It’s a Taiwan-derful Journey: How to Get a Taiwan Visa in the Philippines

There’s a lot to love about Taiwan. Its modernity, top-notch transportation system, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and majestic natural sceneries all make it a tourism powerhouse. If you’re looking for a new country to explore, this island nation won’t only exceed your expectations—it will wow you!

Don’t know where to go in Taiwan? Not sure if tourists from the Philippines need a Taiwan visa? This guide’s got you covered. Read on to learn more.

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Taiwan Visa Requirement in the Philippines and Other Important Things to Keep in Mind

The key to a memorable trip is proper planning. Before you book your flight, accommodation, or Taiwan tour package, take note of the following:

✔️ Is Taiwan Visa-Free for Tourists from the Philippines This 2023?

Is getting a Taiwan visa in the Philippines a requirement? Thankfully, no. Taiwan is currently visa-free for Filipinos!

Filipinos can enjoy visa-free entry until July 31, 2024. The said privilege allows you to stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days. The rule isn’t applicable to Filipinos with diplomatic or official/service passports.

Keep in mind that the duration of your stay starts from the day after your arrival in the country and cannot be extended. You must depart from Taiwan at the end of the said duration. Furthermore, your visa-free entry cannot be converted into a visa-based stay unless certain conditions are met. 

If your Taiwan trip is scheduled after July 31, 2024, you may want to keep your hopes up and be on the lookout for an official advisory in the future. Earlier this 2023, Peiyung Hsu, a representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, explained that the said program will be extended every year because their country believes in the importance of people-to-people connectivity.

Moreover, they would also like to see more Taiwanese visiting the Philippines and more Filipinos flying to Taiwan.^[1] 

Read more: Fun in the Land of the Rising Sun: How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa in 2023

✔️ What are the Taiwan Travel Requirements in 2023?

Getting a Taiwan visa in the Philippines isn’t required, but, you still need to provide certain documents.

So what to bring in Taiwan? Here are the travel requirements to Taiwan for tourists from the Philippines: 

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Confirmed air or sea tickets 
• Proof of booked accommodation
• Travel funds for the entire trip
• Contact information of the host or sponsor
• Online immigration card completed on the official website of Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency^[2]

✔️ Does Taiwan Have Travel Restrictions? 

Are there Taiwan travel restrictions for tourists from the Philippines? The COVID-19 rules on the island have loosened up, but take note of these Taiwan travel guidelines:

• You can enter the country regardless of your vaccination status.
• You’re not required to have a COVID-19 health insurance policy. 
• Quarantine is not required. 
• Travelers will be given one at-home rapid test in case they develop COVID-19-like symptoms within seven days of arrival. 
• Those who test positive abroad should wait for more than five days from the date of specimen collection before traveling to Taiwan. 
• Masks are required at specific indoor places, such as healthcare facilities and ambulances. They’re recommended when using public transport or in case of a fever or respiratory symptoms. They’re optional in other indoor spaces. 

✔️ When is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan? 

Weather and certain events can affect your vacation. So before you plan your Taiwan 5-day itinerary, determine the best time to visit the country.

The weather of this island nation is mainly subtropical. This means that humidity is often high and rain showers are a fixture. The country’s southern part, however, is tropical.  

Generally, Taiwan has two seasons: hot and cold. The hot season happens from May to October while the cold season is from November to March. 

Many experienced travelers recommend visiting the island between March and May. During this period, humidity is low and the skies are clear. The same also goes for December. 

The months between June and September can be rainy. You can still visit the island, but you should bring an umbrella, as rain showers are unpredictable. 

If you want to experience the country’s colorful culture, time your visit during the following festivals: 

• Chinese New Year – This is held during the first day of the Lunar Calendar. There are lots of street parades and fireworks displays. 
• Mid-Autumn Festival –  Mooncakes, wines, and pomelos are popular during this time of the year. You’ll also see locals enjoying barbecues. Taiwanese celebrate this festival during the autumn season. 
• Zhongyuan Festival –  Also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, this celebration sees locals honor their dead and pray for their salvation. This is observed during the seventh lunar month. 
• Dragon Boat Festival – The history of this festival can be traced back to the time of the ancient poet and statesman Qu Yuan. Dragon boat races are some of this festival’s biggest events. 

✔️ How to Travel to Taiwan from the Philippines

Wondering how to travel to Taiwan from the Philippines? You can fly to Taiwan through popular air carriers, such as Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines.

