Taiwan Boosts Tourism with New Visa-Free Entry Extension

Key Takeaways

• Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei nationals until July 31, 2026.
• Simplified group visas extended to Southeast Asian tourists through December 31, 2026, for groups of five or more.
• Online TAC scheme remains active, allowing quick travel authorization for eligible Southeast Asian countries.

Taiwan has announced a major update to its visa-free entry program, extending the policy for nationals of the Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei until July 31, 2026. This move is part of Taiwan’s ongoing New Southbound Policy, which aims to build stronger ties with countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia. The extension, effective from July 14, 2025, was confirmed by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) after a thorough review involving several government agencies. This update brings important changes for travelers, tourism businesses, and anyone with pending or future travel plans to Taiwan.

Summary of What Changed

The most significant change is the extension of visa-free entry for citizens of the Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei for another year, now valid until July 31, 2026. This means that travelers from these countries can continue to visit Taiwan without needing to apply for a visa in advance, as long as their visit is for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, attending exhibitions, or participating in international exchanges.

In addition to this, Taiwan has also renewed the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries. This project, now extended through December 31, 2026, makes it easier for group tourists from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam to obtain visas, provided they travel in groups of at least five people through approved travel agencies.

The conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme remains in place for several Southeast Asian countries. This online system allows eligible travelers to apply for travel authorization quickly and easily, further reducing barriers to entry.

Who Is Affected by the Changes

The extension of the visa-free entry program directly affects:

• Citizens of the Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei: These travelers can continue to visit Taiwan without a visa for short stays, making trips for tourism, business, or family visits much easier.
• Group tourists from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam: Those traveling as part of organized tours through accredited agencies benefit from simplified visa procedures.
• Travel agencies and tourism businesses: The extension is expected to increase demand for travel packages and tours to Taiwan, especially from Southeast Asia.
• Taiwan’s tourism sector: Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are likely to see more visitors from these key markets.

The policy also has indirect effects on:

• Taiwanese citizens: Increased tourism can boost the local economy and create more job opportunities.
• Other Southeast Asian travelers: The continued availability of the TAC scheme and simplified group visa processes makes Taiwan a more accessible destination.

Effective Dates and Duration

• Visa-free entry for the Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei: Extended from July 14, 2025, through July 31, 2026.
• Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists: Valid through December 31, 2026.
• TAC scheme: Ongoing, with no announced end date.

Travelers planning to visit Taiwan from these countries should take note of these dates to ensure their travel falls within the valid period.

Required Actions for Travelers

If you are a citizen of the Philippines, Thailand, or Brunei and plan to visit Taiwan, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure your purpose of travel fits the allowed categories—tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, attending exhibitions, or international exchanges.
2. Prepare travel documents: You do not need to apply for a visa, but you must have a valid passport and a return or onward ticket.
3. Complete the online immigration arrival card: All travelers must fill out the Online Immigration Arrival Card within three days before arriving in Taiwan. This is a mandatory step for entry.
4. Comply with entry requirements: Be ready to show proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and other documents if asked by immigration officers.
5. Obtain a visa if needed for special activities: If you plan to engage in activities that require special permission, such as religious work or employment, you must apply for the appropriate visa before traveling. You can find official visa application forms and information on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

For group tourists from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam:

• Travel through an accredited agency: Your group must have at least five members and book through an approved travel agency to qualify for the simplified visa process.
• Follow agency instructions: The agency will guide you through the visa application and ensure all requirements are met.

For travelers using the TAC scheme:

• Apply online: Eligible nationals can apply for the Travel Authorization Certificate online before departure.
• Meet all criteria: Make sure you meet the requirements listed on the application page, including previous travel history and valid supporting documents.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

For those who have already applied for a visa or are planning to do so, the extension of the visa-free entry program means:

• Pending visa applications for short visits: If you are from the Philippines, Thailand, or Brunei and your visit falls within the allowed categories, you may no longer need a visa. Check if your travel plans fit the visa-free entry rules and consider canceling your application if appropriate.
• Long-term stays or special activities: If you plan to stay longer than the allowed period or engage in activities that require a permit, you still need to apply for the correct visa.
• Group tours: Pending group visa applications through accredited agencies will continue to be processed under the simplified rules.
• TAC scheme users: No changes have been made to the TAC program, so applications will be processed as usual.

If you are unsure about your application status or eligibility, contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs or your travel agency for guidance.

Details of the Visa-Free Entry Program

The visa-free entry program for the Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei allows:

• Short-term stays: Travelers can stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days without a visa.
• Multiple purposes: Visits can be for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, attending exhibitions, or international exchanges.
• Entry through major airports and harbors: Travelers can enter Taiwan through airports like Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, and several others, as well as designated harbors.
• No need for a visa application: As long as the visit fits the allowed purposes and duration, there is no need to apply for a visa in advance.

However, travelers must:

• Complete the online immigration arrival card within three days before arrival.
• Have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Show proof of onward or return travel if requested.
• Obtain a visa for activities requiring special permission, such as religious work or employment.

