Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns: Be wary of fake Philippine e-visa websites

On Monday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned everyone not to visit fake websites that can process Philippine electronic visas (e-visa) online.

The agency clarified that the e-visa system had not yet been piloted at Philippine diplomatic offices in China on August 24.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it received reports that an active website disseminated false information about Philippine e-visas and other related regulations.

It did not indicate a link to the fake website, but it advised everyone that all information about the country's electronic visa system would only be published on the agency's official channels.

This e-visa system, in cooperation with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), aims to provide a convenient and easy-to-use application process for foreigners to obtain temporary visitor visas through their own equipment.

The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in July: "The Philippine e-visa will allow foreigners who enter the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitor visas remotely through personal computers, laptops and mobile devices."

In March last year, the Ministry of Tourism held a visa reform meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Department to discuss simplifying the country's visa application process.

Tourism Secretary Christina Vlasco said that the trial operation of the Philippine electronic visa system in China will further promote the entry of Chinese tourists, especially Chinese tourists have become one of the largest tourism markets in the Philippines.

After a trial run in China on Aug. 24, the Foreign Ministry said it plans to fully implement the e-visa system by the end of September 2023 at the latest.