Filipinos can now travel to Taiwan visa-free starting June !

Through the implementation of visa relaxing measures launched by the ROC (Taiwan) to the Philippine nationals, it is expected that it will greatly enhance the convenience of traveling between Taiwan and Philippines, and further promote bilateral economic, cultural and other exchanges between the two countries.

The ROC announcement lists a Visa Exemption trial program for Philippine nationals, for a period of one year.

“The adjustments are being made following consultations with other ministries as part of an effort to implement the new policy. They are intended to attract nationals from Southeast and South Asian countries to Taiwan for tourism or business purposes, as well as to broaden and deepen Taiwan’s interactions, exchanges, and cooperation with these nations at all levels,” according to the ROC release.

“The new regulations were decided at an interministerial meeting held by MOFA that was attended by the competent authorities in the areas of national security, police affairs, investigation, immigration, tourism, and economy and trade,” ROC MOFA added.

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association with Representative Lin [via Taiwan ROC]

Taiwan was earlier reported to already welcome Filipinos holding Philippine passports who want to visit Taiwan for 30 days.

Online registration is required at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ prior to arrival.

The ROC government began simplifying visa regulations for countries covered by its New Southbound Policy, including India and the 10 ASEAN member nations, on August 1, 2016, to attract more travelers to Taiwan for short-term tourism, business, visits to relatives, and cultural exchanges. Measures have included a trial visa exemption program for Thailand and Brunei, inclusion of more countries in and easing of eligibility criteria for the Online Application for ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate system and the distinguished tourist group program, issuance of multiple entry visas of at least two years for nationals of ASEAN members, inclusion of the Philippines in the eVisa program.

Philippine passport holders who intend to visit Taiwan for the purpose of tourism, business, visiting relatives, attending international conference and participating in sport events can apply for the e-visa.

Taiwan is listed on the Visa Restrictions Index 2017 issued by Henley and Partners as one of the 61 countries allowing Philippine passport holders visa-free access.