When news of visa-free entry to Taiwan for Filipinos came out, airlines started offering seat sales to Taiwan. Good news is, the visa-free travel for Filipinos/Philippine Passport holders will be extended until July 31, 2019. Taiwan just recently extended visa-free travel for tourists form the Philippines. Source: ABS CBN news.
TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS
*UPDATE: VISA FREE Travel to Taiwan has been extended until July 31, 2020, Filipinos/Philippine Passport Holders can now enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan (tourism, business, visiting relatives) for a duration of up to 14 days.
TAIWAN VISA- FREE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINOS:
1: Passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment.
2. A return ticket or on onward ticket to the next destination (and a visa for the traveler’s next destination if visa is required).
3. Must have no criminal record in Taiwan.
4. A proof of accomodation, such as hotel bookings or host/sonsor’s contact information/or arrangements of tour, travel. visa, events and meeting.
*Important: If you plan to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment and other gainful activities are still required to obtain visa before entering Taiwan.
If you are eligible for the visa-free travel to Taiwan and you don’t plan to stay there for more thahn 14 days, then no need to do the visa application below. Just make sure you meet the requirements I mentioned above.
OPTION 1: TAIWAN VISA EXEMPT – ROC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATE (MULTIPLE ENTRY)
Apply here https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/
Filipino Passport holders, can now enter Taiwan visa free by applying online for the visa exempt – ROC Travel Authorization Certificate. Citizens of Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and India are also eligible for the visa exempt certificate. Before you apply for the Taiwan Visa online, read the following Taiwan Visa Requirements:
- Make sure that your passport is still valid at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Taiwan. You can’t submit if you’re just holding an emergency or temporary travel document or informal passport.
- Book an onward or return ticket.
- You must never been employed as a blue-collar worker in Taiwan before.
- You must have a valid visa issued by at least one of the following countries: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, UK or any of the Schengen countries. So it can be:
- Valid entry visa like electronic visa (except work permits)
- Visa or resident card that already expired within the past 10 years prior to your arrival in Taiwan
- Valid permanent resident card or resident card (If your permanent resident card has no expiration date, just enter 9999 for year, 12 for month and 31 for day in the date field.
I applied for the Taiwan Visa Online (ROC Travel Authorization Certificate) and got it a few seconds after submitting the completed form. Make sure to click PRINT after the receipt/ confirmation of submissions shows up and your ROC Travel Authorization Certificate form will automatically be downloaded in your computer. So if you don’t have a printer with you at the time of submission, you can still print it later.
On my first attempt, I didn’t know I had to click on print, so when the receipt saying the form was submitted showed up, I screenshot it to save the receipt number. I waited for the ROC Travel Authorization to be emailed to me but I didn’t get it after 2 days, so I asked my friend Carla and she told me once I submit the form it should be automatically issued. So I resubmitted the form again and clicked on PRINT and indeed, the form was automatically issued.
Make sure the form is saved in your computer and the print it. You need the printed copy to show to the Immigration Official in the Philippines before leaving and to the Immigration Official in Taiwan before entering and when you are leaving. I didn’t show the form to the Immigration Official in Taiwan upon leaving because I honestly didn’t know I had to show it again, so I kept it inside my checked-in luggage. But the officer didn’t ask for it and just stamped my passport.
Take note that if there is any mistake in the form, you need to resubmit it again. Like in my case, the passport expiration date in the form was wrong, I only learned upon checking-in to my flight when the staff of Cebu Pacific Airlines pointed it. But she was kind enough to fix it. She left and returned with a new printed Taiwan ROC Travel Authorization Certification. Good thing I was early at the airport, so don’t make the same mistake I did, make sure everything is correct in the form.
The Taiwan visa exempt – ROC Travel Authorization Certification is valid for 90 days, multiple entry. So if you plan to return to Taiwan within 90 days, make sure you keep a copy of your visa exempt form because you can only apply for another ROC Travel Authorization Certificate 7 days prior to the expiry of the current certificate.
OPTION 2: TAIWAN E-VISA (SINGLE ENTRY)
If you are not eligible for visa exempt – the ROC Travel Authorization Certificate, don’t fret, because you still have another option for the Taiwan Visa application – the Taiwan E-Visa!
STEP 1: Make sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your arrival in Taiwan.
STEP 2: Apply here https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_MRVWeb/subroot/MRVWeb0_form.jsp
STEP 3. Click the E-Visa Application.
STEP 4. Fill in the application form.
STEP 5. You need to pay the visa fee using your credit card (you can use your mother’s credit card, your friend’s or your partner’s card) or try to use your debit card.
Visa fee is: NT$ 1,600 (about PHP 2,644)
Service fee is: NT$ 32 (about PHP 52.89)
Total: NT$ 1,632 / about PHP 2697.18
Just wait for the decision via e-mail in about 1-3 business days or so. You can also check your visa application status here https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_EVISA/QueryStatus then fill in your Application Number and Passport Number. If you get approved, you can just print your e-Visa.
