Taiwan – Upcoming Visa-Free Entry for Nationals of Thailand and Brunei, and Expansion of Travel Authorization Certificate
Effective 1 August 2016, nationals of Thailand and Brunei will be able to enter Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, on a trial basis for an initial period of one year.
Moreover, from 1 September 2016 the Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate scheme will be extended, allowing nationals of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam who have in the last ten years received visas for Australia, Canada, the Schengen area, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, or the United States to enter Taiwan visa-free after registering online.
The measures are part of Taiwan’s recently announced strategy of strengthening economic relationships with Southeast Asian countries, known as the “southbound policy”. Currently, nationals of Malaysia and Singapore can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 30 days.
The existing Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate allows visa-free entry only to nationals of India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam who are currently holding a valid visa for Australia, Canada, the Schengen area, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
A work permit is not required for applicants going to Taiwan for business activities, including fulfilment of a service contract between the sending company and the Taiwan Company, for a period of up to 30 days.
The upcoming new visa-free privileges for nationals of some Southeast Asian countries, will allow more nationals of Southeast Asian countries to travel to Taiwan for up to 30 days on business or service contract fulfilment.