Visa-free entry for Taiwanese starts – BI

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday said Taiwanese tourists could avail themselves of a 14-day visa-free entry to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic reciprocity in the country.

The BI said that this is in compliance with Presidential Directive PBBM-2025-1539 issued last April 3, which allowed Taiwanese nationals visa-free entry into the Philippines for a period of up to 14 days, starting July 1 until June 30, 2026.

In a statement, the BI said this 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.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said, “The Bureau of Immigration is fully aligned with the President’s vision of promoting tourism and strengthening our bilateral ties.”

“This policy not only supports the Philippine tourism industry’s recovery, but also affirms our commitment to reciprocate Taiwan’s generosity toward Filipino travelers,” he added.

Last year, the bureau processed a total of 235,674 Taiwanese arrivals.

The BI chief said they have instructed their personnel manning the international ports to implement the order in accordance with established immigration protocols.

The bureau has 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,” Viado 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.