Great news for travelers from Southeast Asia! The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan has officially announced a one-year extension of its trial visa-free entry program for citizens of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines—a decision that will significantly ease travel for thousands of tourists and boost people-to-people ties under the country’s New Southbound Policy (NSP).
Visa-Free Access Extended
The visa-free entry scheme will now remain active from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026, allowing eligible travelers from the three nations to visit Taiwan for tourism or business without needing to apply for a visa.
What Else Was Decided?
In a high-level inter-agency meeting held on April 16, MOFA and other government bodies reviewed Taiwan’s current travel and visa strategies, resulting in key decisions:
- Visa-Free Extension for Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines until July 31, 2026
- Simplified Visa Process for High-End Group Tourists from Southeast Asia extended to December 31, 2026
- Continued use of the Online Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) for conditional visa-free entry for eligible Southeast Asian nationals
Why It Matters?
These proactive moves aim to deepen Taiwan’s engagement with New Southbound Policy countries, enhance tourism, foster regional cooperation, and promote Taiwan as a welcoming destination—all while maintaining robust border and security protocols.
What’s Next?
MOFA has reaffirmed its commitment to regularly review and optimize visa policies. It is also actively working with governments of Southeast Asian countries to improve reciprocal visa arrangements for Taiwanese travelers abroad.
References
