By continuing to read this article, you agree to double-check with the concerned establishments for the latest updates.

Last updated: July 6, 2019. (Philippines section)

In an effort to bolster their tourism efforts and attract more visitors, Taiwan has relaxed its visa policies. While the Electronic Travel Authority system has been implemented for nationals of several countries, the Taiwanese government made it even more convenient for Filipinos by allowing them to travel visa-free.

However, please note that even without a visa, there are still certain requirements that you need to meet. This article is divided into two sections: one discusses the visa-free entry requirements for Filipino travelers; while the other is a step-by-step Electronic Travel Authority for nationals of other Asian countries. You don’t need to do both because only one of these applies to you.

Here’s how to enter Taiwan without a visa.

THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK

TAIWAN VISA-FREE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINOS

Filipinos may enter Taiwan for tourism purposes completely visa-free until July 31, 2020. In a recent statement posted on the website of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, the Taiwanese government announced the extension of the visa-free policy for another year.

Filipinos DON’T NEED to apply for a visa or a Travel Authorization Certificate, either. You may simply show up for your flight, provided that your trip is no longer than 14 days, that you have no criminal record in Taiwan, and that you meet the following requirements:

1. Valid Passport

  • Must have at least 6 months validity. You will not be allowed to leave the Philippines or enter Taiwan if your passport will expire within the next 6 months of departure.
  • Must have signature. If you’re holding the newest version (with 10-year validity), you will find the signature field on the page adjacent the Bio Page. It’s on the bottom part of the page, below the flag. Your passport is NOT VALID unless it is signed. If you’re holding the previous version of the e-passport, the signature should be digitally added to the Bio page so no need to do anything.

2. Return or Onward Ticket

  • If Taiwan is the only country you will be visiting, you must have a ticket to a flight back to the Philippines.
  • If you’re visiting multiple countries on this trip, you need to present a ticket to the next country and a visa to that country if needed. If the next country requires a visa, you must have corresponding visa too. You need to show you will be exiting Taiwan.

3. Proof of Accommodation

  • If you’re visiting as a tourist, you must have hotel booking and/or tour arrangements.
  • If you’re staying with a friend or relative, make sure you have your host’s contact information, address, and/or tour arrangements.

4. Sufficient travel funds.

This can be any of the following:

  • cash
  • credit cards
  • travelers checks
  • money orders or similar forms

This is the newest addition to the list of requirements. According to travelers who flew to Taiwan recently, they weren’t asked to show money at all, so this is probably done randomly. However, to be safe, I strongly urge you to make sure you have enough funds to cover your entire stay in Taiwan.

How much is enough show money? Well, they don’t explicitly state the amount. I don’t know for sure. But as a personal rule, I always travel with at least P3000 per day. That’s just me, though.

Note: The initial announcement lists “financial statement,” which led people to believe that a bank certificate or bank statement is needed. But the Taiwanese authorities have since clarified that it is proof of travel funds that they want to see instead.

5. Accomplished Arrival Card

  • This will be handed to you by the flight attendants at one point during your flight. You might be able to find a copy at the Immigration area at the airport.
  • If you’re on a cruise, you may get this from the check-in staff upon boarding the ship.

This visa-free policy was initially effective from November 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018. However, it has now been extended to July 31, 2020!

If you need more help planning your trip, read this: Taiwan Travel Guide


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TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATE for Nationals of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam

Updated: July 2018.

Nationals of the countries above may enter Taiwan visa-free provided that they secure a Travel Authorization Certificate before their trip.

According to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), the following conditions must be met:

  • Your passport must still be valid at least 6 months from your entry date.
  • You must have an onward or return ticket (plane or ferry).
  • You must never have been employed as a blue-collar worker in Taiwan.
  • You must have at least ONE of the following documents from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, or any of the Schengen countries:

– Valid entry visa. E-visas are accepted.
– Valid resident or permanent resident card
– Visa or resident card that has expired less than 10 years before your intended entry date in Taiwan.

*Taiwan was added to the list last June 2017. So if you have an existing Taiwan visa or resident card that expired not earlier than 10 years ago, you may use that too. However, Taiwan visas bearing a remark of “FL” (foreign labor) or “X” (others) and resident cards with the purpose of “Foreign Labor” are not eligible.

If you meet all four requirements, then you don’t need a visa to visit Taiwan.

But hold your horses!

This doesn’t mean you can just sashay your way through Immigration without doing anything. You still need to secure an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (aka Visa-Free Certificate). And it’s great because:

  • It is valid for 90 days. Each stay must be not longer than 30 days.
  • It can be used for multiple entries.
  • It is FREE.

