12 April 2013

Taiwan Visa Application for Filipinos

Gus and I were supposed to go to Taiwan for a 6-day vacation. Unlike the more famous tourist destinations Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, a visa is required if you want to enter the beautiful land of F4. :)

We planned our vacation for three months. We bought plane tickets as early as January of 2013. We made reservations in this quaint little hostel in Taipei City. Our itinerary was fixed, packed with various tourist destinations that included traveling from the north of Taiwan (Yilan County) to the south (Kaohsiung). Everything was well-planned, including where we would have our first dinner, our first street food, our first night market visit. All we needed was the visa.

Unfortunately, we didn't get one. We had to cancel all the reservations me made, our plane tickets wasted. Why? Because contrary to most of the blog posts I've read about getting a Taiwanese visa, it is actually very difficult to get one. Especially if you're a fresh graduate or on your first job.

Because of our very unfortunate experience, I decided to blog about the process of attaining a Taiwanese visa, to at least prepare/warn those who really want to visit this beautiful country. The process is actually easy. The requirements are the difficult part.

So how do I apply for a Taiwan visa?

1. Visit this website and fill up the application form. Yes, the link works. It really is not a trusted website. Don't think that the link is just a joke. I also had doubts when I first accessed the site because my laptop gave me a warning about it being an untrusted website. Just click yes, or approve, or add to exception (depending on what browser you are using) and it will direct you to the application form site.


After clicking yes or approved or go anyway, the link will direct you to this site.


Don't panic! Click the first box on the left, and this will take you to the Visitor Application Form. :)


You have to fill up four pages, and make sure to INCLUDE YOUR MIDDLE NAME in the GIVEN NAME BOX. The form is a bit unclear, so am posting some of our errors here to help you out. Make sure everything is filled up. Don't use FIlipino letters such as (enye) and other symbols like (.) or (-) if your name has it. 

For example: N i (enye) o should be spelled as N I N O, not with an (enye). Jr. should be spelled WITHOUT the (.) as in Jr ONLY.

If you are Chinese or if you are a Filipino with a Chinese name, TYPE IT! It doesn't matter if you are not Chinese by blood, if you were given a Chinese name for taking Chinese classes, type it in the box. This will help you with the application, said a reliable source we met in the embassy. Unfortunately, I did not type mine. :(

After filling up the form, don't forget to DOUBLE CHECK, and then print it out. If you do not have access to a printer at the moment, take note of the APPLICANT NUMBER. You need this to access the page again when you print it. You must print the form and submit it within 15 days, otherwise you'd have to fill up the form again.

2. Once the application form has been filled up, saved, and printed, work on your requirements. According to the Taiwan Embassy website, the requirements for the visa application are as follows:

  • 2 Passport-size photo taken within the last three months (1.5"x2") with WHITE background.
  • Passport valid for SIX MONTHS with previous travel stamps, if ever.
  • NSO issued birth certificate (bring the ORIGINAL copy just to be sure. We brought our original copy and photocopy, and they took the original copy.)
  • Marriage contract issued by NSO, if applicable.
  
The first four requirements are a MUST. You cannot bring just 2 or 3 out of the 4. You must submit all four requirements together with your application form. The next requirement, however, is tricky. The Taiwan Embassy website states the next requirement as:

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE PURPOSE OF VISIT such as:

  • CONFIRMED ROUNDTRIP airplane tickets
  • Certificate of Employment
  • Letter of Permission to Leave from your employer 
  • Financial statements such as ITR (Income Tax Return), Bank Book or Bank Statements

Even if you have thousands of money ON HAND, do not apply for a Taiwan visa unless you have ALL supporting documents along with the first four requirements. This means you should have a photocopy or printed copy of your plane ticket, your COE, a letter from your boss permitting you to leave, and either one of the two financial statements. Include your hotel reservations if possible. If you don't have an ITR, you MUST have a BANK BOOK or STATEMENT. Your chances of getting a visa will go down to 1% if you don't have ANY financial documents to show them.

What about my payslips?

I thought about my payslips. They are proof that I AM earning, right? Unfortunately, payslips won't work. I provided them with almost a year's worth of payslips, but it was of no importance to them. Don't get me wrong. I earn a reasonable amount, and I am single. I don't spend for anything but me. Unfortunately, the lack of an ITR or bank statement will not get you a visa. This trip was half shouldered by my mom, who gave us 50% of our pocket money, not to mention the money that we already had in our ATM. I'll be straightforward. We had roughly PhP35K in cash, but it does not matter. FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS ARE A MUST.

Bottom line is, no matter how prepared you are with all the other requirements pertaining to your visit, it will be very difficult to get a visa if you do not have any financial statements to show them. Gus and I even provided our 6-day itinerary down to the very last minute, along with e-mails from the travel agency in Taiwan who will be providing us with train tickets to go around the country and the manager of the hostel who reserved a room for us. We would've opened a personal bank account but we only had a week before our flight. Taiwan Visas are only valid for a month (1 month) and tourists can only stay for a maximum of 14 days upon arrival in Taiwan. So if you want to maximize your 14-day stay, you should apply for a visa a week or two before your flight.