If you’re visiting Taipei and other Northern Taiwan tourist spots, choose the Taoyuan International Airport as your destination airport. If you’re visiting Kaohsiung and some attractions in Southern Taiwan, book a flight to Kaohsiung International Airport.

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✔️ How to Get Around Taiwan

Transportation is modern, clean, and reliable in Taiwan. If you’re in Taipei, you can explore various districts and neighborhoods via the metro (MRT). Likewise, Kaohsiung has its own efficient metro system.

Got a long-distance trip from one city to the other? Ride the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), which runs from Taipei to Kaohsiung. This train system is based on Japan’s shinkansen or bullet train.

Furthermore, buses and taxis abound in key cities. And since scooters are big on the island, you may rent one for a more personalized trip. Just make sure you have a valid license. You can also get an international driving permit.

✔️ How Much to Budget for Your Taiwan Trip

Your Taiwan travel budget from the Philippines will largely depend on the number of tourist attractions you’re planning to visit and the number of days you’re in the country. That said, a DIY 5d4n Taiwan tour package from the Philippines may cost between ₱16,000 and ₱20,000. Excluded from this are the round-trip airfare, food, and pasalubong.

The New Taiwan Dollar is Taiwan’s currency. As of this writing, 1 Taiwan Dollar to Philippine Peso is ₱1.77.

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✔️ Communicating in Taiwan

Mandarin or Traditional Chinese is the language in Taiwan. Younger people and those living in the capital can understand English. However, keep in mind English isn’t a widely spoken language in many rural areas.

Top 10 Taiwan Tourist Spots to Visit

There’s something for everyone on the island. From bustling downtowns to chill nature parks, we’ve listed the top 10 Taiwan tourist spots to visit. Check out our Taiwan travel guide for 2023 below.

📍 Taipei 101

• Location: No. 45, Shifu Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
• How to get there: Take the Taipei Metro Red Line and alight at 101 World Trade Center Station.

With 101 floors above ground, Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2009. Aside from being a commercial space, the building is one of the most popular Taiwan tourist spots. It has observation decks on the 89th and 91st floors.

For the first time ever, the outdoor floor on the building’s 101st level has been opened to the public. Called the Skyline460,^[3] this facility gives you an unobstructed and 360-degree view of Taipei City.

Shopaholics and foodies will be smitten with Taipei 101, as it’s home to many high-end shops and restaurants. It’s also close to other points of interest, such as the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and Elephant Mountain, which gives you a good view of the iconic building.

📍 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• Location: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
• How to get there: Take the Taipei Metro Green Line and alight at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of the most popular Taiwan tourist attractions, is a national monument built for Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. The massive hall stands on a sprawling estate together with two equally majestic structures, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.

Explore the various gardens in the estate. Don’t forget to take a picture or two of the park’s towering front gate. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Station, meanwhile, is a treat itself, as it houses public art pieces.

📍 Ximending  

• Location: Wanhua District
• How to get there: Take the Taipei Metro Green Line or the Blue Line and alight at Ximen Station.

Once you step into Ximending, you’ll feel like you’re in Japan. The appeal of this neighborhood is very much like Tokyo’s Harajuku or Shibuya district, as its history can be traced back to the Japanese colonial era.

Ximending is a shoppers’ paradise. There are big brands here and there, and winding roads will take you to quaint shops. This Taiwan tourist destination also has a wealth of cafés, milk tea shops, and restaurants. While you’re here, don’t miss the Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken for that—you guessed it—large Taiwanese fried chicken.

📍 Shifen and Jiufen

• Location: Shifen: Pingxi District, New Taipei City | Jiufen: Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• How to get there: To go to Shifen, take the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train from Taipei Main Station and alight at Rufiang Station. Then transfer to the Pingxi Line and alight at Shifen Station. To go to Jiufen, just take a bus from Rufiang Station.

Leave the city for a while and explore Taiwan’s rural side in Shifen and Jiufen. While located in separate districts, you can visit both in one day.

Shifen is famed for two spots: Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfalls. Shifen Old Street brings you back to Shifen’s old railroad town days. A lot of small restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops make this area lively and colorful.

Releasing a sky lantern while in the middle of the railroad is a popular activity among tourists. See more of Shifen’s natural beauty by visiting the Shifen Waterfalls, which is just a 20-minute walk from the old town.

