Visa-Free Entry Fuels Surge in Taiwanese Tourists to the Philippines
The Philippines' visa-free entry initiative has significantly boosted the number of Taiwanese visitors, with arrivals climbing to 213,928 in 2025, marking a 6.32 percent increase from the 201,203 recorded in 2024, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). This growth underscores the program's effectiveness in enhancing travel access and reinforcing Taiwan's status as a key source market in Northeast Asia.
Steady Recovery in a Competitive Asian Market
Chriselle May Yambao, tourism attaché of the DOT in Taiwan, emphasized that the 6.32 percent growth reflects the steady return of Taiwanese travelers amid intense competition across Asia. "It confirms that our market fundamentals remain strong and that demand for Philippine destinations continues to be resilient," Yambao stated. The agency attributed this success to Manila's efforts to improve connectivity and simplify entry procedures, positioning the country as an ideal destination for short-haul leisure, cruise, and incentive travel.
Enhanced Connectivity and Promotional Strategies
In 2025, both commercial and charter flight operations expanded their routes and frequencies, allowing airlines to better accommodate seasonal demand. Additionally, the Philippines strengthened its presence in the regional cruise sector with new itineraries, such as Star Cruises' Star Navigator sailing via Kaohsiung. Yambao highlighted, "Improved connectivity and easier travel access were the main pillars of this recovery. With more flights, more cruise options and visa-free entry, traveling to the Philippines became more convenient and more attractive for Taiwanese visitors."
The DOT also intensified promotional activities in Taiwan, focusing on trade engagements and market-facing initiatives to sustain awareness and confidence. These efforts aimed to promote the Philippines as a safe, accessible, and value-driven destination, rather than relying on short-term price competition.
Diverse Interests and Market Resilience
Taiwanese visitors in 2025 showed strong interest in various attractions, including:
- Beach and island destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu
- Diving and marine experiences
- Cruise travel
- Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) and group travel
- English as a Second Language programs
This diversified portfolio helped cushion fluctuations across different segments, enabling a more even recovery toward the end of the year. The visa-free entry, which allows Taiwanese tourists to stay for 14 days, was implemented on July 1, 2025, following Taiwan's extension of a similar scheme for Filipino tourists.
The reciprocation of visa-free policies has fostered bilateral tourism growth, with the Philippines currently ranking ninth among Taiwan's outbound destinations. Overall, Taiwan's outbound travel market grew by 12.43 percent in 2025, dominated by destinations such as Japan, Greater China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.
