Two Chinese tourists visiting Dumaguete City are seeking a visa extension with the local Bureau of Immigration in order to avoid the ongoing novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China. The pair, identified as Chen Bei and Zou Qin, arrived in the Negros Oriental city on January 10 and their visas, which were acquired through the visa upon arrival program, are scheduled to expire next week, February 6.
During a radio interview, the visitors said they are supposed to fly to Vietnam next but are concerned, due to the ongoing situation in China, immigration officials in Vietnam may send them back to their home country.
Earlier this week, due to the ongoing nCoV threat, the Bureau of Immigration has suspended the issuance of visas upon arrival to Chinese nationals.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente explained, “The move follows the temporary lockdown of several cities in China as well as the temporary shutdown of transport services in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.”
Visas upon arrival typically allow an eligible visitor to stay in the country for up to 30 days and can request an extension for up to six months./DGB, WDJ