Types of VISA

There are different of visas that visitors to the Philippines can apply with the Consular Section. A number of factors determine the type of visa required such as purpose of travel for example or the qualifications of the applicant.

For more information, you may select any of the specific VISA types below:

Single Entry Individual Visa

By the term itself, Single Entry Individual Visas allow the visa holder a one-time entry into the Philippines. Once the person with the visa has visited (entered) the Philippines, the visa is considered to have been availed of. Should the person wish to enter the Philippines again, then one has to go through the visa application process once more. As a rule only one visa at a time can be issued to an applicant and the issued visa must be availed of before another one can be issued.

Multiple Entry Individual Visa

Multiple Entry Individual Visas allow the visa holder entry into the Philippines more than once up until the expiration date of the visa.

Single Entry Group Visa

Single Entry Group Visas are only offered to Taiwanese travel agents who offer group tour packages to the Philippines. This service is not offered to regular travellers even if they are travelling in a group.

Secondary Visa

Generally, only one visa is issued at a time per visa applicant except in cases when the traveler is flying to the Philippines and will be going to a third country then back to the Philippines. In which case, MECO can issue secondary visas (two single entry visas) to facilitate ease of travel.

Single Entry Individual Visa

By the term itself, Single Entry Individual Visas allow the visa holder a one-time entry into the Philippines. Once the person with the visa has visited (entered) the Philippines, the visa is considered to have been availed of. Should the person wish to enter the Philippines again, then one has to go through the visa application process once more. As a rule only one visa at a time can be issued to an applicant and the issued visa must be availed of before another one can be issued.

Process

All Single Entry Individual Visa applicants, including those who have previously been issued a visa and wish to apply for a new one, should take the following steps to submit their applications.

Step 1: Gather the required documents
  • Two (2) pictures 4.5cm x 3.5c, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.

    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.


    • Passport validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • Complete visa application form(s) in English

  • Applicant must be in Taiwan at the time of application

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 2: Pay the required fees
  • NTD 1,200 (Fee is the same for ALL NATIONALITIES)

  • Expedite: NTD 1,700 (↑NTD500)

Step 3: Releasing Period
  • Visas filed before 11:30 a.m and before 4:30 p.m will be ready for release the next working day at 10:00a.m

  • Expedite: stamp the application form with the EXPEDITE CHAP then proceed to Window 5 for payment. After processing payment, applicant waits for the visa (within 2 hours).

In cases where children are travelling to the Philippines, please also refer the Visa Requirements for Children. If the child is 15 years of age and older, the above requirements would suffice.

Visa Requirements for Children
  • Travelling with Parents
    • Original and photocopy of the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript or Household Certificate. Documents should be the original document per family and one photocopy per child.

    • If one of the parents of the child is not a Taiwanese passport holder, then the document to be presented should be the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate.

  • Travelling without Parents
    • An accompanying adult authorized to travel with the child. The accompanying adult must be at least 20 years old which is the age of majority or the legal age in Taiwan. The accompanying adult should also prepare the visa requirements for themselves, if applicable.

    • Original and two (2) photocopies of the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript. Documents should be the original copy per family and two (2) photocopies per child.

    • Original passport of the parent, child and accompanying adult should be presented and triplicate copies of each of the passport's data page has to be provided. Photocopies of the individual passport should be made on separate sheets of A4 Sized bond papers (i.e. copies of the passports cannot be squeezed in one page).

    • The parent of the child should also apply for an affidavit of support at MECO which will be used upon entry to the Philippines to process the Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). One of the parents of the child has to present themselves to the Consular section to process the above documentation.

    • Pin cases where the children are adopted, parents should provide the adoption papers and/or any additional documentation whereby the filiation of the children to the parents may be established. If the documents are in any other language than English, a translated copy in English should be provided together with the original.

    • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Visa Validity Period

There is a difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time permitted to stay in the Philippines. Your visa may remain valid for a certain number of months but the authorized period of stay may be limited to a few weeks.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Unless canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date.

Single Entry Individual Visas are valid for three (3) months from the date of issue. This means that one can use the visa from the time the visa was released up til the date of expiration listed on the visa. Entry to the Philippines on the last day of the validity period is allowed provided that entry is accomplished before 24:00 of the same day.

