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China visa rules for Philippines passport holders

Checked against official Chinese sources on 9 November 2026

Philippines passport holders need a visa for mainland China, except for 30-day visa-free trips to Hainan.

Apply for a Chinese visa Visa needed

Tourist visas (L) are usually applied for at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or embassy in your country of residence.
Even without a visa you can make a 24-hour direct transit through most Chinese airports if you stay airside and have a connecting ticket to a third country.

Official source: China Online Visa Application

30days in Hainan · Hainan 30-day visa-free entry Visa-free

Up to 30 days on Hainan Island (Haikou, Sanya and the rest of the province). You must stay within Hainan.
Enter through any open port in Hainan, e.g. Haikou Meilan (HAK) or Sanya Phoenix (SYX).
Covers tourism, business, visits, medical treatment, conferences, exhibitions and sports.
Only applies if your trip starts with a flight or ship straight into Hainan.

Official source: National Immigration Administration: Hainan 30-day visa-free entry (61 countries)

FAQ

Do Philippines passport holders need a visa for China?

Philippines passport holders need a visa for mainland China, except for 30-day visa-free trips to Hainan.

Can I transit China without a visa?

Most airports allow a 24-hour direct transit without a visa if you stay in the international transit area and hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Check with your airline.

Next steps

Set up Alipay before you fly — most shops and taxis don't take foreign cards.
Install the essential apps — maps, taxis, trains and translation that work in China.

Visa-free entry is not guaranteed: immigration officers decide at the border. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Always check the official sources linked above before you book.