If you have all the requirements, you can proceed to the embassy for the application. The embassy is located on the 41st Floor of the RCBC Building. The Taiwan Embassy Office opens at 8:45 AM, but I suggest you go earlier at around 8 AM, because a representative from the embassy hands out que numbers at 8:45 AM and the number you get depends on how early you arrive.

When you arrive at the building, proceed to the reception area on the ground floor. The reception area is near the Buendia entrance of the building. The receptionist will ask you to sign your name and wait for the representative. Your number depends on the list the receptionist will give to the representative.

The representative starts handing out numbers at 8:45. If she calls your name and you are not there, your number will be given to the next name in the list. Once you get your number, take the elevator to the 41st floor. The embassy is on the left. Just sit down and wait for your number to be called. Once your number is called, give your documents and wait for the next window to call your name. Note: They will keep your passport because they will print the visa here. The second window is for payments. Prepare PhP2,100 and pay the visa fee. The person will give you a claim stub after. Claim your passport after three days and see if you got the visa or not!
  • Bring a GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID. You need to surrender this at the reception to get a visitor's pass. You can use a company ID but they will ask you for a security fee of PhP1,000, which you will get back after you return the visitor's pass.
  • Visa application is from 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM, Mondays - Fridays.
  • Claiming is from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM, Monday - Fridays.

If you don't want to be denied, make sure you have ALL the documents. I cannot reiterate this enough.




Good luck!

138 comments:

  1. Hi Coleen! My officemate and I were supposed to go to Taipei too. However, he was denied passage because he didn't give a bank statement.

    P.S.
    I also think that the teco people are impatient bordering rude to the applicants. Hay :(

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    1. Hi Arlet! Actually, they weren't that friendly. I let my boyfriend do all the talking because he is Chinese but even though he started speaking Chinese, the person who was accepting our application hardly changed her tone. She became less hostile but still a bit scary. The person who actually gave us more info was this kind Chinese lady who owned a travel agency (we think) since she knew a lot about the process. She was the one who gave us the Chinese name tip.

      But yes, no matter how much cash you have, you get no visa if you don't have any document proving it. It's actually weird considering they want more tourists to visit their country.

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  2. Hi coleen! May i ask why your visa application wasn't accepted? Were planning to go this aug with siblings.

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    1. We were denied because we didn't have any bank documents. If you're planning to travel this August, I suggest you prepare your bank books/passbooks, or open a savings account now if you don't have one. They really check your financial standing through the bank documents you show them. :)

      P.S. If this is a gift from your parents or relatives, deposit the money in a bank. They don't really care if you have P1M unless it's in a bank, with bank documents to back it up. I hope you get approved! Taiwan is a really beautiful country (biases aside).

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    2. Thanks for the tip! Maybe you guys can try easier countries first like Thailand. I only got Taiwan because it's a seat sale haha

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    3. We also got our tickets because of a seat sale that's why we immediately bought them. :( Anyway, good luck and enjoy! Don't forget to try stinky tofu!

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  3. Hi Coleen, thanks for sharing this. We're actually going to apply for a tourist visa next week and I'm actually anxious about it since they might reject us given the conflict between Phils and Taiwan.

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    1. No problem. I just wanted people to find a more step-by-step guide on how to get one. I really wanted to fly to Taiwan but I guess I didn't get enough info online. I'm glad I could help. :) As for the current issue, I think it won't matter as much as you having enough funds. My friends from Taiwan say that they really need more tourists.

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    2. Hi Coleen! Thank you for this very helpful post. I am going to visit Taipei next month and will apply for my visa in Manila when I go home on June 30th. I am working in Cambodia and there's no embassy here. I am also afraid there will be an effect to the process since both countries are still not in a very good position no. :-)I will follow your pieces of advice.

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    3. No problem. Just try. Who knows, you might be luckier than me. :)

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  4. Hi Coleen! Thanks for this very informative post! Do you think it's possible to send my visa requirements via a friend? We're planning to visit Taiwan this August and I'm currently in the province right now. I was planning to mail my requirements to her and have her submit the documents along with hers when she visits Teco. Do they require personal appearance?

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    1. Hi there! They don't require personal appearance for application unless they have questions about it. When we went there, most applications were submitted in groups or by assistants and drivers. They usually ask for the applicant if the requirements are not complete or if the requirements are wrong. :D As long as you have everything, financial documents specially, I think you're good.

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    2. Thanks for replying! Did it take exactly 14 days, or more than that? :)

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    3. Did it take 14 days for the results? Nope. The results will be available as early as three days after your application (working days).

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  5. Hi Coleen, my American bf and I are planning to go to Taiwan to live together before we plan to get married but we need a job to survive ourselves while staying there for at least 2 years. What documents do I need to submit pls? I'm looking forward for your reply... Thank you:-)

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    1. Hi Lucille! I'm assuming you are Filipino? If I'm not mistaken, Americans don't need a visa when they visit Taiwan. They just signed an agreement with US removing that requirement. As for possible employment for your boyfriend, I think it depends on the company. My Taiwanese friends over there say that normally, the companies help you out with the requirements if they hire you. As for us Filipinos, unfortunately, we need to secure a work visa if we want to work there. The requirements for work visa is listed here: http://www.roc-taiwan.org/PH/ct.asp?xItem=341233&ctNode=4712&mp=272

      There are some additional requirements for securing work visas like a pregnancy test for women and other health certificates, but the process and filing and release schedule are pretty much the same.

