Visa-Exempt Status for Nationals of Brunei, Thailand and Philippines Extended

The situation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan will extend the trial visa exemption program for nationals of Brunei, Thailand and the Philippines for one year starting August 1, 2018 until July 31, 2019.

A closer look

• Shorter stays. Nationals of Brunei and Thailand who were previously granted maximum stays of up to 30 days per visit will only be allowed a maximum stay of 14 days during this period.
  • Impact. Visitors from these countries may still be able to stay for up to 30 days until July 31, 2018. However, from August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019, they will be granted shorter stays of up to 14 days.

 

• Eligibility. To qualify, applicants from these countries must meet the following requirements:
  • Hold a passport valid for at least six months at the time of entry;
  • Hold a confirmed return plane or boat ticket, or a confirmed plane or boat ticket along with a valid visa to an onward destination;
  • Provide confirmation of hotel reservation, or an address and contact details for the stay in Taiwan, together with a financial statement; and
  • Have no criminal record in Taiwan, as verified at immigration checkpoints upon arrival.

 

Background

The trial visa exemption program was set to expire on July 31, 2018 but was extended for another year to attract visitors for tourism and business purposes.

Looking ahead

Fragomen will monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].