May 4, 2015
No. 085
With the addition of online visa application services granted by the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the number of countries or areas granting visa waivers, landing visas, or other preferential visa treatment to ROC passport holders will reach 142.
The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei said May 4 that the Philippine government will officially launch an Electronic Travel Authorization system July 1, allowing Taiwan travelers to apply and pay for tourist visas to the Philippines online.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes this announcement by the Philippine representative office in Taiwan, as the added convenience will promote interactions and exchanges between the two peoples, and deepen bilateral ties in ways meaningful for both countries.
Information concerning the terms and conditions, fees, and length of stays permitted will be announced by MECO at an appropriate time. The system will be available to local travel agencies for trial use beginning May 15. If the trials go well, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei will consider bringing forward the official launch date.
Myanmar has also extended its eVisa service to ROC passport holders. According to an announcement on the country’s Ministry of Immigration and Population website (evisa.moip.gov.mm), ROC nationals heading to Myanmar for tourism purposes who hold a standard passport valid for at least six months can now apply for an eVisa. Applications cost US$50 and are reviewed by Myanmar’s immigration bureau. Successful applicants will be given a single entry eVisa allowing for a stay of 28 days. Further details may be found on Myanmar’s MOIP website. (E)