Reciprocal Visa-Free Measures Boost Tourism; Taiwan Urges Philippines to Extend Visa Waiver

(CNA Reporter Lin Hsing-chien, Manila, 12th) A Taiwan travel fair opened today at a shopping mall in Makati City. Yang Teng-shih, Deputy Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Philippines, pointed out that the reciprocal visa-free measures between Taiwan and the Philippines have significantly boosted tourism growth, expressing hope that the Philippine side will extend its visa-free treatment for Taiwan, which is set to expire at the end of June.

Attending the Taiwan travel fair at the Glorietta shopping mall in Makati City today, Deputy Representative Yang stated that the number of Philippine travelers visiting Taiwan reached nearly 630,000 in 2025, a 35% growth compared to 2024. In the first quarter of this year, the number has already exceeded 210,000, a 43% year-on-year increase.

Yang pointed out that, on the other hand, since the Philippine government granted Taiwanese travelers a 14-day visa-free treatment in July 2025, the number of Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines has also significantly increased. In February this year, Taiwanese arrivals in the Philippines surged by 79% year-on-year, contributing to an overall growth of 13.6% in the first quarter.

Currently, Taiwan has been trialing a 14-day visa-free treatment for Philippine citizens visiting Taiwan since November 2017, with the latest deadline set for July 31 this year. The Philippines has been providing Taiwanese travelers with a 14-day visa-free treatment since July 1, 2025, a measure that will expire at the end of June this year.

The mutual visa-free measures have had a positive driving effect on bilateral tourism. Yang believes that if the Philippine government decides to extend the visa-free treatment for Taiwanese travelers, the number of Taiwanese visiting the Philippines is expected to surpass 300,000 for the full year of 2026.

In an interview with CNA, Yang reiterated: "In my speech just now, I specially called on the Philippine government, hoping it can continue to grant our citizens visa-free treatment. Based on mutual benefit, it allows travel operators and tourists from both Taiwan and the Philippines to enjoy benefits while also promoting reciprocal visits between our peoples."

He emphasized that Taiwanese tourists and investors have long made positive contributions to bilateral exchanges and practical cooperation. If the Philippine government could extend the visa waiver for Taiwanese citizens, or even consider establishing more long-term or permanent arrangements, it would undoubtedly further deepen mutual trust and strengthen the people-to-people and economic ties between the two sides.

"I sincerely hope that in the near future, whether it's Filipinos visiting Taiwan or Taiwanese visiting the Philippines, both sides can continue to enjoy the convenience and benefits brought by mutual visa-free travel."

Zeny Pallugna, Director of the Marketing Office at the Philippine Department of Tourism, also attended the opening ceremony of the Taiwan travel fair today. In her remarks, she expressed hope that the current travel facilitation measures of both sides can continue, as these relevant measures help to sustainably promote the connectivity and cooperation momentum between the peoples of Taiwan and the Philippines. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150612