Length of Stay

Single Entry Individual Visas provide for a maximum stay of 59 days in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival.

MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the duration of stay. MECO does not have the authority to issue visas with validity more than that allowed by the DFA/BI and the duration of stay more than the fifty (59) days allowed by the same.

Multiple Entry Individual Visa

Multiple Entry Individual Visas allow the visa holder entry into the Philippines more than once up until the expiration date of the visa.

Process

All Multiple Entry Individual Visa applicants, including those who have previously been issued a visa and wish to apply for a new one, should take the following steps to submit their applications.

Step 1: Gather the required documents
  • Two (2) pictures 4.5cm x 3.5c, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.

    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.

    • Passport Validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • Complete the required visa application form(s) in English

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 2: Pay the required fees
  • 3 months: NTD 3,000

  • 6 months: NTD 5,500

  • 1 year: NTD 7,500

  • Expedite 3 months: NTD 3,500 (↑NTD 500)

  • Expedite 6 months: NTD 6,000 (↑NTD 500)

  • Expedite 1 year: NTD 8,000 (↑NTD 500)

** Note on 1 year multiple visas: It is ONLY offered in very special circumstances.

Step 3: Releasing Period
  • 1-2 working days

  • Visas filed before 11:30 a.m and before 4:30 p.m will be ready for release the next working day at 10:00a.m

  • Expedite: after 3 hours from the time of application, cut-off of expedite is before 3:30 in the afternoon.

Applicants Married to Filipinos

In cases where the applicant is married to a Filipino and wish to apply for a multiple entry visa, in addition to the above requirements, the original Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript or Household Certificate and a photocopy should be provided.

Applicants Travelling for Business Purposes

In cases where the applicant is travelling for business purposes, in addition to the above requirements, the following should also be provided:

  • Copy of the Company License

  • Copy of the Company Business Registration

  • Corporate Profile

  • Letter of request from the company (with the company letterhead) addressed to


    • The Philippine Resident Representative and Managing Director Manila Economic and Cultural Office
      #176, 11F, Chang Chun Rd.,
      Taipei, Taiwan

    • The letter should state the reason(s) why the applicant requires the issuance of a multiple entry visa, the applicant's position in the company as well as his/ her duties and responsibilities.

  • Business Card of the applicant

Visa Validity Period

There is a difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time permitted to stay in the Philippines. Your visa may remain valid for a certain number of months but the authorized period of stay may be limited to a few weeks.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Unless canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date. This means that one can use the visa from the time the visa was released up til the date of expiration listed on the visa.

Entry to the Philippines on the last day of the validity period is allowed provided that entry is accomplished before 24:00 of the same day.

Length of Stay

Multiple Entry Individual Visas provide for a maximum stay of 59 days per time in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival.

MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the duration of stay. MECO does not have the authority to issue visas with validity more than that allowed by the DFA/BI and the duration of stay more than the fifty (59) days allowed by the same.

Single Entry Group Visa

Single Entry Group Visas are only offered to Taiwanese travel agents who offer group tour packages to the Philippines. This service is not offered to regular travellers even if they are travelling in a group.

Process

Travel agents should take the following steps to submit their applications:

Step 1: Gather the required documents
  • Duly accomplished group tour visa application form in triplicate. Forms may be requested from MECO offices.

  • Copy of the business license of the Taiwan travel agency. The original must be presented by travel agents applying for the first time for authentication purposes.

  • Copy of the business license of the Philippine travel agency. The original must be presented by travel agents applying for the first time for authentication purposes.

  • Accreditation Certificate from the Philippine Department of Tourism certifying to the fact that the Philippine travel agency is a duly accredited tour operator in the Philippines. The original must be presented by travel agents applying for the first time for authentication purposes.

  • Original Letter of Guarantee from the Taiwan travel agency

  • Copy of the contract between the Taiwan and Philippine travel agencies stating among others that the Philippine travel agency will arrange tour groups from Taiwan and that liability arising there from shall be for the account of the concerned agency. The original must be presented by travel agents applying for the first time for authentication purposes.

  • Business License of the Philippine Travel Agent for the current year from the concerned local government unit of the Philippines.

