admin • April 20, 2017 • 12161

MANILA — Good news for Filipino citizens. Starting June 2017, Philippine passport holders may enter Taiwan even without visa.

Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or MOFA will begin a one-year trial period giving Filipinos a chance to enter Taiwan visa-free.

The new policy will be effective from June 1, 2017 until July 31, 2018; allowing a 30-day stay in the country.

Filipinos residing and working in Taiwan are delighted by this move.

“It is good so that Filipinos may come here anytime. All they need is a passport. That will bring big savings since you don’t need to acquire a visa anymore which is quite expensive,” said Taiwan resident, Raquel Niu.

OFW Christian Allonzo agrees, “That is good news for those who want to tour around Taiwan. There are many beautiful places here to visit.”

Meanwhile, the 30-day visa exemption of Thailand and Brunei citizens has been extended while citizens of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam may avail of multiple visas.

The new policy is part of Taiwan’s move to boost tourism following the “New Southbound Policy” initiated by President Tsai Ying Wen.

It can be noted that in September 2016 Taiwan has relaxed its policy in giving Electronic Visa for Filipinos and other Asian citizens. The number of tourists in Taiwan has increased by almost fifty percent. — Amiel Pascual | UNTV News & Rescue