrated resorts, with mass market play expected to recover faster than VIP segments. Chinese tourists typically contribute to both categories, making the visa policy relevant across the casino floor.

The move also supports broader goals tied to employment, tax revenue, and tourism led economic growth, as casinos remain one of the largest contributors to visitor spending in the country.

Visa Policy Builds on Past Actions

The China visa waiver follows the relaunch of the electronic visa program in November and mirrors earlier policy changes for Indian nationals. India received visa free access in June, and arrivals from India rose more than 17 percent year on year in the first 11 months of 2025.

Government officials have pointed to these policies as tools to rebuild international travel volumes while supporting sectors such as hospitality, gaming, and entertainment.

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