(Eagle News) — Filipinos can now enjoy a visa-free entry to Taiwan starting Nov. 1.
In a statement on Monday, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said Philippine nationals can stay for up to 14 days, during the 9-month trial period that will last until July 31, 2018.
TECO said those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days, however, will have to secure visas prior to their entry.
“Those who entered Taiwan with valid travel authorization certificates, as well as those with approved e-visas, before November 1, may continue their stay for up to 30 days,” TECO added.
It noted, however, that for those who did not enter Taiwan before November 1, “their travel authorization certificates will be no longer valid,” noting that this “relaxed” visa application system would be suspended during the 9-month-trial period.
Returning travelers, however, can still use their long-term and multiple Taiwan visas that have been stamped on their passports, TECO said.
Requirements
The new rule, TECO said, was in line with Taiwan’s “new southbound policy” that aims to “build closer people-to-people exchange of visits and an economic community.”
To avail of a visa-free entry, a Filipino must have no criminal record, have an ordinary or regular passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of entry, a return ticket or a ticket for the traveler’s next destination, and proof of accommodation booking or the host/sponsor’s contact information. Jodi Bustos, Eagle News Service