The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned the public on Monday, August 7, against accessing and utilizing websites offering to process Philippine electronic visas (e-visas) online.

The agency clarified that it has yet to soft-launch the e-visa system at Philippine foreign service posts in China on August 24.

According to the agency, they received reports about an active website spreading misinformation about the Philippine e-visa and other related regulations.

The DFA did not mention the name of the name of the fake website.

It advised the public that all information regarding the e-visa system of the country would only be published on the agency's official channels.

In collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the e-visa system intends to provide a simple and easy application process for foreign visitors.

"The Philippine e-Visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitors' visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops, and mobile devices," the agency said in July.

In March of this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) held a visa reform convergence with the DFA, DICT, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Bureau of Immigration to discuss simplifying visa application procedures in the country.