The best part, getting one is a piece of cake. The whole process takes 5-10 minutes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the ROC Travel Authorization Application Site.

You’ll find it right here. You’ll be greeted with this page:

2. Choose your language.

You will be taken to this page with a flow-chart explaining the whole process. Looks easy, right? It is easy. Click the NEXT button at the bottom of the page.

3. Read and understand the terms.

On the next page, you’ll find more info about visa-free entry. Read it. Understand it. Then click NEXT again. You’ll be led to the actual form:

4. Fill out the application form.

Fill in all the fields. Make sure you have with you the supporting visa you will use because you will have to enter that document’s number. Yep, your expired Japan or Korea visa is accepted as long as it hasn’t been expired for more than 10 years. That is, the period between the expiry date of that visa and your entry date to Taiwan should not be longer than 10 years.

“I have a Korea visa that I never used. Can I use it?” YES, you can use it.

“My Korea visa expired last year. Can I use it?” YES, you can use it.

“My Japan visa expired 5 years ago. Can I use it?” YES, you can use it.

“My Australia visa expired 9 years ago. Can I use it?” YES, you can use it.

10 YEARS, OKAY?

Note: You cannot use a visa that is stamped VOID, CANCELLED or CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

Click Next!

5. Make sure all the info you entered is correct.

If all’s good, enter the code displayed and click SUBMIT!

If approved, voila! You have your visa-free certificate. It looks like this:

6. Print out the certificate.

You will have to present this, together with your supporting visa or resident card, at both the arrival and departure inspections in Taiwan, so make sure you don’t lose it before or during your stay!

That’s it! Again, this certificate is valid for 90 days and will allow you to stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days. You can apply for another ROC ROC Travel Authorization Certificate if you want, but do it 7 days before the expiry of the current certificate.


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[…] have to meet a couple of requirements before you can go at ease. I have mostly referred on this blog; but a quick Google Search can provide you with so much […]

Rekcel

Hi, I currently have an expired Australian VISA and it is still less than 10 years so it is acceptable. However, I only have a document from Australian Government as a Visa Grant Notice and not a visa stamped on my passport. I am not sure if Taiwan Immigration will honor this piece of paper. Do you have any idea?

yoshke

Hi Reckel, I’m not 100% sure, but they say e-visas are accepted and e-visas are often just printed out emails/attachments, so I think yours will be accepted. :D

Rekcel

Hi thank you for answering. I actually called TECO and they said they will accept it. :) Thanks!

chris revera

I do not have a visa from any of those favored great countries. And that disqualified me to be a plain tourist even though I have entered Taiwan in 2011 with a Taiwan visa. I wonder why the Taiwan visa issued in 2011 is not good enough to qualify for a planned visit this July 2017. Will I still qualify for a Taiwan travel authorization certificate and will it be free? Or will I have to wait for the real visa free deal? Or go to China?

riza orias

hi my son currently working in Taichung Taiwan.Can i visit him for free visa?

Frm Cristina A. Garcia

Hi,i want to visit my old lady boss who is half paralize and her family in taouyan city I really love and miss them..they treated me like thier owned family member they were very good and kind to me thats why i love and care them very much.I worked for them for 9 years and 4 months because of bone problem i need to exit and not finished my last year contract.We dont loose are connections thru internet and calls until now .I want to see my old lady boss her dream is to see my husband in person.so .together with me is my husband .I go back here in the Philippines last 2015 of march.. Can i and my husband have opportunity to have a free visa?thank you

Garnet Terra

So, I need to buy plane tickets and book my hotel first before I can apply for the travel authorization certificate online? The application form is longer than the one posted above… Flight/Vessel No. and the hotel address and contact number in Taiwan are now required in the form. I wouldn’t mind if issuance of the certificate is a sure thing. I just don’t want to waste my money. But I am hesitant to just write any hotel or flight details because the embassy might check it out.

ruby

hi ask ko lang kaninong contact number ang ilalagay sa application ung sa hotel or ung personal number? saka ung japan visa number ba e ung alpha numeric. just want to make sure

thanks

Jas

Hi, do I have to apply twice for the my entry and exit of taiwan? Like, one certificate for entry and one more for the exit?

MJ

Hi thanks for this post. Can you help me understand this part?

The applicant possesses a visa or resident card issued by R.O.C. (Taiwan) over the last 10 years and has had no evidence of past immigration irregularities or violations in Taiwan. However, holders of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) visas bearing a remark of “FL” (foreign labor) or “X” (others) and resident cards with the purpose of “Foreign Labor” are not eligible for an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate.

