It’s Official! Filipinos Can Enter Taiwan Visa Free Starting November 2017

UPDATE: 12 July 2018

Taiwan’s visa-free trial for Filipinos has been extended until 31 July 2019! Read the full announcement here.

UPDATE: 16 Oct 2017

This is it! The day we’ve all been waiting for – VISA FREE entry to Taiwan for Filipinos will commence on 1 Nov 2017!

In a press release issued by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines today, 16 Oct 2017, Philippine nationals who intend to visit the ROC (Taiwan) for the purpose of tourism, business, visiting relatives, attending functions or events can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for a duration of stay up to 14 days starting 1 Nov 2017.

This visa-free initiative shall undergo a 9-month trial period until 31 July 2018 as part of Taiwan’s goodwill and efforts of the “New Southbound Policy” to build closer people-to-people exchange of visits and an economic community between Taiwan and the Philippines.

A Filipino visa-free visitor must 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 record in Taiwan;
4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information / or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting, etc.

However, those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment and other gainful activities are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

Woohoooo! Time to book that flight to Taiwan now! For more travel inspiration, do check out our travel guides and tips for Taiwan!

UPDATE: 9 Oct 2017

During the Taiwan National Day Celebration held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza last 9 Oct 2017, Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines said in his speech that further details of the visa-free policy will be announced this 16 Oct 2017.

According to Dr. Lin, “In order to implement the New Southbound Policy, Taiwan’s Premier William Lai has already approved a plan recently, on a trial basis, to give Filipino citizens visa-free treatment to enter Taiwan for 14 days as part of the Taiwan government efforts to promote people-to-people, tourism, and bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines.”

*Do continue to watch this space for the latest updates.

UPDATE: 29 Sept 2017

It’s official! Taiwan is finally VISA-FREE for Filipinos.

It is confirmed in a speech by Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines at the Taiwan Expo 2017 this morning.

Taiwan Expo 2017 is held at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex and will run from 29 Sept to 1 Oct 2017. Do visit this exciting event to snag awesome Taiwan travel deals while watching interesting cultural performances.

It’s time to book that flight to Taiwan now!

Event Details

What: Taiwan Expo 2017
Venue: Main Lobby and Halls 1 & 2, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Schedule: 29 Sept – 1 Oct 2017, 10am – 6pm

*Do watch this space for the latest details. We’ll update this as we get more substantial information.

Also read: 2017 Taiwan Tourism Workshop: Why It’s #TimeForTaiwan

UPDATE: 14 Sept 2017

I know many of you have been anticipating the announcement of Taiwan’s visa free policy for Filipinos. As of this writing, there is still no official statement as to the exact date of the implementation, but according to Taiwan News, a government meeting will take place this week to discuss the effects of the new policy, and should everything be in place, the VISA FREE policy could take effect in October 2017.

Don’t you worry fellow Pinoys! It will surely come, but until then, you can read through some of our Taiwan articles in preparation for your trip soon:

• Our Barkada Travelled 3 Days in Taiwan & Spent Only ₱10,800 Each
• I Travelled Solo in Taiwan for 4 Days with an All-In Budget of Only ₱12k
• My Favourite Taiwanese Food Every Filipino Should Try
• Why Taiwan Should Be Added in Every Filipino Traveller’s Bucket List

*Don’t forget to bookmark this page for the latest Taiwan Visa Free Policy updates!

UPDATE: 16 May 2017

Just in! In an official release by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, the VISA-FREE entry to Taiwan for Filipinos has been rescheduled to September 2017 instead of June 2017, as previously announced. The exact date of this new implementation will be announced in September or at other appropriate date this 2017.

Why is this so? Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, Representative of the ROC (Taiwan) to the Philippines, pointed out that the postponement is simply for smooth operations, more effective immigration procedure, and the safeguard of security for all passengers. The direction of the visa-free policy remains unchanged.

So, fret not fellow kababayans! The good thing about this is that you still have plenty of time to prepare!

Just last March 2017, I shared with you how I travelled to Taiwan with no visa using my expired Korean visa. Lucky you, the visa-free entry for Filipinos will still push through this September 2017.

Aren’t you all excited? I don’t know about you, but I’m still absolutely happy to hear this news! Plan your Taiwan trip as early as now! I recommend you read these articles for more inspiration about Taiwan:

• Our Taiwan Spring Trip: 4 Days with Just ₱16k (All-In) Budget
• 10 Mountains to Climb in Taiwan With the Most Incredible Views
• Unique Things To Bring Back From Your Visit To Taiwan And Where To Buy Them
• How to Travel Taiwan on a Budget
• 13 Unconventional Things to Do in Taiwan for A Smashing Vacation

Happy trip! 😉