IMPORTANT:
- The E-visa is valid 3 months from issue date, and valid for 30 days from your date of entry in Taiwan. E-visa is single entry only.
- No documents will be asked when filing for the E-Visa application form, but still be prepared with bank certificate, NSO, employee certificate, hotel bookings, etc. in case they asked for it when they e-mail you with the visa decision.
OPTION 3: TAIWAN TOURIST VISA
(SINGLE OR MULTIPLE ENTRY)
STEP 1. If you are not eligible for the visa-free entry / visa-exempt ROC Travel Authorization Certificate you can apply for a Taiwan visa here https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_MRVWeb/subroot/MRVWeb0_disclaimer.jsp. Make sure you click the GENERAL VISA APPLICATION.
STEP 2. Once you’ve completed the Taiwan Visa Application Form, print it and submit it to TECO.
TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE IN THE PHILIPPINES ADDRESS
41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1200, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: (63-2) 8876688
Fax: (63-2) 8877679
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.roc-taiwan.org/ph_en/index.html
Monday to Friday
(Except Philippine National Holidays, ROC (Taiwan) Chinese New Year and National Day)
Filing Time for Taiwan Visa: 8:45 AM to 11:45 PM
Releasing Time for Taiwan Visa: 01:45 PM to 04:45 PM
TAIWAN VISA REQUIREMENTS
1. Fill out the Taiwan E-Visa Application here https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_MRVWeb/subroot/MRVWeb0_form.jsp. Click the General Visa Application Form.
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and old passport showing previous trips.
- Two recent (must be taken within the last 3 months) passport size photos 1.5′ x 2″ with white background. Sign the back of both photos.
- NSO-issued Birth Certificate
- NSO-issued Marriage Contract if female applicant is married
- Certificate of Employment
- Bank Statements or Bank Book
STEP 3. Pay the applicable Taiwan Visa fees, please refer to the table below.
TAIWAN VISA APPLICATION FEES
VISA TYPES | APPLICATION FEE | RUSH HANDLING FEE |
Visitor (Single Entry) | PHP 2, 400 / NT$ 1,456 | PHP 1,200 / NT$ 723 |
Visitor (Multiple Entry) | PHP 4,800 / NT$ 2,912 | PHP 2,400 / NT$ 1,456 |
Resident (Single Entry) | PHP 3,100 / NT$ 1,880 | PHP 1,550/ NT$ 940 |
Special Handling fee for US Citizens | General: PHP 7,550 / NT$ 4,580
Investments: PHP 9,650 / NT$ 5,854 | Visitor (Single Entry) – PHP 1,200 / NT$ 723
Visitor (Multiple Entry) – PHP 2,400 / NT$ 1,456
Resident (Single Entry) – PHP 1,550 / NT$ 940
|
IMPORTANT:
Processing of Taiwan Visa may take up to 3 business days. If you expedite your visa, may take 1 -2 business day. Meanwhile, Taiwan Resident Visa may take up to 4 business days.
WHERE TO STAY
TAIPEI BUDGET HOTELS
101 SINGLE BAR
No.150, Section 2, Keelung Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan, 10677
O2 HOTEL XIMEN BRANCH
7F,No.81, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua Dist,, Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan
HUALIEN BUDGET HOSTEL
CAVE HOSTEL
No.248, Zhonghua Rd, Hualien City, Hualien, Taiwan
TAITUNG BUDGET HOTEL
HOMEREST HOTEL
N0.132 ,Heping St.,Taitung County,Taiwan, Taitung City, Taitung, Taiwan
CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
KAOSHIUNG HOTEL
THE TREE HOUSE
3F., No.132, Liuhe 2nd Rd, Cianjin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
ALSO READ:
TAIPEI TRAVEL GUIDE
TAIWAN ITINERARY FOR 5 DAYS
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK FOR TRAVEL GUIDE UPDATES
Hello po, good day. I need your advice since I was planning to apply the Taiwan Visa Exempt – ROC Travel Authorization Certificate. How would they know if I am qualified to apply on the visa-free? Do I have to submit all the said requirements? If so, how? For now, I am still waiting for my german visa (Family Reunion Visa). Hopefully my passport will be back on Monday or not later than Wednesday. So when i have it I will immediately apply for the Taiwan Visa and if I get lucky we will stay there for 5 days before we head to Germany. My german husband will be travelling with me since he will come here in the Phils. We already have our flight tickets Cebu-Taipei, Taipei-Frankfurt and Hotel accommodation. Do u think i am qualified to apply the visa exempt?
You need to fill out the form. See the link I provided on the blog and you need the Schengen visa number. You’ll write it on the form. 🙂
Hi, if tourist visa , can i apply for single entry visa only? Thanks
yes
Hi! I’ll be using my Japan visa to apply for TAC. May I know what did you use as Japan visa number? Is it the issue number or the one on the upper right? Thanks.
