Tourist Visa Application: Republic of China - Taiwan

     I went to Taiwan last Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2015 to join the Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy Conference. Since I went there alone, I did all the work especially on preparing all the requirements needed for the application. I am now sharing this to you for easier application.

     You may visit the Official Taiwan Website here to check the latest updates regarding on visa application. Online forms and list of requirements for different type of visa can be seen on their website as well. I will be focusing on tourist visa application.

     There are lucky people who are qualified for the visa-free entry to Taiwan. Qualifications are as follows:

Nationals of India, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia are eligible for the visa exemption program, which permits a duration of stay up to 30 days, if they possess a:

   a. Valid visa (including an electric one) (**) or

   b. Permanent resident certificate issued by U.S.A., Canada, Japan, U.K., Schengen Convention countries, Australia or New Zealand

     Those who meet the above qualification and have never been employed in Taiwan as blue-collar workers have to apply to the "Advance Online Registration System for the Visitors of Nationals from Five Southeast Asian Countries to Taiwan" of the R.O.C. National Immigration Agency (website: https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/) for an "Authorization Certificate" before coming to Taiwan. After completion, the printed-out Certificate can be used by the foreign visitor for boarding the airplane and the immigration inspection. During the immigration inspection, foreign visitors who can not show a valid visa or permanent resident certificate issued by one of the aforementioned countries will not be admitted into the R.O.C.

** A single-entry visa becomes invalid once it has already been used. However, a used single-entry visa might be acceptable for the purpose of immigration inspection to enter Taiwan, if it meets the following conditions:
1. On the same continuing journey, the visa holder uses it to enter the visa issuing country prior to his/her arrival in Taiwan; and
2. The visa holder will arrive in Taiwan before its expiration date.

Qualified applicants may require approval at https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast. Upon obtaining approval, please print out the Authorization Certificate and present it to the airline staff upon checking in at counter. For those who fail to show valid visas or permanent resident cards of the abovementioned countries, ENTRY TO TAIWAN IS PROHIBITED.

     For those unlucky people (including me) who didn't qualify for the visa-free entry to Taiwan, here are the requirements:

1. Printed online application form. Visit the site for the online visa forms. 

   

Click General Visa Application

Fill up the form. Make sure that everything is completely filled up. For the address and number in Taiwan, you can put the hotel's address and number that you're going to stay in for the whole trip. Make sure that you put the right address and number because they actually call the place where you'll stay (or your contact person/ friend/ relative in Taiwan) to assure that you will not do anything aside from your declared purpose of visiting Taiwan.

    *After filling up the Application Forms online,  print them out, sign on the last page and bring them along with other required documents to Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in the Philippines, either personally or through a substitute within 15 days of accomplishing the visa form. Hand written Application Forms will not be acceptable.

2. Two (2) passport size photos. 

    * Taken within 3 months

    * Measures 45 x 35 mm (1.77 long x 1.38 inches wide)

    * White background

    * Show a close-up of the head and top of the shoulders

    * Looking directly at the camera, with eyes open and clearly visible.

    * Neutral expression (no smiling, mouth closed) and a neutral skin tone is required

    * No hairs accross the eyes. Ears, moles, birthmarks or scars must not be covered

POKER FACE ON :) 

Photocopy and original copies of the following:

3. Passport. It must be valid for atleast 6 months. If you have old passport showing previous travels, bring it also. 

4. Birth Certificate issued by NSO

5. Marriage Contract (if applicable)

6. Supporting documents related to the purpose of visit such as:

    a. Confirmed roundtrip Air ticket or Booking Certificate

    b. Certificate of Employment and Letter of permission to leave from employer

    c. Financial statements of the applicant such as:

        (1) Income Tax Return or

        (2) Bank Book or Bank Certificate

    d. Etc. - Since I participated on a conference, I gave a copy of the proof of exhibition, invitation letter from the organizer of the event, and a copy of receipt of the said conference. I also gave a copy of hotel reservation. 

7. Employee's ID and/or PRC ID (if applicable)

8. Visa fee

Note: 

1. This Office reserves the right to withhold the reason for the disapproval of any visa application.

2.  In case visa applications were declined after review, the FEES CHARGED ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

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     If everything is set, you can go now and pass the requirements to the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines at RCBC Plaza, Tower 1, 41st Floor.

Filing Time: Monday to Friday 8:45AM to 11:45 AM

Releasing Time: Monday to Friday 1: 45PM to 4:45PM 

Processing Time:

* Visitor Visa: 3 Working Days

* Expedite Processing: 1 Working Day

     Passing of requirements is done during the morning. I suggest to go as early as 8:30am to sign at the reception area. After that, they will ask you you to go to the "smoking area" in front of the museum. DO NOT WANDER OFF. They will give queue numbers by 8:45 and will not hesitate to skip your name when you're not there. 

     When called, you have to show them your valid ID (SSS ID, Voter's ID, PRC ID and/or Driver's License) to be able to get your queue number. After getting your number, you will go back to the reception area to get an ID Pass. You must give them a valid ID in exchange of the ID Pass. If not valid (e.g. Employee's ID), you have to deposit P1,000 pesos. It will be given back after the application.

     The application proper is so fast. It took me about 10 minutes of waiting and about 5 minutes for the application per se. You will be called at the cashier to pay for the visa fee and will give you a receipt with your name and the date when you will get your passport.

     You will not be interviewed nor denied if you provided them all the requirements and supporting documents that they need. 

Note: I am a newly grad, recently passed the board examination and unemployed. If you really want something, you can have it. Just do your best and PRAY! :)