  • Itinerary of trip

Step 2: Pay the required fees
  • 10 pax = NTD 960/pax (minimum of 10 pax)

  • NTD 1,200/pax (if below 10 pax)

  • Expedite: ↑NTD100/pax

Step 3: Releasing Period
  • Visas filed before 11:30 a.m and before 4:30 p.m will be ready for release the next working day at 10:00a.m

  • Expedite: Visas filed that day will be released at 5:00 pm on the same day.

Step 4: Travel agents should be reminded that:
  • Applicants should hold a passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.


    • Passport Validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

    • If the applicant has legally changed their name, the Taiwan Household Registration Record should be presented (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes).

    • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

    • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, the Taiwan Household Registration Record should be presented (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes).

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Also, travel agents are reminded to take note in cases where children are travelling to the Philippines.

Visa Requirements for Children
  • Travelling with Parents
    • Original and photocopy of the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript or Household Certificate. Documents should be the original document per family and one photocopy per child.

    • If one of the parents of the child is not a Taiwanese passport holder, then the document to be presented should be the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate.

  • Travelling without Parents
    • An accompanying adult authorized to travel with the child. The accompanying adult must be at least 20 years old which is the age of majority or the legal age in Taiwan. The accompanying adult should also prepare the visa requirements for themselves, if applicable.

    • Original and two (2) photocopies of the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript. Documents should be the original copy per family and two (2) photocopies per child.

    • Original passport of the parent, child and accompanying adult should be presented and triplicate copies of each of the passport's data page has to be provided. Photocopies of the individual passport should be made on separate sheets of A4 Sized bond papers (i.e. copies of the passports cannot be squeezed in one page).

    • The parent of the child should also apply for an affidavit of support at MECO which will be used upon entry to the Philippines to process the Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). One of the parents of the child has to present themselves to the Consular section to process the above documentation.

    • Pin cases where the children are adopted, parents should provide the adoption papers and/or any additional documentation whereby the filiation of the children to the parents may be established. If the documents are in any other language than English, a translated copy in English should be provided together with the original.

    • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Visa Validity Period

The Group Visa as issued is valid for three (3) months from date of issuance. MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the validity of the visa issued.

Non-Taiwanese nationals of countries requiring a visa to enter the Philippines and/or whose duration of stay allowed is only 21 days must be placed in a separate group visa application.

Length of Stay

Group Visas provide for a maximum stay of 59 days in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival. MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the duration of stay.

MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the duration of stay. MECO does not have the authority to issue visas with validity more than that allowed by the DFA/BI and the duration of stay more than the fifty (59) days allowed by the same.

Secondary Visa

Generally, only one visa is issued at a time per visa applicant except in cases when the traveler is flying to the Philippines and will be going to a third country then back to the Philippines. In which case, MECO can issue secondary visas (two single entry visas) to facilitate ease of travel.

Process

All Multiple Entry Individual Visa applicants, including those who have previously been issued a visa and wish to apply for a new one, should take the following steps to submit their applications.

Step 1: Gather the required documents
  • Two (2) pictures 4.5cm x 3.5c, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.

    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.


    • Passport validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • Complete TWO(2) visa application forms in English

  • Applicant must be in Taiwan at the time of application

  • Confirmed booking of plane ticket showing flight plan

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 2: Pay the required fees
  • NTD 2,400 (NTD 1,200 x 2)

  • With Expedite Service

Step 3: Releasing Period
  • Visas filed before 11:30 a.m and before 4:30 p.m will be ready for release the next working day at 10:00a.m

Visa Validity Period

There is a difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time permitted to stay in the Philippines. Your visa may remain valid for a certain number of months but the authorized period of stay may be limited to a few weeks.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Unless canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date.

Single Entry Individual Visas are valid for three (3) months from the date of issue. This means that one can use the visa from the time the visa was released up til the date of expiration listed on the visa. Entry to the Philippines on the last day of the validity period is allowed provided that entry is accomplished before 24:00 of the same day.

It is important to note that once the person with the visa has visited (entered) the Philippines, the visa is considered to have been availed of.

It is important to note that once the person with the visa has visited (entered) the Philippines, the visa is considered to have been availed of.

Length of Stay

Single Entry Individual Visas provide for a maximum stay of 59 days in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival.

