Taiwan Extends Visa-Free Entry Program for Philippine Passport Holders until 2020

Good news fellow Filipino travelers! 

Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo by Coleen Bognot

If you are thinking of visiting Taiwan but worried about its visa-free program expiring this July, then I have good news for you! The country’s visa leniency period is still ongoing and even extended for another year.

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Photo by David Kim

Yes, you still have a chance to plan your trip!

On July 2, 2019, the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines finally announced the extension of the visa-free program for Filipinos until July 31, 2020, for a maximum stay of 14 days. This privilege exhibits the amicable relationship between the Philippines and the Republic of China (Taiwan). In addition, Taiwan continues to boost travel for Filipinos particularly in the field of tourism, trade, investment, education, agriculture, fishery, and healthcare. 

Rainbow Village, Taichung. Photo by Coleen Bognot

Aside from the fact that the Philippines is the closest neighbor country of Taiwan, it is also one of the priority partners of Taiwan's "New Southbound Policy." The "New Southbound Policy" aims to build strong bilateral relations with its neighboring countries in the region.  Statistics shows that since November of 2017, when Taiwan’s visa-free program for Filipinos took effect, there has been a rapid increase of Filipino visitors in Taiwan. The data indicate that 44% or 419,000 Filipinos travelled in Taiwan in 2018. In conjunction with this prerogative, regional airlines from both countries have launched more direct flights and opened new routes to the countries’ major cities. Filipinos travellers can depart from any of the following cities: Manila, Puerto Princesa, Clark, Cebu, and Kalibo. 

Yehliu Geopark. Photo by Yooran Park

If you are now planning for your journey to Taiwan, here are the visa-free guidelines you need to know:  (source) 

1. Possess an ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry;
2. Hold a confirmed return plane or boat ticket, or a confirmed plane or boat ticket, along with a valid visa, for an onward destination;
3. Provide the confirmation of hotel reservations or an address and contact details for their stay in Taiwan, as well as a financial statement;
4. Have a clean criminal record, as verified by immigration upon arrival at an airport or seaport in Taiwan.

Note that the duration of the 14-day visa-free policy is not extendable and begins on the following day of arrival in Taiwan.

Taipei 101, Taipei Taiwan. Photo by Coleen Bognot

Shifen Old Street, Shifen, Taiwan. Photo by Coleen Bognot 

Write down your wishes & intentions in a lantern and let it fly. Follow your heartbeat in Shifen, Taiwan. Taiwan. Photo by Coleen Bognot

Plan your trip? See available Rakso Travel recommended Taiwan tour programs.

Read information about why you must visit Taiwan. 

Stay tuned for more. 

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