Taiwan extends visa-free program to Philippine passport holders until 2026

Are you dreaming of a cooler holiday vacation this coming holiday season? Or maybe you are planning a summer trip, sipping authentic bubble tea, or wandering through temples. Get ready, Pinoy travelers, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a one-year extension of its visa-free entry program for Philippine passport holders.

The news came directly from Minister Lin Chia-lung during the Philippine Independence Day celebration, hosted by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei last June 12. 

Lin, aware of the shared responsibility to maintain regional peace and stability, underscored the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.

He noted that in 2024, about 415,000 Filipino tourists visited Taiwan, making the Philippines the largest source of tourists from Southeast Asia. He also extended gratitude to the 160,000 Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan, acknowledging their tireless efforts and the new energy they bring to Taiwanese society.

As a sign of deepening relations, he hopes that this spirit of reciprocity will soon allow Taiwanese citizens to travel visa-free to the Philippines as well.

He said, “Under the principle of reciprocity. We look forward to the day in the near future when Taiwanese citizens can also travel to the Philippines visa-free.”

The previous visa-free period was set to expire on July 31, 2025. With this extension, Filipinos have enough time to plan their adventures in Taiwan.