Transit Visa

Transit Visas allow the visa holder entry into the Philippines for/ or while in-transit meaning the traveller will be traveling to a third country after entry into the Philippines. As an example: one's flight itinerary could be Taiwan - Philippines - Singapore.

Process

All Transit Visa applicants should take the following steps to submit their applications:

Step 1: Gather the required documents
  • Two (2) pictures 4.5cm x 3.5c, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.

    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.


    • Passport validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • For those that stay at the airport, no need for visa if they stay at the same terminal. If they go to a different terminal, a VISA is required.

  • Complete visa application form(s) in English

  • Provide the confirmed flight ticket.

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 2: Pay the required fees
  • NTD 800. Additional of NTD 500 if expedite.

Step 3: Releasing Period
  • Visas filed before 11:30 a.m and before 4:30 p.m will be ready for release the next working day at 10:00a.m

In cases where children are travelling to the Philippines, please also refer the Visa Requirements for Children. If the child is 15 years of age and older, the above requirements would suffice.

Visa Requirements for Children
  • Travelling with Parents
    • Original and photocopy of the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript or Household Certificate. Documents should be the original document per family and one photocopy per child.

    • If one of the parents of the child is not a Taiwanese passport holder, then the document to be presented should be the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate.

  • Travelling without Parents
    • An accompanying adult authorized to travel with the child. The accompanying adult must be at least 20 years old which is the age of majority or the legal age in Taiwan. The accompanying adult should also prepare the visa requirements for themselves, if applicable.

    • Original and two (2) photocopies of the Taiwan Household Registration Certificate Transcript. Documents should be the original copy per family and two (2) photocopies per child.

    • Original passport of the parent, child and accompanying adult should be presented and triplicate copies of each of the passport's data page has to be provided. Photocopies of the individual passport should be made on separate sheets of A4 Sized bond papers (i.e. copies of the passports cannot be squeezed in one page).

    • The parent of the child should also apply for an affidavit of support at MECO which will be used upon entry to the Philippines to process the Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). One of the parents of the child has to present themselves to the Consular section to process the above documentation.

    • Pin cases where the children are adopted, parents should provide the adoption papers and/or any additional documentation whereby the filiation of the children to the parents may be established. If the documents are in any other language than English, a translated copy in English should be provided together with the original.

    • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Visa Validity Period

There is a difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time permitted to stay in the Philippines. Your visa may remain valid for a certain number of months but the authorized period of stay may be limited to a few weeks or hours.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Unless canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date.

Transit Visas are valid for one (1) month from the date of issue. This means that one can use the visa from the time the visa was released up til the date of expiration listed on the visa. Entry to the Philippines on the last day of the validity period is allowed provided that entry is accomplished before 24:00 of the same day.

MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the validity of the visa issued. MECO does not have the authority to issue visas with validity more than that allowed by the DFA/BI.

Length of Stay

Transit Visas provide for a maximum duration of stay of 72 hours in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival.

Taiwanese nationals who intend to transit in the Philippines should take note that a visa will not be required provided that:

  • they do not leave the vicinity of the airport and their airline of choice assumes custody of the passenger. If the passenger is required to leave the airport for any reason (example: due to the flight itinerary, passenger needs to go to NAIA 2 from NAIA 1), then a visa would be required to enter the Philippines.

  • Passengers in transit will be requested to remain at the airport lounge until their actual date and time of departure.

  • MECO would advise Taiwanese travellers to contact their airline of choice to verify that such services (airline custody) are being offered and provided for transit passengers. In cases where such service is not available, then it is recommended that the traveller applies for a transit visa.

Seaman Visa

Seaman's Visas are issued to non-Philippine individuals who intend to join their vessel in the Philippines or whose vessels will be travelling to the Philippines.

Process

Applicants for the Seaman's Visa should take the following steps to submit their applications:

Step 1: Prepare an appropriate photo
  • Two (2) pieces full frontal, colored, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.


    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

Step 2: Gather the required documents
  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.


    • Passport validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 3: Complete the required visa application form(s) in English
Step 4: Pay the required fees
  • NTD 800. Additional of NTD 500 if expedite.

In addition to the requirements listed above, the following additional documents should also be presented:

  • Seaman’s book and photocopy of its data page, the validity of which should be at least six (6) months from the time the application is filed.

