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

  • Writer: Xavi
    Xavi
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago


Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Thailand, Brunei, and Philippines until July 2027, while removing Cambodia from visa facilitation programs.
Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Thailand, Brunei, and Philippines until July 2027

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:

  1. Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) — conditional visa-free entry for short-term visitors

  2. "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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