China Opens Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos to Visit Hainan — See How to Be Eligible

If China is on your travel bucket list but you always delay your visit because you're intimidated by the visa application process, you are going to love this tropical "backdoor" to skip the paperwork. Hainan, the "Hawaii of the East," is officially open for visa-free travel, and the rules have never been better.

According to the official announcement released by the Chinese Embassy on August 2, 2024, you do not even need to be part of a tour group to enjoy this perk. You can now fly to Hainan individually for business meetings, visiting family, medical check-ups, or even for an exhibition. It is a practical solution for any Filipino who wants to experience China’s world-class resorts and shopping without the stress of a traditional visa application.

Eligible countries for the 30-day visa-free policy

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If you hold an ordinary passport from any of the following 59 countries, you are eligible for the individual 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan:

1. Russia

2. United Kingdom

3. France

4. Germany

5. Norway

6. Ukraine

7. Italy

8. Austria

9. Finland

10. Netherlands

11. Denmark

12. Switzerland

13. Sweden

14. Spain

15. Belgium

16. Czech Republic

17. Estonia

18. Greece

19. Hungary

20. Iceland

21. Latvia

22. Lithuania

23. Luxembourg

24. Malta

25. Poland

26. Portugal

27. Slovakia

28. Slovenia

29. Ireland

30. Cyprus

31. Bulgaria

32. Romania

33. Serbia

34. Croatia

35. Bosnia and Herzegovina

36. Montenegro

37. North Macedonia

38. Albania

39. United States

40. Canada

41. Brazil

42. Mexico

43. Argentina

44. Chile

45. Australia

46. New Zealand

47. Republic of Korea

48. Japan

49. Singapore

50. Malaysia

51. Thailand

52. Kazakhstan

53. Philippines

54. Indonesia

55. Brunei

56. United Arab Emirates

57. Qatar

58. Monaco

59. Belarus

Also read: How Philippine Passport Holders Can Enter China Without Visa

Hainan visa-free entry requirements for Filipinos

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The biggest shift in policy is the confirmation of Individual Entry. You no longer need to book through a travel agency or travel in a pair. To skip the visa and head straight to the island, you simply need to meet these criteria:

• Valid passport. Your ordinary passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry.

• Direct arrival. You must fly directly to Hainan from outside Mainland China (e.g., Manila to Haikou or Sanya) or transit through Hong Kong or Macau.

• Confirmed return. You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket out of Hainan within 30 days.

• Proof of stay. Have your hotel bookings and a basic travel itinerary ready for the immigration officer.

• No pre-registration. Unlike other Chinese visas, you do not need to apply or declare anything at the embassy before you fly.

Travel restrictions and mandatory registration rules

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Even with the easier entry, there are two big rules you have to remember:

Hainan province only. Your visa-free stay is strictly for Hainan. If you try to take a flight to Beijing or a train to Shanghai, you will be stopped. To visit the mainland, you would need to apply for a regular visa at the local Public Security Bureau in Hainan.

24-Hour police registration. This is strictly enforced. If you stay in a hotel, they handle this for you at check-in. If you are staying in an Airbnb or with family, you (or your host) must register with the local police within 24 hours of landing. You can now often do this online via the "Haiyiban" App.

How to get to Hainan from the Philippines

Since there are currently no direct flights between the Philippines and Hainan, you’ll need to take a connecting flight. To stay eligible for the 30-day visa-free policy, you must arrive from a location outside of Mainland China.

1. Best Connection Hubs

• Hong Kong. Fly from Manila to Hong Kong, then take a quick 90-minute flight to Haikou or Sanya. This is the fastest and most frequent route.

• Singapore or Macau. Great secondary options that often have competitive fares for the second leg of your trip.

2. Choosing Your Airport

• Haikou (HAK). Choose this for the capital city, historic sites, and major business hubs.

• Sanya (SYX). Choose this for white-sand beaches, surfing, and luxury resorts.

Quick tip! Avoid transiting through Mainland Chinese cities like Guangzhou or Shanghai on your way to Hainan. If you enter the Mainland first, you may be required to show a standard visa. Stick to transiting through Hong Kong, Singapore, or Macau to ensure a smooth, visa-free arrival at the Hainan border.

Why Hainan is the best visa-free destination for Filipinos

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Hainan offers 5-star luxury in Sanya and the world's largest duty-free shopping malls without the Makati visa center headache. With the local "Marine Tourism Year" currently in full swing, the island has upgraded its water sports, surfing camps, and luxury beach resorts to attract more international visitors. It is the ultimate "low-effort, high-reward" trip for those who want a taste of China without the paperwork.

Featured Image credit: TantaiShaoqing | X