-Ibig sabihin pa nito kapag meron kang expired entry visa to Taiwan issued within 10 year, eligible din for free visa certificate? Please help me clarify because I have expired Taiwan visa. Thanks

Bone21

Na lift na po ba ang fee for filipinos for Visa?

Charm

Is this still valid? Taiwan released a statement that they are putting on hold visa free entry privilege for PH.

Ian S, Tating

I have a flight this November 2017 and Hotel Reservation kin TPE. Do I still need to apply for entry visa? I don’t valid visa from all the countries mentioned like US etc. Do we get denied even we apply for visitor’s visa with fees?

kahli

I applied for ROC however over look the Entry Visa and selected permanent Visa. How can I change it? when i tried to re apply same info was showing :(

lhey

How much is the e-visa cost as of today in peso please? we are travelling on November 2017. Thanks.

kate

i have a single Taiwain (ROC) entry visa that expired last 2011. Can i use it?

SHERMAY pONCE

hi! i applied for visa free certification because i have a visa from korea, when i click the submit form the next page is blank.. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

renz

Hi. I am planning to visit my sister in taiwan this coming nov 2017. Ano pong kelangan kong documents? Yung ROC lang po ba? Manggagaling po akong singapore since dito po ako nagwowork. Pero ph passport holder lang po ako. Kelangan ko pa po ba magbook muna flight and hotel? And kelangan pa po ba tourist visa?

trackback

[…] If you have met all 4 requirements, then you are eligible to enter Taiwan visa-free (say good bye to the P2,600 via processing fee) by just securing a ROC in this site. If you need a detailed post how to secure one then head to Poor Traveler’s Taiwan Visa-Free Post. […]

Fae C

My old passport contains my Japanese visa. Got a new passport issued. Which passport number should I place on the form?

Ian S, Tating

We have a flights and hotel reservation for Taiwan this Nov 17-22 2017. Should I pay for visa to going there since I heard that Taiwan issued a visa free for Filipinos. Is that true? If not we will apply for visa with fees if that the Taiwan Immigration Requirements.

Jasper

Hi! I’m currently in Shanghai,China and planning to fly to Taipei on Sunday, October 22 . Is the Travel Authorization Certificate applicable pa? Thanks

King

Good day po Mr. Yoshke ask ko lang Po paano Po ako makakakuha Ng permanent resident card? kahit filipino Po ako need parin Po ba yon? Thank you in advance.

Pearl

Hi! Can I still travel even if my passport is expiring in 4 months?

Rocell

Hello po I am planning to go with my husband sa Taiwan pagbumalik ma cya sa taiwan.First time ko po magtravel out of the country wala akong visa galing ibang bansa.Qualified po ba ako na mag apply ng TCA? Or yung may passport lang na may visa sa ibang bansa?

dannelyn

Sir student po ako mag travel ako sa taiwan this july po then na my offload record ako papuntang japan last year at ngayon sumama ako sa group tour sa taiwan

JC

Hi, I see in your post that it’s only available until July 2018… after this date, it won’t be visa-free for Filipinos any longer?

Nida Coro intelegando

hi yoshke Dimen how to enter taiwan again which i was a tnt before in taiwan.2016 i surrender myself i went back home safely.can i enter taiwan again through tourist visa! please help me to know if i can still back there.thank you for your kindness and i am waiting for it.i am Nida Coro Intelegando from iligan city.

Chris

Hi All Question lang,
Maba-violate ko ba yung 14 days limit ng visa free entry kung today Feb 1, dumating ako ng Taiwan tapos Feb 15, midnight babalik ako sa Taiwan Custom para mag pa-stamp for my Feb 16 first morning flight?

If Yes? ano po ang ma-aadvise nyu, pwede bang mag apply nalang ako ng eVisa and wait after 3 days, or mag rebook nalang ako ng Feb 15 flight?

Note: My Japan Visa pa naman ako, pero can’t use na yung https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw, since deleted na yung Philippines na option sa *Nationality

Janelle

I would like to ask something in this part.(A proof of accommodation. It may be hotel booking or host’s contact information or tour arrangement.) We will be staying at our friend’s house in Taiwan.Where are we going to put the “host’s contact information”? Are they still going to interview us in Taiwan immigration in the airport?

tshering

hi i am tshering from bhutan i was trying to visit taiwan so how long can i stay in taiwan any idea

Dais

Hi! Just want to ask if it’s okay to book our accommodation via Airbnb? Thanks in advance!

Queenie

Good day!

We will be travelling to Taiwan this coming June 15. Do I have to secure an Authority to Travel from my office? kasi sabi nila need ko pa daw ng Authority to Travel baka kasi hindi ako tatanggapin sa immigration. But according to your blog hindi nman sya required.

