Trial visa-free entry for Filipino passport holders

ALONG with the New Southbound Policy, the Taiwanese government also eased the requirements for Filipinos travelling to their shores.

Its approval by Premier Lai Ching-te was announced in late September 2017 by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Director General Winston Chen.

Filipino passport holders entering Taiwan can enjoy a free entry visa for a maximum of 14 days (much like Hong Kong) from November 1, 2017 until July 31, 2018.

It was, according to Chen, “to promote people-to-people, tourism and commercial exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines.”

Prior to this, Filipinos could apply for the e-visa (online visa) that covers a duration of up to 30 days and valid for three months upon approval.The government also eased visa-free requirements for Filipinos who already possessed a resident card or visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, any of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Both Chen and TECO in Manila expressed that the Taiwanese government hopes the Philippines will also grant their people visa-free privileges“based on reciprocity.”

Gearing toward tourism with the visafree privilege, Taiwan is reportedly anticipating around NT$10 billion (P14 billion) from Filipino tourists this year. Department of Tourism data likewise shows that Taiwan ranks as the sixth largest visitor market in the country during the first semester in 2017.

The privilege is good for tourism, business, visitation and attending functions and events. Diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible, and those intending to stay in Taiwan more than 14 days still need to acquire an appropriate visa,TECO said.

The requirements for a Philippine passport holder to enter Taiwan visa-free are as follows:

• Regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from date of entry.

• Return ticket for the traveller’s next destination, and visa for that destination if required. • No criminal record in Taiwan. • Proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information, details of the tour or travel itinerary, or of the event or meeting.