MANILA, July 5 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will launch e-visa system "within the third quarter" to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists and businessmen into the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.
The e-visa system will allow foreign nationals to apply online for Philippine visas, Foreign Undersecretary Jesus Domingo told a news conference, adding the new system will make the application process faster, more efficient, and more convenient.
Earlier this year, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos ordered government agencies to extend e-visa for travelers from major tourism markets in Asia to boost the recovery of the sector.
As a key economic driver, the tourism industry's contribution to the Philippines' gross domestic product stood at 12.7 percent in 2019. ■
