Coronavirus: Philippines stops issuing tourist visas on arrival to Chinese nationals
- The virus outbreak, which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December, has infected more than 4,000 people and killed more than 100
- Sri Lanka also suspended its policy of granting visa on arrival for Chinese travellers one day after country’s first case was identified
“We are taking this proactive measure to slow down travel, and possibly help prevent the entry of the 2019-nCov,” Jaime Morente, the bureau’s commissioner said in a statement.
The virus outbreak, which began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December, has infected more than 4,000 people in China and killed more than 100.
The Philippines started issuing visas on arrival to Chinese nationals in 2017, fuelling a boom in mainland visitors to the country. That policy is now suspended, but there is no order barring Chinese visitors, who can still apply for a visa at a consulate or embassy in their home country.
“Should there be policy changes pertaining to foreign policy, it would be through the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Office of the President, as advised by the Department of Health,” Morente said.
There have been no confirmed cases of the new deadly strain of coronavirus in the Philippines, but 27 suspected cases are being monitored, according to the Health Department.
The country’s gaming regulator also ordered online casinos – which employ and cater mostly to Chinese nationals – to impose a 10-day quarantine on new and returning employees from countries with reported cases.