Taiwan extends visa-free travel to Filipinos, urges reciprocity

Taiwan urged the Philippines yesterday to grant visa-free entry to Taiwanese travelers on the basis of “reciprocity” following its latest directive to extend its visa-exemption program for Filipinos up to July 31, 2019.

In a statement, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila said the move to grant Taiwanese people free entry will likely attract more tourists and business

people to visit the Philippines.

It is also seen to produce a positive impact on tourism, trade, education, culture, agriculture and fisheries.

The announcement came following the assumption of Michael Peiyung Hsu as Taiwan’s new top diplomat in Manila, replacing Dr. Gary Song Huann Lin.

“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,” the TECO official added.

Such a move, according to TECO, 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.”

In the same statement, the Taiwan office in Manila confirmed an earlier announcement from its capital in Taipei, extending by another year the visa-free privilege for Filipinos who are traveling to Taiwan for not more than 14 days.

Launched last year on a trial basis, the visa-free program for Filipinos will be subject to review 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, the Taiwanese official said.