The Online Immigration Arrival Card is a simple online form that must be completed before travel. Failure to complete this step may result in delays or denial of entry.

Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists

This project is designed to make it easier for group tourists from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam to visit Taiwan. Key features include:

• Group size requirement: At least five people must travel together.
• Accredited travel agencies: Only groups organized by approved agencies are eligible.
• Simplified visa process: The application process is faster and requires fewer documents.
• Valid through December 31, 2026: The project has been extended to cover the next 18 months.

This initiative supports Taiwan’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from Southeast Asia, a region with a growing middle class and increasing demand for international travel.

Conditional Visa-Free Entry Through the TAC Scheme

The Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme allows eligible nationals from certain Southeast Asian countries to apply for travel authorization online. This scheme is especially useful for those who do not qualify for full visa-free entry but still want to visit Taiwan for short stays.

• Eligibility: Check the official website for a list of eligible countries and requirements.
• Online application: The process is quick and can be completed from home.
• Short-term visits: The TAC is valid for tourism, business, and similar purposes.

This scheme is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to make travel easier while maintaining border security.

Recent Immigration Policy Changes (2024-2025)

In addition to the visa-free entry extension, Taiwan has made several other changes to its immigration laws in the past year:

• Longer visitor visa stays and easier extension applications: Visitors can now stay longer and apply for extensions more easily.
• Higher penalties for overstaying: Fines for overstaying have increased to NT$10,000–50,000, and entry bans can last up to seven years.
• Better protection for immigrant spouses and family reunification: New rules make it easier for families to stay together and protect the rights of immigrant spouses.
• Simplified permanent residency for foreign professionals: Those with special achievements can now apply for permanent residency more easily.

These changes reflect Taiwan’s commitment to modernizing its immigration system, protecting human rights, and supporting economic growth.

Expert and Government Perspectives

Officials from MOFA have described the visa-free entry extension as a key step in revitalizing Taiwan’s tourism sector after the pandemic. They believe that making it easier for travelers from Southeast Asia to visit will help the economy recover and create new opportunities for cultural and business exchanges.

Immigration experts say that Taiwan’s approach—combining visa-free entry, simplified group visas, and the TAC scheme—offers a balanced way to encourage tourism while keeping borders secure. This multi-layered system gives travelers more options and flexibility, which is especially important as travel patterns change in the post-pandemic world.

Tourism industry leaders have welcomed the extension, predicting that it will lead to more visitors from Southeast Asia. They point out that the growing middle class in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam is eager to travel, and Taiwan’s friendly visa policies make it an attractive destination.

Implications for Stakeholders

• Travelers: Easier access to Taiwan means more travel opportunities and lower costs.
• Travel agencies: Increased demand for tours and travel packages to Taiwan.
• Taiwan’s economy: More tourists mean more spending on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions.
• Government agencies: Ongoing need to balance tourism growth with border security and public health.

Future Outlook

MOFA will continue to review and adjust visa policies based on tourism trends, security needs, and feedback from partner countries. The current visa-free entry program is set to run through July 31, 2026, with the possibility of further extensions or changes depending on how successful it is.

Taiwan’s immigration policies are expected to keep evolving, with a focus on making travel easier while protecting the country’s interests. The New Southbound Policy will remain a key part of Taiwan’s strategy for building closer ties with Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Official Resources and Next Steps

For the most up-to-date information on visa policies, travelers should consult the following official resources:

• Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Official announcements and updates on visa-free entry and other policies.
• Bureau of Consular Affairs, Taiwan: Visa application forms, guidelines, and entry requirements.
• National Immigration Agency: Online immigration arrival card, conscription law, and other immigration services.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to making travel easier for visitors from Southeast Asia while supporting the country’s tourism sector and broader diplomatic goals.

Actionable Takeaways

• Check your eligibility for visa-free entry or simplified visa processes before planning your trip.
• Complete all required online forms, such as the immigration arrival card, before departure.
• Contact official agencies or your travel agency if you have questions about your application or travel plans.
• Stay informed about any future policy changes by checking official government websites regularly.

By understanding these updates and following the required steps, travelers and businesses can make the most of Taiwan’s visa-free entry program and related policies under the New Southbound Policy. This approach not only boosts tourism but also strengthens Taiwan’s connections with its neighbors in Southeast Asia.

Learn Today

Visa-free entry → Allows travelers to visit a country without obtaining a visa beforehand for short stays.
New Southbound Policy → Taiwan’s initiative to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Southeast and South Asian countries.
Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) → An online travel permit allowing eligible nationals to enter Taiwan without a traditional visa.
Simplified visa process → A streamlined visa application requiring fewer documents, designed for specific group tourists.
Online Immigration Arrival Card → A mandatory digital form travelers must complete before entering Taiwan, providing immigration data.

This Article in a Nutshell

Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Philippines, Thailand, and Brunei until mid-2026, easing travel for tourism and business. Simplified group visa processes and the TAC online system support Southeast Asian visitors, enhancing tourism and economic ties under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. Travelers should verify eligibility and complete arrival forms before visiting.
— By VisaVerge.com