Starting from Nov. 1, 2017, Philippine nationals are eligible to travel to the Republic of China (Taiwan) completely visa-free for 14 days. This visa-free initiative shall undergo a 9-month trial period until July 31, 2018, TECO in the Philippines have announced that the trial period will continue until July 31, 2019, and will be reviewed for further extension.
Taiwan is now within reach of Filipinos, as visa-free travel is quite simple. You can just go to airports to check-in with your passport and return tickets. The passport must have remaining validity of at least six months. You should have either return tickets, cruise ship ticket or ongoing tickets to another destination, and an accommodation booking in Taiwan. There is no need to secure a visa or a “Travel Authorization Certificate” or E-visa before traveling to Taiwan. The following questions are frequently asked about Taiwan’s visa-free treatment for Philippine travelers’ reference.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VISIT TAIWAN WITHOUT A VISA?
All Filipinos including the former OFWs in Taiwan and those who have never been abroad are able to travel to Taiwan without a visa for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, visiting relatives, attending functions or events.
CAN THOSE WHO WORKED IN TAIWAN BEFORE VISIT TAIWAN OR THEIR SPOUSES OR FRIENDS OR OFWs UNDER VISA-FREE?
Yes, they can visit Taiwan so long as they don’t work or overstay (not exceed 14 days) in Taiwan.
HOW LONG CAN A VISA-FREE VISITOR STAY IN TAIWAN?
A visa-free visitor can stay in Taiwan for 14 days starting from the day after the date of arrival. The duration of stay is not extendable; visitors must depart before the end of the said duration of 14 days.
Those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, employment and other activities that require permits or qualifications must obtain appropriate visas before traveling to Taiwan from their nearest R.O.C.(Taiwan) overseas mission.
DOES A VISA-FREE VISITOR NEED TO OBTAIN ANY SPECIFIC AUTHORIZATION OR E-VISA BEFORE ENTERING TAIWAN?
No, there is no need to apply for a visa sticker, or E-visa nor an online “Travel Authorization Certificate” prior to boarding an airplane or cruise ship.
WHAT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS MUST A VISA-FREE VISITOR MEET?
A visa-free traveler only needs to prepare the four documents listed below:
- 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);
- A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
- A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information, or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.
- A completed “Arrival Card” which may be obtained from the airlines or cruise ship company.
And then present the completed arrival card with passport to the immigration officials at an airport or seaport upon their arrival in Taiwan.
WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES MAY CAUSE A DENIAL OF ENTRY INTO TAIWAN?
Visa-free travelers must satisfy the above four basic requirements, but some travelers may be denied entry to Taiwan if they have a criminal record or have overstayed in Taiwan or cannot demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves while in Taiwan. For more information about Taiwan immigration entry/exit regulations, please visit the website of National Immigration Agency of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) at https://www.immigration.gov.tw.
