Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Filipino tourists

Taiwan extended its visa-free accommodation for Filipinos for another year, after the two-way flow of tourists reached record levels last year.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco) said the privilege would be extended until July 31, 2019.

“This visa-free privilege is a reflection of Taiwan’s goodwill and friendship toward all Filipinos under the ‘New Southbound Policy’ which aims to build… closer people-to-people connectivity between Taiwan and the Philippines,” said Teco, the de facto embassy of the Republic of China in Manila.

Last year, Teco said a record 290,784 Filipinos traveled to Taiwan, a 68.59-percent increase over the previous year, while 236,777 Taiwanese visited the Philippines.—ROY STEPHEN C. CANIVEL