Taiwan has postponed the implementation of visa-free entry policy for Filipinos as it has to complete relevant administrative procedures and inter-agency coordination, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila said Wednesday.
“For the time being, prior to the full implementation of the visa-free arrangements, Filipinos should still follow the existing visa regulations and procedures to obtain visa(s) before travel to Taiwan, TECO said in its advisory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China will release the full details of the implementation of the said visa-free arrangements including the exact date of the commencement of implementing the visa-free treatment and its requirements either in September 2017 or at an appropriate date in due course.
The visa-free entry policy for Filipinos was supposed to start from June to September2017, but due to relevant administrative procedures and inter-agency coordination, it was postponed to September this year.
The Taiwanese government announced last April of the free-visa policy for Filipinos as part of its “New Southbound Policy” that aims to enhance bilateral ties and multifaceted cooperation between their country and nations in the South and the Southeast.
“The postponement was simply for smooth operations, more effective immigration procedure, and the safeguard of security for all passengers.” Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, representative of Taiwan to the Philippines, said.
However, TECO said the Philippines still remained in Taiwan’s e-visa program list for Filipinos who wish to visit Taiwan for a short stay. “Filipinos who have been issued with an ROC (Taiwan) visa (labor visas with remarks ‘FL’ or ‘X’ are excluded) over the recent 10 years may also apply for the said TAC, no need to pay any fee. The TAC allows multiple-entries to Taiwan, valid for 90 days with every stay up to 30 days,” the advisory added. “The Philippines is considered as an important partner of Taiwan, so we are really making efforts to welcome more Filipino visitors to visit Taiwan, and the postponement of the visa-free arrangements is only intended to conduct seamless operations, facilitate the entry to Taiwan, and enhance security and safety for everyone,”Lin said.