Thank you po.

APRILYN B. SORIANO

Hi Good morning. I already flew to Taiwan last February then planning to visit my husband this July bago matapos ang duration ng Visa Free. Pwede po ba yun? o one time lang pwede iavail ang visa free? thank you and have a nice day.

Jes

Hi po totoo po b n 3x lng pwd mg visit dto s taiwan..slamat po

Eugene Agustin

Hi.
Ask ko lang kung need pa ba ng ROC Travel Authorization Certificate aka Visa-Free Certificate pag pupunta ng Taiwan?

Aira Marie Sario

Hi po! Meaning hindi na kailangan mag-apply online at magpakita ng ROC Travel Authorization Certificate kapag before July 31, 2019 ang travel?

LouAlbert

H! Thank you for your very helpful post.
Kindly provide any update if the visa free will be extended, thank you.

Demi

Thanks for this guide! Question, magttravel kami sa August this year, should we apply na for a Visa or should we wait for the news on the extension? Watchuthink? Thanks in advance!

Chinitongbyahero

Hi,

I am planning to visit Taiwan on Sept 12-16, 2018. Extended po kaya yun Visa-Free nila? if may Korean Visa na po ba na expired na pero hindi pa naabot ng 10 years no need na din po ba mag process ng ROC Travel Authorization Certificate bale diretso airport na lng then present yunt RT tickets and passport?

Nita

Hi po,

You said on the last part of your blog, that it has been extended.. So sure napo na until July 31, 2019 ang Visa-Free to Taiwan?

“This visa-free policy was initially effective from November 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018. However, it has now been extended to July 31, 2019!” – Just want to confirm po, kasi sa mga answers nyo sa mga comments, July 31, 2018 lang ang sabi nyo. Please confirm po. Thank you!

Julia Lee

Hello,

First of all, thank you for this blog. I find it very useful with all the questions and answers.

I know this is mainly for Philippine Passport holders, but I’m an Indonesia Passport holder and I can’t find anywhere else to get my question answered. I hope you can help me.

I have a single-entry and expired tourist visa to Korea this past April 2018 for a week on a group tour. I also have a Japan Tourist Visa from 2014 (single entry and expired already as well).

Can I use this type of tourist visa to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate?
Thank you so much!!!

Foo

Hi tanong lang 1st po namin pupunta ng taiwan ngaung jan 2019 . Anu po kadalasan taning ng immigration lalo nat wla pa work ?

RB

Hi,

You’re blog is very helpful and informative.

I do have a question tho, my friend is an India Passport holder. He currently have a valid Korea Business Visa and an expired Canada Business Visa.

Can he use those visa to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate?

Thanks in advance.

Shail

Hi

I understand that If you are from one of the listed participating countries and have Korea’s Valid entry visa (not work visa) then you will be granted ROC Travel Authorization Certificate. I have active Korean business visa. Business visas are not technically work visa but I am not sure if that’s acceptable. would you be able to help

Andrea

Hi,

Thanks for this blog post.

Just have a question tho, I only have an airbnb booking for the first 4 days of our stay as we are planning to stay in Kaohsiung and Taichung but undecided on the exact dates. Is it required that we have a hotel booking in the entire duration of our stay?

Thanks in advance.

Jayson C

Hi, Im planning to visit Taiwan next year but I am when I click the link for ROC Travrl Certificate application, Philippines is not anymore in the list. Are we no longer eligible to get an ROR Travel Cert?

Sar

Hello!
I want to go to Taiwan, but I was worried about the amount of money that has to be shown in the Philippine immigration.
How much is the qualified amount of money in going there?

Jack

Hello!
I just applied for the TAC. I plan to visit Taiwan from 5-Feb 2019 to 14-Feb 2019. However my TAC expiry date on 14-Feb 2019. Is it ok for me to stay on 14Feb19 in Taiwan ???? ( the day the I will leave Taiwan) because the TAC said “valid … before 14Feb19”.

Kristine Ann Lama

Hi Yoshke. :)
I’m thinking of traveling to Taiwan this year and I’d like to stay for 30 days. I’ve been to Taiwan before. I also have my old Japanese visa. Do I need to apply for a tourist visa or I only need to fill out ROC form. I know you’re very busy, but I hope you’ll see my message. Thank you in advance.

JR

Hi, I`m planning to go to taiwan Next month, probably March 12, In their website it states that “A visa-free visitor can stay in Taiwan for 14 days starting from the day after the date of arrival.”. If March 12 is the day of my arrival, can I stay until March 26? Please reply. Thank you in advance..

