Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed sincere gratitude to the governments of the Philippines and Brunei for their decisions to grant visa exemptions to Republic of China (Taiwan) passport holders. These measures are seen as significant achievements of Taiwan's "New Southbound Policy" and are expected to inject new momentum into strengthening relations with Southeast Asian countries.

 
Philippines Implements 14-Day Visa Exemption from July 1

On June 19, the Philippine government announced a new measure allowing Taiwanese nationals a 14-day visa exemption starting July 1. This means Taiwanese citizens can now enter the Philippines without needing to apply for a visa in advance. The Philippines' decision is particularly noteworthy as it comes after Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung announced on June 13 at a Philippine Independence Day reception in Taipei that Taiwan would extend its visa-free entry for Filipino nationals for another year. This reciprocal measure is expected to further promote active exchanges between the two countries.

As a major tourist destination and economic partner in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has maintained close ties with Taiwan in various areas, including people-to-people exchanges, economy, and culture. Notably, approximately 170,000 Filipino migrant workers reside in Taiwan, contributing to both economies, and this visa exemption measure will further strengthen the bond between the people of both nations.

While the Philippines has been promoting de facto visa simplification for Taiwanese nationals by issuing electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) since 2017, this full visa exemption is regarded as an important step symbolizing the advancement of bilateral relations. The Philippine Department of Tourism anticipates a significant increase in tourist arrivals from Taiwan as a result of this measure, which is also expected to positively impact the Philippine economy.

 
Brunei Immediately Applies 14-Day Visa Exemption

On June 23, the Brunei government announced that it would immediately apply a 14-day visa exemption for Republic of China (Taiwan) passport holders. Previously, a 14-day stay was possible through a visa on arrival (landing visa), but this new measure allows entry without the need for a visa application process. As an oil-producing nation in Southeast Asia with stable economic growth and unique cultural heritage, Brunei could emerge as a new destination for Taiwanese tourists.

Brunei, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is an important partner for Taiwan's New Southbound Policy. Brunei's visa exemption measure can be interpreted as part of Taiwan's efforts to deepen its relations with ASEAN countries. Brunei is geographically close to Taiwan, and if air routes are expanded, improving accessibility between the two countries, exchanges in tourism and business are expected to become even more active.

 
Successful Progress of the 'New Southbound Policy'

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung lauded the visa exemption decisions by the Philippines and Brunei on his social media account as "a landmark development in the government's integrated foreign policy." He expressed gratitude for the friendship and pragmatic spirit of the two New Southbound Policy partners, hoping for even stronger relations and exchanges in tourism, business, and other fields.

Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, a key diplomatic strategy promoted since the inauguration of the Tsai Ing-wen administration in 2016, aims to strengthen relations with 18 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, thereby promoting trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. This policy is considered a strategic approach to reduce excessive economic reliance on China and elevate Taiwan's international standing.

The visa exemption measures by the Philippines and Brunei are tangible results of the New Southbound Policy. They are expected to enhance the convenience of overseas travel for Taiwanese citizens while stimulating people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation between Taiwan and these countries. Particularly, they are anticipated to revitalize the tourism industry, which has been stagnant since the pandemic, and expand investment and trade between businesses in both nations.

MOFA intends to continue signing visa agreements with more countries to enhance the international convenience of Taiwan's passport and further solidify substantive relations with ASEAN and South Asian countries through the New Southbound Policy. This indicates that Taiwan will play an important role in contributing to international cooperation and promoting mutual benefit as a responsible member of the global community. These visa exemption measures will be recorded as successful examples of Taiwan's pursuit of multilateral diplomacy.

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