Key Points
- Taiwan extended visa-free entry for Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026
- Group e-visas under the Guanhong Project remain available through December 31, 2026
- Conditional visa-free access via the TAC program also continues for Southeast Asian travelers
Overview
Taiwan has extended its trial visa exemption program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines, continuing its focus on enhancing travel and economic ties with Southeast Asia. The updated policy allows visa-free entry for eligible travelers from these three countries from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026. This move reinforces Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which aims to deepen relationships with neighboring countries through enhanced mobility and cooperation.
In addition to the one-year extension of the visa-free program, Taiwan will continue to offer group e-visas under the Guanhong Project until December 31, 2026. This program facilitates organized group travel from Southeast Asian nations, streamlining entry procedures for tourism and business.
Taiwan will also maintain its “Advance Online Check for Traveling to Taiwan (TAC)” initiative, a conditional visa-free entry program for select travelers from Southeast Asia. This system allows eligible individuals to enter Taiwan without a visa, provided they meet certain pre-clearance and documentation requirements.
These ongoing efforts reflect Taiwan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people exchanges, supporting tourism, and promoting regional mobility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that discussions are underway to strengthen reciprocal travel arrangements for Taiwanese citizens abroad, expand visa waivers, and ease access for Taiwanese citizens in partner nations.
Looking Ahead
Businesses, travel operators, and international mobility professionals should continue to utilize Taiwan’s flexible visa policies to foster regional engagement and facilitate cross-border mobility. Travelers from Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines are encouraged to take advantage of the extended exemption period, while group organizers can benefit from the continued availability of the Guanhong Project. As Taiwan refines its travel policies and pursues bilateral agreements, further enhancements to visa processing and mobility frameworks are expected in the coming year.
