TAIWAN: Philippine Nationals Visa-Exempt from 1st November 2017

October 18, 2017


Effective 1st November 2017, qualifying Philippine nationals can travel to Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 14 days, for tourism, business, visiting relatives, or attending functions or events.

The visa waiver scheme will run for an initial nine-month trial period, until 31st July 2018.

Those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for other purposes such as study or work, are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify, a visitor must have:

  • A Philippine ordinary passport, valid for at least than six months from the entry date;
  • An onward or return air or sea ticket (with a valid visa for the next destination if required);
  • No criminal record in Taiwan;
  • Proof of accommodation hotel booking or host/sponsor’s contact information.

Transition Arrangements

Currently, Philippine national visitors must obtain an e-visa or a Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) before travel, allowing stays of up to 30 days, or a consular visa.

Philippine nationals who have already entered Taiwan with a valid TAC or e-visa by 1st November 2017 may continue their stay for up to 30 days.

Unused e-visas and consular visas will still be valid after 1st November 2017.

However, TACs which are unused as of 1st November 2017 will no longer be valid.

Background

This visa waiver trial extends Taiwan’s strategy of strengthening economic relationships with South and Southeast Asian countries, known as the “New Southbound Policy”, introduced on 1st August 2016.

Our Advice

Philippine nationals intending to travel to Taiwan for business from 1st November 2017 should check whether they meet the qualifying criteria for visa-free entry.

Philippine national holders of valid Travel Authorization Certificates for Taiwan should note that they will become invalid if not used to enter Taiwan before 1st November 2017.

For advice and information on immigration to Taiwan and to the Philippines in general, please email us at [email protected].

This information was provided by our sister company, Peregrine Immigration Management.