On behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines has the pleasure to announce hereby that the visa-exemption program for the nationals of the Philippines will be extended for another year. The trial period will continue until July 31, 2019, and will be reviewed for further extension. This visa-free privilege is a reflection of Taiwan’s goodwill and friendship towards all Filipinos under the “New Southbound Policy” which aims to build stronger bilateral relations and closer people-to-people connectivity between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines, highlighted that the Philippines is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor but also an important partner for Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy”. In recent years, both countries have launched a number of visa liberalization measures which have resulted in a rapid increase of visitors. The number of two-way visitors hit a record high in 2017 wherein Filipino travelers going to Taiwan reached 290,784 while Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines reached 236,777. This mutual relaxation of visa restrictions is indeed an important factor in improving bilateral overall relations and enhancing people-to-people exchange and cooperation between the two countries.
Representative Hsu announced that Taiwan’s visa-free trial program to the Filipino nationals will be extended for another year. He believes that it will surely enhance the two countries’ long-standing friendship and further strengthen the multifaceted partnership and cooperation. At the same time, on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) Government and its people, Representative Hsu urges the Philippine Government and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to grant visa-free treatment to the people of Taiwan on the basis of reciprocity, so as to attract more Taiwanese tourists and business people to visit the Philippines. This is seen to produce a positive impact on various fields, particularly in tourism, investment, trade, education, culture, agriculture and fisheries. It will be a significant milestone in the bilateral win-win partnership and also enhance the friendly ties and mutual benefits between Taiwan and the Philippines.
A visa-free Filipino visitor must meet the following requirements:
- 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;
- No criminal records or other records of misconduct in Taiwan;
- A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events, meetings and the like.
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.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines
Makati City, July 12, 2018