If you’re a big fan of the award-winning anime film "Spirited Away," you’ll surely love Jiufen, a quaint village located in New Taipei’s Rufiang District. The location resembles the bathhouse village in "Spirited Away" because of its winding alleyways and red lanterns.

Dining and souvenir shopping are the main events here. Don’t forget to bundle up, as Jiufen is located in the mountains.

📍 Yangminshan National Park

• Location: Taipei and New Taipei City
• How to get there: Take the Taipei Metro Red line and alight at Jiantan Station. Then take Bus S15 or S17 and alight at Yangminshan National Park.

Yangminshan National Park is a Taiwan tourist attraction known for its natural beauty. With a size of more than 113 square kilometers, this sprawling park is home to several hiking trails, grasslands, flower farms, and hot springs.

One day is not enough to tour the whole park. If you have limited time, visit Qingtiangang Grassland, which will make you feel like you’re in New Zealand; Xiaoyoukeng, a geological park teeming with vents and sulfur deposits; and Yangmin Park, a flower park boasting a Chinese-style garden and elegant ponds.

📍 Tamsui District

• Location: Tamsui District, New Taipei City
• How to get there: Take the Taipei Metro Red Line and alight at Tamsui Station, Red Line’s northern end.

A cool sea breeze awaits at Tamsui, a district located in New Taipei City. Many tourists flock to this Taiwan tourist destination for its relaxed vibe and beautiful promenades.

Head over to Tamsui Old Street if you want to munch on some local street food. Explore Taiwan’s ties with the Spanish Empire by visiting Fort Santo Domingo, a fortress built in the 17th century. Get aboard the ferry to enjoy some waterfront views.

If you simply want to chill and watch people go about their business, visit Lover’s Bridge or take a seat at the Fisherman’s Wharf as you wait for the sunset.

📍 Shilin Night Market

• Location: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City
• How to get there: Take the Taipei Metro Red Line and alight at Jiantan Station.

Night markets are quintessential Taiwan tourist spots. They offer everything, from food to souvenirs. One of Taiwan's most popular is the Shilin Night Market.

Conveniently located close to Taipei Metro’s Jiantan Station, Shilin Night Market has two major sections. The first one is an old market building that houses both restaurants and non-food shops. The other section is dedicated to food stalls and restaurants.

If gastronomy is your sport, you’ll definitely love it here. Below are some of the must-try dishes at the Shilin Night Market for your Taiwan food tour:

• Fish balls – With a spongy texture, these fish balls are similar to the squid balls and chicken balls in the Philippines. These are fried and can be dusted with pepper, depending on your preference.
• Pork buns – These are buns topped with sesame seeds and filled with tasty pork and green onions.
• Stinky tofu – One shouldn’t leave Taiwan without tasting stinky tofu, which actually stinks. This is made tasty with sauces and some pickled veggies.
• Fried sausages – These goodies are dusted with spices, such as garlic, pepper, and more.
• Oyster omelette – Chewy and delicious oysters are cooked with eggs and starch to perfection.
• Tanghulu – These are candied fruits on skewers perfect for capping off your food festivities.
• Milk Tea – Shop around while sipping on some refreshing milk tea.

Read more: Going Abroad? Try These Hacks to Save Money on Food While Traveling

📍 Taichung City

• Location: Central Taiwan
• How to get there: Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail and alight at Taichung Station.

Taichung City is Taiwan’s second-largest city. While known for being an industrial and commercial hub, it’s also a popular tourist spot because of its natural and cultural treasures. Taichung is more than 160 kilometers from Taipei, but you can reach it within an hour if you take the high-speed train.

Below are some of the most visited attractions in Taichung City:

• National Museum of Natural Science – One of Taiwan’s top museums, the National Museum of Natural Science has more than 30 permanent exhibit areas for the following subjects: ecology, minerals, space science, astronomy, and paleontology.
• Miyahara – Just a short walk from Taichung Station, Miyahara is an ice cream shop with Hogwarts-inspired interiors.
• Rainbow Village – This neighborhood is famous for its houses painted with loud colors and quirky subjects.
• Zhongshe Flower Market – Located in Houli District, this flower market is actually six hectares of vivid colors. Marvel at an assortment of flowers, such as tulips, cosmos, roses, lilies, and more.

