TAIWAN’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced a one-year extension of its visa-free entry program for Filipino citizens, extending the initiative until July 31, 2026.
This extension also applies to passport holders from Thailand and Brunei. The decision aligns with Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which aims to strengthen ties and improve travel arrangements with partner countries in Southeast Asia.
MOFA cited a positive evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in recent years as the basis for the extension. In addition to the visa-free extension, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for high-end group tourists from Southeast Asian countries will also be extended for another year, until December 31, 2026.
The MOFA emphasized its commitment to continually reviewing and refining its visa policies to foster stronger bilateral relationships and attract more visitors while maintaining robust border security.
The extension of the visa-free program is expected to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines, boosting tourism and other forms of collaboration.
Furthermore, the MOFA stated its intention to continue working with the governments of participating countries to improve visa access for Taiwanese nationals traveling abroad, promoting reciprocal benefits and convenient travel for all.
This positive development for Filipino travelers comes amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region. Separately, the Philippines and Japan conducted a successful maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, focusing on anti-submarine warfare.
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