Taiwan extends visa-free entry to Pinoys for another year


Taiwan on Thursday announced that its trial visa exemption for Filipinos has been extended for another year, its representative office in Manila said.
Visa-free entry for Filipinos will continue until July 31, 2019 and will be reviewed for further extension, according to a statement by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).
"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," said Michael Peiyung Hsu, Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines.
Manila and Taipei have no formal diplomatic ties in deference to the One-China Policy. Taiwan is represented by TECO, which acts as its de-facto embassy in the country.
Taiwan is a self-ruling democratic island which separated from mainland China in 1949.
To qualify, a Filipino visa-free visitor must meet the following requirements:
  • 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) ;
  • A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
  • No criminal record in Taiwan;
  • A proof of accommodation, such as booking or host/sponsor’s contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting
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.
Taiwan first enforced its visa-free policy for the Philippines on Nov. 1, 2017.
In recent years, both countries have launched a number of visa liberalization measures which have resulted in a rapid increase of visitors, TECO said.
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, it added.
"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," TECO said. — RSJ, GMA News

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