📍 Sun Moon Lake

• Location: Yuchi Township, Nantou County
• How to get there: Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail and alight at Taichung Station. Then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus to Sun Moon Lake.

One of the most popular Taiwan tourist spots among nature lovers, Sun Moon Lake boasts stunning hiking trails and beautiful bike paths. This place is your breather from the hustle and bustle of urban life. If you’re staying in Taichung, it’s just an hour and a half from the city.

Measuring almost eight square kilometers, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest lake. It’s surrounded by verdant sceneries reminiscent of the Swiss Alps during spring. Aside from hiking and biking, you can visit temples and go on a food trip here.

📍 Kaohsiung City

• Location: Southern Taiwan
• How to get there: Book a flight to Kaohsiung International Airport or take the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Taipei.

Kaohsiung City is easily Southern Taiwan’s crowning glory. It’s the country’s largest port city and third-largest metropolitan area.

Staying here for a couple of days? Here are some of the destinations you shouldn’t miss:

• Cijin Island – Just a 15-minute ferry ride away from the mainland, this district is popular for its black beaches. You can also enjoy fresh seafood here.
• Pier-2 Art Center – If you’re into contemporary and street art, head to Basin No. 3 of Kaohsiung Port.
• 85 Sky Tower – With 85 floors, 85 Sky Tower is Taiwan’s second tallest skyscraper. You can spot it from almost anywhere in the city. Get a good view of Kaohsiung from the building’s observation deck.
• Fo Guang Shan – This massive complex has several towering pagodas and a giant Buddha statue measuring 108 meters.  
• Liuhe Night Market – Feast on seafood and shop until you drop at this night market. Don’t miss the popular papaya milk!

Dos and Don’ts in Taiwan 

Since you’re a guest, you should be aware of Taiwan’s customs and traditions. Otherwise, you may find yourself in awkward situations and even offend the locals. 

Avoid committing social blunders by taking note of these Taiwan travel tips: 

👍 Dos in Taiwan 

• Get a Wi-Fi device. Wi-Fi is free in many public places in Taipei, especially in buildings run by the government. But to stay on the safe side, book your own Wi-Fi device, especially if you’re traveling to the countryside. You can get it via travel websites, such as Klook and KKday. 
• Dress for the season. As mentioned, Taiwan is a humid country. It can get very hot or cold depending on the time of your visit. 
• Always bring an umbrella. As mentioned, it rains a lot in Taiwan.
• Wear modest clothes when visiting temples and other places of worship.  
• Take off your shoes when visiting someone’s home.
• Stand on the right side of the escalator. The left side is meant for those who are in a rush. 
• Give your gift, document, or package with both hands. This is a sign of politeness in the country. 
• Greet! Taiwanese are incredibly friendly people. If possible, learn some basic Taiwanese phrases to break the ice. 
• When in public transit, offer your seat to those who need it: pregnant women, kids, and the elderly. 
• Use the shared or serving chopsticks when dining with others.
• Bring the rice bowl close to your mouth when eating. 

Read more: Book Flights, Hotels, More: Travel Websites in the Philippines

👎 Don’ts in Taiwan 

• Avoid talking about a Taiwanese person’s views on Taiwan-China relations. While you’re at it, don’t assume their stand regarding the issue. 
• Never assume that the traditions and cultures of Taiwanese people and Chinese citizens are one and the same. 
• Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl, as this symbolizes bad luck.  
• Don’t give tips. Tipping is not part of the Taiwanese culture. 
• Avoid gifting items that have negative connotations. These include handkerchieves, which may mean giving the recipient a reason to cry, or a clock, which may symbolize attending a funeral. 
• Don’t eat or drink while you’re inside the MRT. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a hefty fine. 

Final Thoughts

Hailed as Asia’s Happiest Country in 2022,^[4] Taiwan continues to share happiness with its guests by treating them to a never-ending variety of sights and experiences. However, the true charm of the country lies in the warmth of its people.

You don’t need to worry about getting a Taiwan visa in the Philippines since it’s not a requirement. But if your trip is scheduled after July 31, 2024, get in touch with the authorities to check. 

For a memorable trip with your family, use this Taiwan travel guide and ask those who’ve been there for recommendations. 

Sources:

• ^[1] Taiwan Eyes Extension of Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos 
• ^[2] Official website of Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency
• ^[3] Taipei 101 Skyline460
• ^[4] Happiest Countries in Asia 2022 (Global Finance, 2022)