A Guide to the Taiwan Visa Application For Filipinos

UPDATE: Starting 1 November 2017, Philippine nationals can travel to Republic of China (Taiwan visa-free for 14 days. This initiative will undergo on a 9-month trial period which will end on 31 July 2018. However, proper visa should still be applied with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines. Click here for more details.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau recently launched a campaign 'Time for Taiwan' to encourage people to visit 'The Heart of Asia.' Taiwan is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, majestic peaks, vast coastlines and food that is unique to compare to other Asian cuisine. It is considered by CNN to be one of the up-and-coming destination that will surely be part of everyone's bucket list.

Image Source: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Taiwan Tourism Bureau said that traveling to Taiwan is extremely suitable all year round. The weather during spring and winter fluctuate while summer and autumn is relatively comfortable to an average of 22 degrees Celsius.

If you plan to visit Taiwan, Filipino travelers will need to secure a visa either by applying (1) Visa-Free Entry Application or (2) Visitor Visa Application.

VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR QUALIFIED PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDERS
Philippine passport holder who possess a valid visa or permanent resident certificate issued by:

• U.S.A.,
• Canada,
• Japan,
• U.K.,
• Schengen Convention Countries,
• Australia, or
• New Zealand

and has never been employed as blue-collar workers in Taiwan is eligible to apply for a Travel Authorization Certificate. The travel certificate allows the holder for multiple entry to Taiwan with a duration of 30 days to stay following the day of arrival. The holder should also present the Travel Authorization Certificate together with the valid visa you have and a return ticket for immigration check. This travel authorization is free of charge and you can apply by clicking here. 

Travel Authorization Certificate Process
Image Source: National Immigration Agency Ministry of the Interior

VISITOR VISA APPLICATION
If you did not qualify for the Visa-Free Entry, then submit an application for Visitor Visa. The steps to get a visa is simple as long as you have the complete requirements.

1. Complete the Visa Application Form
This is a 4 page form written in both English and Chinese where you need to print out and submit together with other application requirements. Ensure that you type in the correct details that will match to the documents to be submitted. Click to access the form here.

Landing page of the Visa Application Forms

2. Two (2) passport size photos 1.5"x2" with white background
The photo should be taken within the last three (3) months wearing an appropriate attire with dark colors. The form has an specified area where you need to paste it and should not be stapled.

3. Philippine Passport
The machine-readable passport (MRP) or ordinary IC passport should be valid six (6) months from the date of travel and should be in good condition. If you need a new passport or want to renew your passport, click here.

4. Birth Certificate and Marriage Contract (if applicable) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO)
The delivery of these documents depends on the delivery address where it could take 3-5 working days after payment or up to 9 working days for provinces. If you need these documents, click here.


5. Certificate of Employment
6. Financial statements such as Bank Statements or Bank Book
7. All documents submitted should be Original and with 1 photocopy
8. An interview should be needed, if required

IMPORTANT NOTES
a. All documents should be submitted at the:

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines
41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. 1200
Filing Time: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Releasing Time: Monday to Friday, 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM

b. Processing Time

• 3 working days (Usual turn around time)
• 1 working day (Expedite process)

c. Visa Fees

• Visitor (Single)       2,400      1,200 (Rush Handling Fee)
• Visitor (Multiple)   4,800       2,400 (Rush Handling Fee)

*The Office of the Consular Division reserves the right to withhold the reason for the disapproval of any visa application. If the visa application has been denied, the fees incurred are NOT refundable.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us at info@philippineflightnetwork.com.