The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines has announced on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), that the visa-free treatment for Filipinos will be extended until July 31, 2019.
TECO released a statement stating that trial period of the visa-exemption program will continue until next year 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,” TECO’s statement read.
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.
Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines, highlighted that the Philippines is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor but also is an important partner for Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy”.
In the statement, Hsu said the visa-free extension will surely enhance the two countries’ longstanding friendship and further strengthen their multifaceted partnership and cooperation. He also urged 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.
A visa-free Filipino visitor must meet the following requirements:
1. 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);
2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
3. No criminal records or other records of misconduct in Taiwan;
4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events, meetings and the like.
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.