  • Certification letter from the shipping company deploying the foreign seaman attesting to the fact that the applicant is joining a vessel in the Philippines. The content of which should include the name of the vessel which the seaman will board, where it is docked,and the name plus designation/assignment of the seaman aboard the vessel.

Visa Validity Period

There is a difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time permitted to stay in the Philippines. Your visa may remain valid for a certain number of months but the authorized period of stay may be limited to a few weeks.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Unless canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date.

Seaman's Visas are valid for three (3) months from the date of issue. This means that one can use the visa from the time the visa was released up til the date of expiration listed on the visa. Entry to the Philippines on the last day of the validity period is allowed provided that entry is accomplished before 24:00 of the same day.

MECO in the exercise of its discretion may shorten the validity of the visa issued. MECO does not have the authority to issue visas with validity more than that allowed by the DFA/BI and the duration of stay more than the fifty (59) days allowed by the same.

Length of Stay

Seaman's Visas provide for a maximum stay of 59 days in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival.

Crewlist Visa

Crewlist Visas are issued to crews of airlines or vessels that will be travelling to the Philippines.

Process

Applicants for the Crewlist Visa should take the following steps to submit their applications:

Step 1: Duly accomplished crew list visa application form in triplicate
Step 2: Gather the required documents
  • Original Seaman’s book, the validity of which should be at least six (6) months from the time the application is filed.

  • Triplicate copies of the seaman’s book / passport data page of crew members.

  • Triplicate copies of the Vessel's Registration and present the original upon application for verification purposes.

  • Triplicate copies of the Passenger's Manifest

  • For fishing vessels - An Affidavit of Master or Owner of the vessel should be provided stating the purpose of the trip to the Philippines and a commitment that its crew will not illegally fish in the Philippine waters or do any illegal act according to the laws of the Philippines.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 3: Pay the required fees
  • 1 - 40 crew members = NTD 5,000

  • 41 - 100 crew members = NTD 7,000

  • 101 - 200 crew members = NTD 9,000

  • over 200 crew members = NTD 12,000

  • Additional of NTD 500 per application.

Step 4: Releasing Period
  • Visas filed before 11:30 a.m and before 4:30 p.m will be ready for release the next working day at 10:00a.m

  • Maximum of 2 days, it depends on how many group members.

Visa Validity Period

There is a difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time permitted to stay in the Philippines. Your visa may remain valid for a certain number of months but the authorized period of stay may be limited to a few weeks.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Unless canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date.

Single Entry Individual Visas are valid for three (3) months from the date of issue. This means that one can use the visa from the time the visa was released up til the date of expiration listed on the visa. Entry to the Philippines on the last day of the validity period is allowed provided that entry is accomplished before 24:00 of the same day.

Length of Stay

Crewlist Visas provide for a maximum stay of 59 days in the Philippines counting from the date of arrival.

Student Visa

Student Visas are issued to foreign nationals who are at least eighteen years of age and intend to enter the Philippines temporarily and solely for the purpose of taking up a course of study at a university, seminary, academy, college or school which has been permitted by the Commissioner of Immigration to accept foreign students.

Please refer to admitting school authorities for specific details of their student admission programs for foreigners.

Process

Prior approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is required before issuance by the Consular Section of the Student Visa.

To acquire approval from DFA, the student applicant must directly apply for admission at the Philippine educational institution of choice. The accepting Philippine school shall then forward the application package to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for approval. Once approved, the application package shall be endorsed by CHED to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and DFA will inform the Manila Economic and Cultural Office approval for the issuance of the student visa.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office shall then notify the student when the Student Visa can be processed. Applicants may check with MECO-Taipei on the status of the DFA Visa Authorization, which is about a month after the completion of the admitting school's requirements. Once approval has been granted, kindly follow the steps below:

Step 1: Prepare an appropriate photo
  • Two (2) pieces full frontal, colored, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.


    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

Step 2: Gather the required documents
  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.


    • Passport validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • Plane Ticket - round trip ticket or one with a third country destination from the Philippine.

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 3: Complete the required visa application form(s) in English
Step 4: Pay the required fees
  • NTD 12,000

In addition, the applicant must also provide the following documents:

  • Police clearance/ Police Record Certificate where the date of issuance must not be more than six months from the date the visa application is filed.

