Are you preparing for a tropical vacation in the beautiful beaches of Boracay or a business trip in the busy streets of Manila? For Taiwanese nationals, traveling to the Philippines has never been easier with the introduction of the Electronic Visa (e-Visa) program. In this travel guide, we will give you all the information you need to apply for a Philippines e-visa from Taiwan.
Is a Visa Required for Taiwanese Nationals to Enter the Philippines in 2026?
Yes, Taiwanese nationals, or those from the Republic of China, in general, need a visa to enter the Philippines. Although there are often talks about mutual visa-free travel arrangements for stays of usually up to 14 days within certain pilot schemes, the most assured and usual means of entering the Philippines for tourism or business is via the Philippines e-Visa.
What Kinds of Philippines e-Visas Are Available to Taiwanese Passport Holders?
Based on your visit frequency and stay duration, you can apply for any of the following kinds of visas:
| Visa Type | Number of Entries | Max. Stay | Validity |
| Temporary Visitors Visa | Single Entry | 30 Days | 90 Days |
| Temporary Visitors Visa | Multiple Entry | 30 Days | 180 Days |
| Temporary Visitors Visa | Multiple Entry | 30 Days | 1 Year |
What are the Philippines Immigrant Visas for Permanent Residency?
If you plan to relocate to the Philippines for permanent residency, you may be eligible for Philippines Immigrant Visas under Section 13 of the Immigration Act:
- How do I get a 13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa? This is for Taiwanese citizens who are legally married to a Filipino citizen. This visa begins with a “Probationary” status for one year before it becomes permanent.
- What is a 13(G) Immigrant Visa? This is for former natural-born Filipinos who are now Taiwanese citizens and want to go back for permanent residency.
- Can I apply for these online? No. These visas need to be applied for in person at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan or at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Manila.
What are the Required Documents for a Philippines e-Visa?
To avoid any complications in the online application process, make sure you have the following required documents ready:
- Passport Bio Page: A scanned copy of your passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport Photo: A recent digital color photo meeting the Philippines Visa Photo Requirements.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from your host in the Philippines.
- Travel Itinerary: Return flight tickets or an onward travel plan.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial documents to prove that you have sufficient funds to sustain your stay.
Can I Apply for a Philippines Student Visa Online?
Philippines Student Visa is required for Taiwanese students aged 18 and above who plan to study in a degree-granting school.
- Application Location: Unlike the tourist e-Visa, a Student Visa application is typically done in person or converted via the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or Philippine Consulate.
- Key Requirements: Aside from the usual requirements, you also need a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from a CHED-accredited school and a Medical Certificate.
- Special Study Permit (SSP): If you’re below 18 or enrolled in a non-degree short-term course, you need an SSP instead of a student visa.
What Activities are Allowed on a Philippines Tourist e-Visa?
Temporary Visitor Visa is intended for a range of non-immigrant activities. Although it is most commonly used for tourism by Taiwanese nationals, it also includes:
- Attending international conferences or workshops.
- Engaging in sports and recreational activities.
- Visiting relatives and friends.
- Receiving short-term medical care.
- Engaging in business meetings or commercial transactions.
How Many Entries are Allowed Each Year for Taiwanese Citizens?
There is no strict “cap” on the total number of entries per year, but your stay is limited by the specific visa type you hold. For frequent travelers, the Multiple Entry Visa is the best choice, allowing you to enter as many times as you like, as long as each stay is not more than 30 days.
Can I Still Travel if I Have an Unused, Valid Visa?
If you have a previously issued e-Visa or sticker visa that has not expired and has not been used, you can still use it to enter the Philippines. However, if the “Enter Before” date has passed, the visa is considered void. You must re-apply to apply for a Philippines e-visa from Taiwan once more.
How Do I Apply for a Philippines e-Visa Online from Taiwan?
- Fill Form: Fill in your personal, travel, and security details.
- Upload: Upload the scanned copies of your passport and photo.
- Pay: Pay the visa fee using one of the approved online payment options (Credit/Debit card).
- Receive: After approval, your e-Visa will be delivered to your registered email address.
Can I Drive in the Philippines with an International Driving Permit issued in Taiwan?
Yes! You can use your Taiwanese driver’s license for up to 90 days from your arrival date. However:
- Your license must be in English, OR you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- After 90 days, you are required to convert your license to a local Philippine license at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
How Long Does the Philippines e-Visa Processing Take?
- Standard Processing: 10-17 Working Days.
- Rush Processing: 7-15 Working Days.
- Super Rush Processing: 5-7 Working Days.
What are the Top International Airports in the Philippines?
Most Taiwanese nationals arrive in the Philippines through one of the following top airports:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL): The primary entry point to Manila.
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB): The preferred airport for Visayas and beach destinations.
- Clark International Airport (CRK): A new, modern alternative to MNL in the north.
- Kalibo International Airport (KLO): A popular airport for Boracay.
What happens in the Refund Policy if My Philippines e-Visa is Denied?
Financial expectation management is a smart aspect of travel planning.
- Non-Approval of Visa: In case of denial of visa by the immigration authority, a refund of the visa cost is possible, but the processing fee is non-refundable.
- Cancellation by Applicant: If cancelled prior to the processing of the visa, a refund is possible.
How Can I Monitor My e-Visa Status If I Used an Agent?
If you applied for an e-Visa through a professional agent, such as visa-philippines.info, it is easy to monitor your status. You can:
- Access the agent’s control panel using your reference number.
- Get updates from their 24/7 customer service team.
- Get automatic notifications via email/SMS whenever there is an update on your status.
Why Was My Philippines Visa Application Rejected?
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Inconsistent Info: Information on the passport and form don’t match.
- Photo Rejection: Failure to comply with the Philippines Visa Photo Requirements.
- Insufficient Funds: No proof of financial capability.
Conclusion: Ready to Visit the Philippines?
Applying for a Philippines e-visa from Taiwan has never been easier. Whether you are moving to the Philippines on a Philippines Student Visa or just for a vacation, having all the necessary documents in order is the secret to a hassle-free entry.
