Metro Manila, August 25 ------ The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched the Philippine e-visa system, which aims to ease the visa application process for foreign travelers.
In a ceremony held on Thursday, the DFA said the new system will have a "soft launch" and will be pilot tested at the Philippine Consulate in Shanghai, China. The new visa system was made possible through partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), it added. "There have been numerous calls to use the e-visa system as this will encourage tourists to visit the Philippines and experience our country's rich and vibrant culture," Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said during the event.
The DFA said the e-visa system will allow foreign nationals to apply for tourist visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops, or mobile devices. DFA Assistant Secretary of Consular Affairs Henry Bensurto said the high volume of visa applicants in Shanghai was one of the reasons they decided to do the beta testing of the program therer. He added that the e-visa system will only cater to tourists for now, but the goal is to incorporate all forms of visa to be made available once the system stabilizes. "This is just the beginning of the government's continuous efforts to bring excellent public service," the DFA official explained.
157 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of 14-59 days, according to Executive Order 408. Over 30 countries on the other hand – including China – need to secure a visa before going to the Philippines. First, the applicant signs up for a personal account in the e-Visa website and enrolls an email address.
The applicant then needs to fill up an e-V application by entering the required personal information found on their travel document and other important information such as travel history, among others. The third step will require the applicant to upload their photo and necessary documentary requirements such as: passport; proof of bona fide status as a tourist or a businessman; confirmed tickets for return or onward journey for the next port of destination; and proof of financial capacity.
The last step will ask the applicant to pay the e-visa fee through available online methods. Once granted, the e-visa may be downloaded or printed by the applicant.
Source: cnnphilippines.com
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