MANILA, Philippines – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan announced the extension of the trial visa-free program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines, in line with promoting its New Southbound Policy (NSP).
In an official announcement from MOFA on this website, it confirmed the extension of the visa-free entry effective August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026.
“In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 16 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan,” MOFA said in a statement.
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 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, MOFA added.
The TAC is a streamlined way for citizens of certain countries to visit Taiwan for tourism or business without needing a traditional visa, particularly Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, or Myanmar; and hold a valid or recently expired visa or permit from specific countries like the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Schengen countries.
Meanwhile, MOFA reiterated that it will continue to review and “fine-tune” its visa policies, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors, while ensuring border and public security.
MOFA also assured the public 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.
The visa-free program for Filipinos resumed on September 29, 2022 which was set to expire on July 31, 2023, but was extended for one year or until July 31, 2024. Filipinos visiting Taiwan can stay for 14 days under the scheme. This year, the visa-free entry program is set to expire on July 31, 2025.
