'Fraudulent applications': Philippines to tighten tourist visa rules for Chinese

Under the new requirements to be implemented from this week, visa applicants are required to present social security documents issued by the Chinese government, the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs as saying.

Applicants still have to submit proof of financial capacity, employment certificate and bank statements.

The move comes after a number of Chinese nationals were caught submitting fake documents during visa applications, Jesus Domingo, the department’s undersecretary for civilian security and consular affairs, said at a news conference as cited by The Philippine Star Thursday.

Last year the Philippines launched e-visas for Chinese nationals in a bid to attract more tourists, but suspended them within three months due to "technical issues."

China is one of the top sources of foreign tourists for the Philippines.

A single-entry visa allows tourists to stay for a maximum of three months, while a multiple-entry visa is valid for six months to one year.