JV

So I just need to bring my valid passport, return ticket, and hotel accommodation in the airport right before my flight and that’s it? I just want to make sure because I am planning to go to Taiwan next month and it’s going to be my first time going out of the country.

Sanchit Trehan

Hi, Yashke Dimen,
Need your help. i m a citizen of INDIA (countries included in Travel Authorization Certificate policy)

I need to travel to Taiwan for 1 day and currently i have a Schengen Visa which expired in 2017. Can i still travel on the basis of ROC Travel Authorization Certificate considering my Schengen visa expired 2 years back.

Please reply urgently..

Sanchit Trehan

Thank you so much for your prompt response. Deeply Appreciated.

charlene

can my 13 year old child travel here in taiwan alone?what are the requirements to presented at the immigration?

Unni Tharakan

Hi,
Is my expired (3 yrs old) UK visitor visa on the previous passport valid??
I renewed my passport last year since all pages were used.
Can i still apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate

Ladyvail

Hi.

What if I travel to Taiwan with visa-free, tapos may nag-offer ng job doon at bibigyan ka nila ng work permit. Okay lang ba kung ganun?

My first time to travel abroad.

Cindy N

Hi! My Australian visa was issued on my old passport. I have a valid, new one now – would Taiwan still accept the visa on the old passport? :( THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Josh

Hi, I just got my passport and I plan to go on Sept, if ever the visa-free is extended. I got a little confused with the 6 months validity rule. Does this mean I won’t be allowed to travel since my passport’s validity is less than 6 months? Is that what it means? Because I read another article saying that that rule pertains to traveling to another country at least 6 months prior to passport’s expiration. So I don’t know which is correct.

Cess

Hi! I’m from Philippines and i’ll be traveling to Taiwan on the 29th of July 2019 until 2nd of August 2019. Is it still free visa given the fact that i’ll be staying until 2nd of August. Thanks for your response!

Bianca

Hi! Im from the Philippines I will be travelling to taiwan this June. I am only 19 years old and I will be travelling with my cousin who will be turning 18 in June. Is it possible for us to stay in Taiwan without our parents for 4 days considering that we are not yet of legal age based on Taiwan standards. Thank you!!!

DiegoC

They’ve reworded – well, more like completely altered – that “financial statement” requirement for visa-free entry. It’s now “sufficient travel funds (i.e. cash, credit cards, travelers checks, money orders etc.)”.

Easy peasy since travellers will have one or more of those in their wallets anyway. :-)

Cheers.

Diego
https://withinstrikingdistance.wordpress.com/

Dominic arAdon

Hi im dominic filipinos from japan. What other requirements need to travel in taiwan from japan? And what financial statement os?

NINA KARLA NOVEROS

Hi, do we need po ba show money in immigration?

thank you

Dana

Thank you for this! I’ve been reading your Taiwan blog posts since I am traveling there soon and it’s been incredibly helpful. Glad to know they changed it to “sufficient travel funds.” That makes things a lot easier!

Mehul

Hi, really well-written blog.

I am an Indian who’d be visiting Taiwan (from Thailand) before going to Japan.

I have an unused Japan visa. Can I still enter Taiwan with a TAC or do I first have get my Japan visa stamped?

Thanks

hazel

When the Taiwan offer visa free going to Taiwan does it mean we can just go directly to the airport and go to Taiwan ? No need for us to go to Taiwan Embassy to get a Visa ?

muhammad Abbas Khadim Hussain

hi dear,

i am Pakistani i am working in Saudi Arabia in IT company as system administrator.i want to apply visit visa for Taiwan I have ask already from embassy of Taiwan in Riyadh me how can i get invitation letter & guaranty letter. please guide me

Laura Liza Barreto

Hotel bookings are quite easy to get now. So no problem on that. But what if I will be doing a DIY tour, will that be an issue?

Miane

Hello Yosh,

We’re no longer eligible for ROC Travel certificate right?
Philippines is not on the list anymore :(

Planning to stay kasi in Taiwan for around 3 weeks so I’m researching about visa. E-visa is pricey hahaha

Maybe you can update the blog if I am right with the ROC Travel cert.

Thank you!

Mark

Hello

Just wanted to ask. We are traveling to Taiwan next week and one of my colleague’s passport will expire March next year. Do you think he will still be allowed to travel?

Thank you

Danica

Hi Sir may I check if the requirements is still the same if the tourist is a student? Aside from the DSWD permit, is there anything else we need to provide? Thank you.

naomi

The immigration didn’t allow me to travel in taiwan i waste money, they say because its my first time, and my sponsor was my mom. And my mom wasn’t there, i have only friends. They ask alot of questios. Is it posible to enter taiwan if i have E-visa?