FILIPINO travelers can continue visiting Taiwan without a visa until 2026, following Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement of a one-year extension to its visa-free entry program for Philippine passport holders.
The extension was disclosed by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung during the Philippine Independence Day celebration hosted by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei on June 12.
Photo Courtesy: MECO
Under this visa-free arrangement, Filipinos may stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days without a visa. However, those holding diplomatic or official/service passports are not covered by the exemption.
This visa-free program was reinstated in September 2022. The current policy, extended in June 2024, was originally set to expire on July 31, 2025.
Strengthening Ties
The decision reflects the deepening ties between Taiwan and the Philippines. In his speech, Lin emphasized the growing collaboration in sectors like agriculture, energy, technology, and economic security.
He also stressed the importance of working together to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, travel and migration between the two countries remain active.
“The Philippines is Taiwan’s important neighbor, and we, together in the Indo-Pacific First Island Chain, not only share the core values of freedom and democracy, but also support each other and move forward side by side in the face of the challenges,” Lin said.
“Me and the Philippine representative in Taiwan, Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil, are deeply aware that maintaining regional peace and stability is the shared responsibility and vision of Taiwan and the Philippines,” the post added.
In 2023, Taiwan welcomed around 415,000 Filipino visitors—the highest from Southeast Asia. It also hosts approximately 160,000 Filipino migrant workers across various industries.
This continued visa-free access is anticipated to further enhance tourism, commerce, and cultural relations. Taiwan, in turn, encourages the Philippines to extend reciprocal visa-free privileges to Taiwanese citizens.
