The Philippines has decided to extend its 14-day visa-free entry scheme for holders of Taiwanese passports, continuing this initiative until June 30 of the following year. This policy, first introduced last year, aims to boost tourism and enhance interactions between the people of Taiwan and the Philippines. Under this initiative, Taiwanese travelers can visit the Philippines for short durations without the need for a visa, although those intending to stay beyond the 14 days will still need to secure a visa in advance.

This extension underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to reciprocal visa arrangements, as Taiwan similarly offers visa-free access to Philippine citizens. In a bid to attract more tourists from Taiwan, the Philippine authorities are also focusing on increasing flight connectivity and promoting a wider range of destinations. While many visitors are familiar with popular spots like Palawan, there is a concerted effort to showcase other regions and diverse travel experiences throughout the country.

According to tourism data, Taiwan has emerged as a significant source of international tourists for the Philippines, with nearly 94,000 Taiwanese visiting the country in the first five months of this year alone. This figure marks an increase compared to the same period in the previous year, highlighting the success of the visa-free policy in encouraging more travel from Taiwan.