The trial visa-free entry program for tourists from Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines would be extended for another year, from Aug. 1 to July 31 next year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.
The decision to extend visa-free entry for citizens of the three countries was made following a review by agencies at a meeting on April 25, the ministry said in a statement.
“Considering the need to revive mutual bilateral exchanges and tourism in the post-pandemic era, the participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry measure for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines,” the ministry said.
Photo: Yang Cheng-yu, Taipei Times
The ministry first granted visa-free entry to tourists from Thailand and Brunei on Aug. 1, 2016. The program has since been extended every year, with the Philippines added to the list in November 2017.
The ministry said that its project for simplifying visa regulations for high-end group tourists from Southeast Asian countries would be extended for another year until Dec. 31 next year.
Under the project, which was first introduced in 2015, tourists from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos are allowed to visit Taiwan using electronic visas if they are in a group of at least five and travel using an accredited travel agency.
The ministry said it would continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to reinforcing bilateral exchanges and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security.
“We will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to improve visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient,” the ministry said.
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