Taiwan to extend visa-free status to Philippines

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Taiwanese authorities have approved a plan to allow visa-free entry for qualifying Philippine nationals.

What does the change mean? Once the plan takes effect, eligible Philippine nationals will be able to apply online for visa-free travel to Taiwan. Taiwan liberalized visa policies for several of its Asian neighbors June 1, but postponed plans at the time to extend visa-free status to Philippine nationals.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing. No implementation date has been set, but the policy is expected to go into effect in the coming weeks, possibly as soon as this month.
• Visas/permits affected: Visa waiver.
• Who is affected: Philippine nationals traveling to Taiwan for short-stay business trips or tourism.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save Philippine nationals the time it takes to apply for and receive a visa before travel.
• Next steps: The Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei has said it is considering ways to reciprocate Taiwan’s extension of visa-free travel to Philippine nationals; however, no reciprocal measure has yet been adopted.

Background: Taiwan has liberalized its visa policies for several Asian and Latin American countries in recent months. Although officials have finalized a plan to extend visa-free travel to Philippine nationals, the program has not yet been implemented. The visa waiver will likely be available to Philippine nationals who have proof of a return ticket or onward destination, a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their stay and a clean criminal record.

BAL Analysis: Taiwan’s easing of visa requirements for the Philippines and other countries is aimed at facilitating business travel, strengthening economic ties and encouraging investment, especially with its neighbors in Asia. BAL will continue to follow developments and will update clients once the waiver takes effect.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Taiwan. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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