Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Filipinos until July 2024

Taiwan on Friday extended for another year the Filipinos' visa-free privilege.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Filipinos, except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports, are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 14 days effective August 1, 2023.

Citizens of Brunei and Thailand are also entitled to the 14-day visa-free privilege, which will run until July 31, 2024.

''Holders of Brunei, Philippines and Thailand passports must have: A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking, host/sponsor's contact information and sufficient travel funds,'' the ministry's Bureau of Consular Affairs said. 

''The duration of stay starts from the day after arrival and is not extendable. Foreign visitors must depart by the end of the said duration.''

The ministry said the extension was made following a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures.

''After evaluating the effectiveness of the above convenience measures over the past years and considering the need to revive mutual bilateral exchanges and tourism in the post-pandemic era, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry measure for one year,'' it said.

The visa-free program for Filipinos resumed on September 29, 2022. Prior to the extension, it was set to expire on July 31, 2023. —VBL, GMA Integrated News