MANILA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan announced the extension of the trial visa-free entry program for Philippine nationals who wish to enter the territory starting August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025.
This means Filipinos, except those holding diplomatic or service passports, are eligible for the visa exemption program, as well as nationals from what MOFA called its New Southbound Policy (NSP) partner countries such as Thailand and Brunei.
“In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 12 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan,” the Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan stated.
“The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines,” the advisory stated.
Meanwhile, Taiwan also announced that the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries will also be extended until December 31, 2025.
Taiwan said that after evaluating the effectiveness of the measures over the past years, it decided to extend the mentioned programs, but “will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral exchanges and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security.”
MOFA also mentioned that it will continue to communicate with governments of related countries to “enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient.”
Filipinos are allowed to stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days under the visa-free entry program but are required to bring proof of accommodation booking, contact information of host or sponsor and sufficient travel funds.
The policy was first implemented in November 2017.
