Taiwan Extends Visa-Free Entry for Thailand, Brunei, and Philippines Until July 2027 – Cambodia Removed from Programs
- Xavi

- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
TAIPEI — July 17, 2026 — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a one-year extension of the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines, effective August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027 .
The decision follows a comprehensive inter-agency review of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP) visa measures, which are designed to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian and South Asian partner countries .
At the same time, Taiwan will discontinue two visa facilitation programs for Cambodian nationals from August 1, 2026 . Cambodians will no longer be eligible for the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) conditional visa-free entry scheme or the "Guanhong Project" for high-end group tours .
Quick Facts: Taiwan Visa Policy Changes August 2026
Country | Current Status | New Status (From Aug 1, 2026) |
Thailand | Trial visa-free | Extended to July 31, 2027 |
Brunei | Trial visa-free | Extended to July 31, 2027 |
Philippines | Trial visa-free | Extended to July 31, 2027 |
Cambodia | TAC conditional visa-free + Guanhong Project | Removed from both programs |
India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos | Guanhong Project + TAC | Extended to December 31, 2027 |
Visa-Free Extension for Thailand, Brunei, Philippines
The extension applies to nationals holding ordinary passports traveling to Taiwan for tourism or short-term visits .
Key Features:
Duration: One-year extension from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027
Purpose: Tourism and short-term visits
Program: Trial visa-free entry under the New Southbound Policy
"After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures in past years, the relevant agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines." — Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Cambodia Removed from Visa Facilitation Programs
Cambodian nationals will no longer be eligible for:
Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) — conditional visa-free entry for short-term visitors
"Guanhong Project" — simplified visa regulations for high-end group tourists
Reasons Cited by MOFA:
Lack of reciprocity from the Cambodian government
Cambodia's public statements that undermine Taiwan's sovereignty
Cambodia's links to cross-border fraud cases
"The Cambodian government never reciprocated and followed China's denigration of Taiwan's sovereignty." — Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
"Cambodia's reputation as a haven for large international fraud rings" — Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Cambodian citizens will now need to apply for an appropriate visa from Taiwan's overseas offices. Any restoration of visa facilitation will depend on future changes in Cambodia's policy toward Taiwan .
Other Programs Extended
The following visa facilitation programs have been extended:
Program | Eligible Countries | Extended Through |
Guanhong Project (High-end Group Tours) | India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos | December 31, 2027 |
TAC Conditional Visa-Free | India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos | Ongoing (subject to future review) |
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