BI starts implementing visa-free entry for Taiwanese nationals

MANILA, July 2 ------ The Bureau of Immigration (BI) started the implementation of a one-year visa-free entry for holders of Taiwanese passports. According to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the implementation is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to boost Philippine tourism and strengthen diplomatic reciprocity. Under Presidential Directive No. PBBM-2025-1539 issued on April 3, 2025, Taiwanese nationals would be allowed visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of up to 14 days, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

The reciprocal measure mirrors Taiwan’s existing visa-free privilege for Filipino travelers and signals a stronger commitment to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. Viado assured that all BI personnel assigned to international ports have been directed to implement the order in accordance with established immigration protocols.

Likewise, he noted that they have put in place appropriate procedures to facilitate seamless arrival for Taiwanese nationals. “We expect this policy to encourage more Taiwanese tourists to visit Philippine destinations, boosting local economies and supporting the administration’s tourism-led growth strategy,” the BI chief said. “We remind all concerned immigration personnel to exercise courtesy and professionalism, while strictly enforcing the 14-day non-extendible and non-convertible stay provision,” he added.

BI records show 235,674 Taiwanese arrivals were processed in 2024.

Source: pna.gov.ph