Taiwan extends visa waiver for Brunei, Philippines, Thailand passport holders

2023/07/06

A trial program offering passport holders from Brunei, the Philippines and Thailand visa-free entry to Taiwan for stays of up to 14 days will be extended for another year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
Citizens from the three Southbound Policy partner countries can continue enjoying visa waiver privileges through July 31, 2024. Applicants must meet requirements such as having a standard passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket with required visas, among other conditions.
 
According to the MOFA, the decision was made after a meeting in April with relevant government agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of two projects offering privileged visa treatment to group tourists from Southeast Asian countries and those from the region who have obtained Taiwan’s Travel Authorization Certificate through online application.
 
Another major consideration for the measure is the wish to promote people-to-people exchanges and the need to revive tourism in the post-pandemic era, the ministry said, adding that the new measure will take effect Aug. 1.
 
The government will continue to review and adjust existing visa policies as it seeks to strengthen exchanges with target countries and attract more visitors while ensuring border and public security, the MOFA said.
 
The government will also communicate with these countries to enhance visa regulations for Taiwan nationals and make overseas travel more convenient, the ministry added.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP aims to enhance agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)