Yes po. That one.
hi i had a schengen isued visa before from may thi year it was 90 days.. for a visit visa with bf.. and had japan visa as tourist for 15 days.. is that means im exempted for visa?where is the link above? hope for a response thanks
Yes. But you still have to apply for the ROC Cert. See Option 1 above. Apply on the link provided. So far no announcement yet kase sa effectivity date ng Visa free ng Taiwan for Filipinos.
Hi, for visa-free entry no need na for ROC Cert? Just come in, pass the immigration and you are good to go? Tama poba
Yep. Effective Nov 1 Just make sure you have the requirements ready, RT tickets, hotel bookings, etc.
Your blog is very informative and helpful. I’m booked to visit the country this Nov 21. When you say visa-free for Filipinos, para po bang gaya ng Hong Kong? Di na po ba kelangan mag apply ng visa online? I already have all the requirements stated above for visa-free entry. 🙂
yes po
Hi! Just wanna ask po, were going to travel to Taiwan po kasi more than 14 days which is more than the allowed for the visa free. What should I do po kaya? I have no idea po kasi. Thanks in advance po! 🙂
you need to apply for a visa extension. contact the Taiwan Embassy
Ask kolang po kasi mag stay ako sa house ng taiwan friend ko, san ko po i-fill up yung proof of stay q, sa immigration po ba? My ibibigay po ba silang form o isusulat sa arrival card?
Hope matulungan nyo po ako… Salamat…
arrival card if I remember it right
visa free? so kaylangan lang po nang mga stated requirements. after that po ano po next na process?? salamat po
Hi Adrian, yep. Book a flight, make sure may return ticket ka. Go through immigration and show the required documents in case magtanong sila. Make sure you have your hotel address and booking in case they ask. Dapat alam mu din itinerary mu para pag nagtanong, alam mu isasagot. Enjoy Taiwan! 🙂
Hi, I have booked a flight to Taipei this July 31 til August 4. Sad thing is ang free visa pala for filipino is until July 31, do I need to apply for visitor’s visa na? I’m afraid to enter with free visa then wala ako maipakita sa kanila upon exit.
Yep. Til July 31st lang, but wait ka muna. Matagal pa naman. Malay naten baka i-extend nila. 🙂
same here.. booked a flight this august 2 – 7.. and deadline til july 31 🙁
sana ma – announce kung extended ung visa free
Hi! Meron na po bang update regarding sa free visa ng Taiwan if ma-eextend? Kasi we have a flight on Sept 18 – Sept 22. Or do i need na ba to apply for visitor’s visa? Thanks.
No update yet so far. Let’s wait tuna
Thanks for the info and tips!
Good day! I am aware that there is a visa-free travel for filipinos, nonetheless, is it still okay if a filipino applies for a tourist visa for some reasons? And if so, will it still be good for 14 days?
The free-visa is only good for 14 days. If you want to stay longer, you can try to apply at the embassy.
hi…i book a flight this coming october sa taiwan using yung free visa… and dun ako magstay sa boyfriend ko… ano pong requirements ang dpt ko ipakita sa immigration? as proof of accommodation? kasi di po ako nagbook ng hotel para makatipid hehe thanks !
You need his address and phone number in Taiwan, if he can write a letter stating he’ll be hosting you and include his signature, that would help too.
Hi! May I know if the TAIWAN VISA EXEMPT – ROC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATE (MULTIPLE ENTRY)
were still available for Filipjnos? Because I tried going through the website but it seems like Philippines is not included it the form. Thank you.
If it’s no longer available. You can do the visa-free entry for Filipinos.
Hi! Came across this blog at very informative sya. Permanent resident kami ng Singapore but holding Philippine passports. I believe qualified kami sa visa-free entry for Filipinos (given that all basic requirements are satisfied). We booked a flight this Apr 14-18 2019 ng SG-TWN-SG. Does it mean na totally wala na kaming ibang need na documents apart from our passports, SG-PR card (NRIC), return tickets and hotel booking confirmation or need pa din namin aply ng Visa Exempt – ROC Travel Authorization?
As far as I know, if PH passport holder po, visa-free for Taiwan if going there as tourists. For more details you can check their website listed above.
Hi! I have quite few questions. I am planning to visit Taiwan kaso hanggang July31st lng po pala ang visa-free, eh yong travel dates ko po is from July 29-August 6. In this case po ba, need ko mag apply nung e-visa? Pero when I click the link po wala yong Philippines sa countiries listed.
“Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (Applicable to citizens of India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao)” , pwede din po ba ang Philippine passport holder dito?
Meron din po akong expired na tourist visa to Japan this year. Will that qualify me for the visa-free entry?
Thank you.
Let’s wait for their announcement muna, I feel like i-extend uli nila yan. Let’s wait.
If you are a Philippine passport holder, you can try the visa-free sa Taiwan. Please refer to my other post https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/taipei-travel-guide/