  • Original and copy of a Medical Health Certificate/ Medical Examination Report. The medical certificate/ report should include tests for AIDS and a Chest X-ray. Upon submission of the application, the X-ray film, laboratory reports, etc. should be included. The certificate will be acceptable provided it was taken in the last six (6) months from the date the visa application is filed.

  • Sworn statement executed by the applicant stating his/her contact numbers in the Philippines, the names and contact number of persons in the Philippines known to him/her and with whom he/she has/had dealings with and that he/she guarantees that he/she does not belong to any organization/association engaged in terrorist activities or organized for the purpose of overthrowing the government of the Philippines.

Visa Validity Period & Length of Stay

The visa validity period of the visa as well as the duration of stay shall be in accordance with the authority issued by the DFA.

Special Non-Immigrant Visa

Special Non-Immigrant Visas [also known as 47(a)(2) visas] are issued to qualified foreigners coming to the Philippines as professors, scholars, trainees, fellows, students, technical personnel, and other participants of certain entities and programs under the auspices of particular institutions, agencies, foundations, and corporations recognized by the Philippines and who have been granted authority by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to enter the country as such.

Process

Prior approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is required before issuance by the Consular Section of the Student Visa.

To acquire approval from DFA, the student applicant must directly apply for admission at the Philippine educational institution of choice. The accepting Philippine school shall then forward the application package to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for approval. Once approved, the application package shall be endorsed by CHED to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and DFA will inform the Manila Economic and Cultural Office approval for the issuance of the student visa.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office shall then notify the student when the Student Visa can be processed. Applicants may check with MECO-Taipei on the status of the DFA Visa Authorization, which is about a month after the completion of the admitting school's requirements. Once approval has been granted, kindly follow the steps below:

Step 1: Prepare an appropriate photo
  • Two (2) pieces full frontal, colored, taken within the last six (6) months with white background.


    • Decent attire, preferably with collar and no sleeveless tops.
    • Photos should be free from ink, marks, dirt, grease, fingerprints and stains.
    • Color of the photo should reproduce natural skin tones. Shading, reflections or washed out photos will not be allowed.
    • All facial features should be accurately presented. Any moles, birthmarks or scars should not be obscured.
    • Eyeglasses and shades are not allowed with the exception of the medically blind, in which case, the applicant should still be recognizable in the photo.
    • Contact lenses are not allowed except for medical reasons, in which case, the color of the eyes should not be changed by the contact lens.
    • Head scarf and veils are not allowed with the exception of religious or medical reasons, in which case, the applicant's eyebrows and eyes should not be covered.
    • Caps and Head gears are not allowed.

Step 2: Gather the required documents
  • A passport valid for travel to the Philippines and with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.

    • Passport validity

      All visa applicants should have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the Philippines. Visas will not be issued to applicants with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.

    • Valid visa on an expired passport

      A visa is valid until the date it expires, even if the visa is in an expired passport. To use a visa on an expired passport, bring the expired passport containing the valid visa and the 'new' valid passport. It is not possible to "transfer" a currently valid visa into a new passport.

  • A photocopy of your Taiwan ID, the front and the back section. The Taiwan ID should be the latest one issued by the Taiwan District Courts. Other types of IDs (driver's license, NHI card and others) will not be accepted.

  • Plane Ticket - round trip ticket or one with a third country destination from the Philippine.

  • If the applicant has legally changed their name, please bring your Taiwan Household Registration Record (listing the entire immediate family with detailed notes)

  • A male applicant who has not complied with the requirement of the Taiwan government to render military service or has not been exempted from doing so and such fact has been annotated at the back of his passport, a Permit to Travel from the Ministry of Interior of Taiwan or a stamp of approval to leave Taiwan on the passport must be presented to MECO before the application can be entertained.

  • The Consular Officer and/or MECO reserves the right to require additional proof or documents as the need arises.

Step 3: Complete the required visa application form(s) in English
Step 4: Pay the required fees
Special Resident Retiree's Visa

The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a non-immigrant visa separate and distinct from existing visa categories as this is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Republic of the Philippines under the Retirement Program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the right to stay permanently/indefinitely in the Philippines.

Interested parties can read more details from the website of the Philippine Retirement Authority at www.pra.gov.ph.