May 12, 2017
No. 069
As part of the implementation of the New Southbound Policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a cross-government meeting of agencies in April to discuss the second round of visa-relaxation measures for New Southbound Policy target countries, including trial of visa-free treatment for Philippine nationals. In order to complete relevant administrative procedures and inter-agency coordination, the implementation of visa-free treatment for Philippine nationals will be postponed and the exact commencement date will be announced in September.
To increase exchanges and interaction between Taiwan and New Southbound Policy target countries, the ROC government adopted a range of visa-relaxation measures on August 1, 2016, targeting India and a number of ASEAN nations, including the Philippines. The Philippines was also incorporated into Taiwan’s eVisa program on October 7, 2016, and Philippine tourists may continue to apply to visit Taiwan via existing channels despite the postponement of the visa-free trial. (E)