Manila Extends Visa-Free Entry for Taiwan Passport Holders
The Philippines is extending its visa waiver for Taiwan passport holders for another year, in recognition of Taiwan's visa free entry policy for Philippine nationals. The move comes as two-way travel between Taiwan and the Philippines continues to grow.
Philippines Extends Taiwan Visa Waiver
REPORTER:
The Philippines has extended visa-free entry for Taiwan passport holders on short tourist visits.
People from Taiwan have been able to visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days since July last year. It’s part of a reciprocity program now extended for a second year. Manila says the policy led to 6% growth in Taiwanese travel to the Philippines last year. At the same time, more Filipinos traveled to Taiwan in the first three months of this year. The Philippines continues to rank as Taiwan’s biggest source of tourism from Southeast Asia. Its citizens have been eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan since 2017.
Philippines Sees Growth in Taiwanese Visitor Arrivals
REPORTER:
The Philippines has closed 2025 on a positive note in the Taiwan market, recording a 6.32% increase in Taiwanese visitor arrivals, signaling a strong recovery following a more competitive and challenging middle part of the year.
Based on official data from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), Taiwanese arrivals reached 213,928 in 2025, up from 201,203 in 2024. The growth reflects the cumulative impact of improved travel access, restored connectivity, and sustained destination visibility, reinforcing Taiwan’s position as one of the Philippines’ key source markets in Northeast Asia.
The rebound comes amid a highly competitive regional travel environment. In 2025, Taiwan’s outbound travel market grew by 12.43% overall, with destinations such as Japan, Greater China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand continuing to dominate outbound traffic. Within this context, the Philippines ranked 9th among Taiwan’s outbound destinations, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). This ranking underscores both the challenges and opportunities in the market.
Chriselle May S. Yambao (Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Taiwan):
The 6.32 percent growth reflects the steady return of Taiwanese travelers to the Philippines after a highly competitive year across Asia. It confirms that our market fundamentals remain strong and that demand for Philippine destinations continues to be resilient.
Visa-Free Access and Improved Connectivity Drive Recovery
REPORTER:
A key factor supporting the Philippines’ improved performance in the Taiwan market was the continued visa-free entry policy for Taiwanese travelers, which lowered travel barriers and enhanced the country’s competitiveness for short-haul leisure, cruise, and incentive travel.
This policy advantage was complemented by increased air connectivity throughout the year. Both commercial and charter flight operations saw expanded routes and frequencies in 2025, allowing airlines to better respond to seasonal demand and giving travelers more flexibility in planning their trips.
The Manila Economic and Cultural Office announced that, in line with the Philippine government's directive to observe reciprocity in the visa-free privileges, Taiwan passport holders may enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen days. This extends the same privilege granted last year, on 01 July 2025. The visa-free privilege is non-extendible and non-convertible to other Philippine visa categories. Standard travel requirements and processes since 01 July 2025 remain applicable. Taiwan passport holders who intend to visit the Philippines for a stay exceeding fourteen days are required to secure a visa before entry.
These regulations will remain in effect from 01 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Taiwan Visa-Free Access for Philippine Nationals
REPORTER:
Starting from Nov. 1, 2017, Philippine nationals are eligible to travel to the Republic of China (Taiwan) completely visa-free for 14 days. The visa-free initiative underwent a trial period until July 31, 2018. The trial period continued until July 31, 2019, and is subject to review for further extension.
Philippine travelers to Taiwan can check in at airports with their passport and return tickets. The passport must have at least six months validity. Travelers need either return tickets, a cruise ship ticket, or ongoing tickets to another destination, and an accommodation booking in Taiwan. There is no need to secure a visa, Travel Authorization Certificate, or E-visa before traveling to Taiwan.
**Eligibility for Visa-Free Entry to Taiwan:**
- All Filipinos, including former OFWs in Taiwan and those who have never been abroad, can travel to Taiwan without a visa for tourism, business, transit, visiting relatives, attending functions, or events.
**For Former Workers, Family, and Friends:**
- They can visit Taiwan as long as they don't work or overstay (not exceed 14 days).
**Length of Stay:**
- Visa-free visitors can stay in Taiwan for 14 days starting from the day after arrival. The stay is not extendable, and visitors must depart before the end of the 14 days. Those intending to stay longer or for study, employment, or activities needing permits must obtain a visa before traveling to Taiwan.
**No Specific Authorization Required:**
- No need to apply for a visa sticker, E-visa, or online Travel Authorization Certificate before boarding an airplane or cruise ship.
**Entry Requirements:**
1. An ordinary/regular passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry (Diplomatic & Official passport holders are not eligible).
2. A return ticket or ticket for the next destination, with a visa for that destination if required.
3. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking), host/sponsor’s contact information, or arrangements for tour, visit, events, etc.
4. A completed “Arrival Card” obtained from airlines or cruise ship companies.
Present the completed arrival card and passport to the immigration officials at an airport or seaport upon arrival in Taiwan.
**Possible Denial of Entry:**
- Travelers may be denied entry for a criminal record, previous overstays, or inability to show sufficient funds.
Taiwan Boosts Efforts to Attract Filipino Tourists
REPORTER:
The Tourism Administration said yesterday that it is stepping up efforts to attract tourists from the Philippines following strong growth during the first quarter.
The agency’s data showed the nation welcomed 210,000 Filipino visitors from January to March, marking a 43 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The Philippines is Taiwan’s top source of inbound tourists among Southeast Asian nations.
With a population of 116 million and a national median age of 26, the Philippines boasts a young demographic with strong travel potential. Outbound travel demand in the Philippines continues to rise amid robust economic growth and an expanding middle class.
More people in the Philippines are motivated to visit Taiwan due to enhanced flight connectivity and the visa waiver trial program. More than 66 percent of Filipino visitors travel independently in Taiwan.
Statistics compiled by the Philippine Department of Tourism showed that, as of the first quarter this year, Taiwan has become the third-largest overseas travel destination for Filipinos.
The current tourism campaign in the Philippines highlights Taiwanese food, culture, and lifestyles, and is targeted at transit travelers.
A Taiwan Travel Fair was held last week at the Glorietta by Ayala Malls in Makati, Metro Manila. The exhibition featured an LED screen broadcasting promotional videos throughout the day, a model train carriage from the Alishan Forest Railway, and a replica of a Taiwanese streetscape.
Visitors could try brown sugar bubble milk tea and learn to make blessing sachets and lantern-shaped charms inspired by Sky Lantern Festival traditions.
The event also featured performances by the Bellwalkers Troupe, as well as interactive Zumba Fitness dance sessions.
For wider reach on social media, influencer Cocoy Lim shared travel experiences in Taiwan. Visitors who purchased travel products at the event received Taiwan-themed gifts, while selected buyers were also given five-day mobile data SIM cards for use in Taiwan. The event is expected to generate more than NT$20 million (US$633,152) in business opportunities.
The delegation held two Taiwan tourism promotion events in Manila and Cebu. More than 250 representatives from Philippine travel agencies, airlines, and media organizations attended the events.
