If you’ve been considering a trip to Taiwan, there’s good news on the horizon. The Taiwanese government announced on June 30 that the visa-free entry for Philippine, Brunei, and Thailand nationals has been extended for another year, from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
The previous visa exemption, which was unveiled last year, was due to lapse on July 31, 2023. However, this recent development ensures more Filipinos can explore the scenic landscapes and bustling cities of Taiwan with ease.
“I cordially invite all Filipino friends to come and join us in exploring Taiwan’s beauty, especially with the 14-day visa-free program,” commented Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, the representative for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines.
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Filipino tourists are entitled to a 14-day stay upon arrival in Taiwan, under certain conditions:
- Proof of accommodations in Taiwan.
- Contact information of their host or sponsor in the country.
- Evidence of adequate travel funds for the duration of the trip.
Taiwan’s borders reopened on October 13, 2022, and since then, the archipelago has witnessed a significant surge in the number of Filipino visitors. Remarkably, the influx has already surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks. Statistics revealed that 60,723 Filipinos landed on Taiwanese shores in the first quarter of 2023. This figure indicates a whopping 50% increase in comparison to the Q1 2019 records.
The island nation has been aggressive in its bid to boost its tourism, especially targeting Filipino travelers. “The Philippines is geographically the closest country to Taiwan. Given this closeness and numerous cultural ties, we now have about 116 weekly flights bridging our nations,” remarked Chow.
Ambitious targets are in place for 2023, as Taiwan aims to welcome over 320,000 Philippine tourists by year-end.
Silvestre Bello, chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, expressed optimism about the visa-free extension, suggesting it will play a pivotal role in bolstering trade and fortifying the bond between the two countries. He remarked, “The policy will not only be a boon for tourists but will also immensely benefit the 170,000+ Filipinos residing and working in Taiwan. In the long run, we can expect an expansive labor market for our compatriots.”
Taiwan’s extension of visa-free travel reflects its commitment to fostering close ties with its neighbors and strengthening regional cooperation in both tourism and trade sectors.
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