Confirmed! Taiwan’s Visa-Free Trial for Filipinos Extended Until July 2019

Filipinos rejoice! Philippine passport holders can now continue travelling to Taiwan for another year, as stated in an official press release by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), headed by Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, on 12 July 2018.

The trial period, which began on 1 November 2017, is extended until 31 July 2019 and will be “reviewed for further extension”. This waiver programme is part of the New Southbound Policy aimed at establishing stronger relations, connectivity and cooperations between the Philippines and Taiwan.

It can be remembered that on 28 June, news of Minister without Portfolio Chang Ching-Sen announcing the extension broke out in social media, however unconfirmed.

Since the latter part of 2017, there has been a significant mutual growth in tourism for both countries. Moreover, the first five months of 2018 already saw an impressive figure of 190,000 Filipino tourists arriving in Taiwan.

Those who wish to enter Taiwan for no more than 14 days as a tourist should meet the following requirements:

1. An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment).
2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required.
3. No criminal records or other records of misconduct in Taiwan.
4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events, meetings and the like.

For other purposes, you must obtain the corresponding visas for your stay in Taiwan.

Also read: Travel in Taiwan 2018: What Filipinos Need to Know

Information extracted from an official press release issued by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).