Latest news with #ManilaEconomicandCulturalOffice
Nikkei Asia
15 hours ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Philippines waives visas for visitors from Taiwan in boost for ties
TAIPEI -- The Philippines has waived tourist visa requirements for Taiwan passport holders, in the latest sign of warming relations between Taipei and Manila as both face pressure from China. The Philippine government announced Thursday that starting July 1, visitors from Taiwan can enter the Philippines for 14 days without a visa. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office, the de facto embassy in Taipei, said the waiver only applies for tourism purposes, and is not extendable or convertible.
GMA Network
a day ago
- Business
- GMA Network
PH grants Taiwan passport holders visa-free entry starting July 1, 2025
The Philippine government announced it is granting Taiwan passport holders a visa-free entry starting July 1, 2025. In a social media post, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Taiwan passport holders may enter the country for tourism purposes 'without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days.' The following requirements need to be presented: -passport valid for at least six months -confirmed hotel accommodation/booking -proof of financial capacity -return ticket or onward ticket to the next country of destination For Taiwan passport holders intending to stay in the Philippines for more than 14 days or for purposes other than tourism, a visa shall be required with the following requirements: -duly accomplished and signed visa application form -passport valid for at least six months -Taiwan ID -proof of round -rip ticket reservation, if any -visa application fee 'For other visa categories such as applications for multiple-entry visa, crew-list visa, and long-term visa, the standard requirements and procedures shall remain applicable,' MECO said. Earlier, Taiwan extended the visa-free privilege for Filipinos, as well as citizens of Thailand and Brunei for one year or from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. The current visa-free privilege policy enjoyed by Filipinos is supposed to end on July 31, 2025.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Filipinos until next year
Filipino travelers can continue to enjoy visa-free access to Taiwan for another year, following an announcement by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung during the Philippine Independence Day celebration hosted by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei. The extension, the minister said, is part of Taiwan's efforts to foster stronger people-to-people connections and enhance overall bilateral relations with the Philippines. An official statement from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the extension is expected to be released on Monday, June 16. In 2023, Taiwan welcomed around 415,000 Filipino tourists, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. The island nation is also home to an estimated 160,000 Filipino migrant workers. The continuation of the visa-free policy is seen as a boost to tourism and cultural exchange, reaffirming the close ties between the Filipino and Taiwanese people.
Epoch Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Philippines Eases Travel Restrictions on Government Officials Visiting Taiwan
Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has eased decades-old travel restrictions, opening the door for some government officials from his country to visit Taiwan and allowing visits from Taiwanese officials to the Philippines. Marcos's order, known as Memorandum Circular No. 82, was The Philippines and Taiwan are not diplomatic allies, but the two sides maintain an unofficial relationship via the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila. In recent years, the two governments have come under intensifying military coercion from the Chinese communist regime. The circular reduces the travel limitations imposed under Executive Order No. 313, issued by Filipino President Corazon Aquino in 1987. The Under Marcos's order, the travel ban now applies to the Philippines' president, vice president, secretary of foreign affairs, and secretary of national defense. Related Stories 4/15/2025 4/10/2025 Other Philippine government officials may travel to Taiwan for 'economic, trade and investment purposes,' the circular stated, but they are required to travel with their 'ordinary passports without using their official titles.' Before their departure, they must inform MECO of their trip's purpose, and after their trip's end, submit a report to both MECO and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to the circular. Philippine government officials and agencies may host Taiwanese delegations for 'economic, trade and investment purposes,' according to the circular. These officials and agencies must notify MECO at least five days before the arrival of the delegations and submit a post-visit report to MECO and the DFA. 'No agreements, memoranda of understanding, exchange of notes or similar documents shall be concluded with any Taiwanese organization or agency without clearance from the DFA,' the circular states. Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomed Manila's decision to ease travel restrictions, according to a The ministry said that Taiwan is the Philippines' eighth-largest export market, ninth-largest trade partner, and 10th-largest source of imports. 'Taiwan will continue working together with the Philippines and other democratic allies to contribute to regional prosperity, peace, and stability,' the ministry said. On April 21, MECO 'This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Philippines-Taiwan relations and it's only fitting that we pave the way for stronger and more robust ties with Taiwan that will benefit all parties, while ensuring an all-inclusive approach that safeguards policy space for legitimate public interests,' MECO added. Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung answers questions from the media during an international press briefing in Taipei on July 19, 2024. I-hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images In January 2024, China reacted angrily after Marcos took to social media platform X to congratulate the winner of 'On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan's next President,' Marcos In response, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Marcos of 'blatantly' interfering in its internal affairs and summoned the Philippine ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, 'to lodge serious démarche.' 'We suggest President Marcos read more to develop a proper understanding of the ins and outs of the Taiwan question and come to a right conclusion,' the ministry said. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not recognize the legitimacy of Taiwan's democratically elected government. In reality, Taiwan is a de facto sovereign nation, with its own military, constitution, and currency.
