A trial program offering Philippine passport holders visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 14 days will commence Nov. 1, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
Launched in line with the government’s New Southbound Policy, the measure aims to boost Philippine visitor numbers for business and tourism purposes, as well as strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations, the MOFA said. The trial will run until July 31, 2018, and be reviewed for possible extension.
 
Gary Song-huann Lin, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, said Oct. 16 the Southeast Asian nation is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor, but a crucial partner under the New Southbound Policy. The visa-free trial will help foster closer economic ties and enhance mutually beneficial exchanges in areas including culture, education, investment and technology, he added.
 
Philippine nationals eligible under the program must have a standard passport valid for at least six months; hold a confirmed return or onward ticket along with required visas; and have a clean criminal record. Travelers will also be required to fill out a landing card upon arrival and provide proof of hotel bookings or an address and contact details of prearranged accommodations.
 
Taiwan has introduced a range of measures over the past years relaxing visa requirements for passport holders from the Southeast Asian nation, including adding Philippine nationals who meet certain conditions to the eVisa program in October 2016 and the Online Application for Travel Authorization Certificate scheme from June 1. The Republic of China (Taiwan) government will urge the Philippine government to reciprocate the latest measure by offering visa-free treatment to ROC passport holders, the MOFA said.
 
According to National Immigration Agency statistics, Philippine nationals made over 161,000 visits to Taiwan from January to July this year, a 74 percent increase from the first half of 2016.
 
Taiwan currently grants citizens of 59 nations visa-exempt entry for a period of 30 or 90 days, while ROC passport holders enjoy visa-free, landing visa and e-visa privileges in over 160 countries. (KWS-E)
 
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