      Good luck! :)

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  6. Hi Coleen. We werent able to put our MIDDLE NAME, since it was just GIVEN NAME AND SURNAME :( But all the other documents are present, do you think we will be DENIED?

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    1. According to the Chinese woman my boyfriend spoke to when we processed our papers, the middle name isn't a big deal since there was no middle name portion provided. As long as you put your given name as stated in your certificate of birth, you're okay. I actually failed to put mine the first time so I just reprinted but one of the women assisting in the Taiwan embassy also said the same thing as the Chinese lady who gave us tips. What's important is the other requirements. They focus on either 1) your race/background -- if you're Chinese [if you have a Chinese name] or Taiwanese or married to one, etc; or 2) your financials.

      Then again, with our current situation with Taiwan, I can't say for sure if you will be granted or denied visas. Good luck!

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  7. Hi Coleen,

    Thanks for this very informative blog. We hope to travel to Taiwan next month. I just wanted to ask about the Letter of Permission to Leave from your employer. I am not really aware if my employer issues this one. Do you think I can just submit my approved leave then? Many thanks in advance!

    Wendy

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    1. Hi Wendy! My former employer didn't issue this kind of "certificate" too but I just asked our HR if they could make one for me. You really need a letter of permission aside from the approved leave certificate because they want to make sure that your employer is vouching for your return to the country. The approved leave certificate has no assurance that you will be returning to the country. The permission slip is somewhat an assurance because your company is telling them that they too, know that you will return and that they are expecting you to return.

      I hope this added info helps! :)

      Good luck!

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  8. Hi just want to ask... Is there any show money? I have a payroll acct provided by our company but I only got 35k in it...

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  9. Follow up question again coz I've read some blogs din you will get denied if wall ka pang stamps ng I bang country... This is my first time to travel out of the county. Sept 7 next is hongkong.... By the end of the month... Am really nervous....

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    1. Hi! Sorry for the late reply. They will ask for a copy of your bank account statements to check if you have sufficient funds. They won't accept actual cash, it has to be money in the bank with proof (bank statements). :) Good luck on your application!

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  10. Hello Coleen! May I ask if you know the validity of the Taiwanese Visa (single entry) once issued By TECO? I know that the maximum stay in Taiwan is 14 days. I'm planning to get my visa this week but my date of travel is on the 3rd week of October. . Thanks in advance.

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    1. Hi! The validity of the visa is 30 days only. If your trip is on October, it is highly advisable that you file your application 1 or 2 weeks before your trip. If you want to use the whole 14 days, 1 week before the trip is advisable. :) Good luck!

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    2. Hello Coleen! I called the office of TECO yesterday and the lady who answered my queries said that the validity of the visa is 3 months. However, in some instances they also issue visa with a 1 month validity. Nakakaloka! First time na naka encounter ako ng embassy na hindi 3 months ang validity ng visa. Anyways, since I'm from the mountain I have decided to file it on the 1st week of September...come what may...lalaladelala....Thanks for the lightning fast reply. Very informative blog.;>

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    3. No problem. Glad I could help. But make sure you clarify with TECO because they might have misinterpreted your question. Once they give you a visa, you must use it WITHIN 1 month. But, you can only stay in Taiwan for 14 DAYS. The 1-month validity just means that you have one month to leave the Philippines and visit Taiwan before your visa expires. But once you get to Taiwan, you can only stay there for a maximum of 14 days.

      Good luck!

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  11. Share ok LNG I got my visa khapon 14days LNG visit visa po...it will start a day after ur arrival... Make sure complete requirements mo...

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    1. Thank you for sharing this. The actual visa does last for 14 days ONLY.

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  12. hi coleen very helpful blog about taiwan visa thank u. Question lng cuz i would be also applying for a taiwan visa this month as a gift of my parents to me taking a tour in taiwain and at the same time i have also a cousin there living in taiwan already. Question i work from our family business so i dont have any CEO or letter from the boss for a leave is that ok? at the same time ask ko lng din if i still need my OWN bank and financial statements? Or pwede na ipresent nalang ung sa parents kong bank and financial statements since sila naman mag pprovide for my tour?

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    1. Hi! If you have your own business, they require proof that you do such as ITRs, bank statements. You don't need to print any letter na. As long as you can prove that you do work for your family business, it's okay na. Sorry for the late reply, school work's been heavy! Good luck!

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  13. Hi we're booked for a flight on October 23-27. ask ko lang we haven't booked for a hotel yet. wala pang time to look for one. but we'd like to work on the visa already. in the application for there was mention of "address and phone number IN Taiwan" what should we write there? thanks so much

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    1. Hi! Sorry for the delayed reply. I've been busy with school work. If your flight is on the 3rd week of October, it is highly recommended that you work on your visa 7-10 days BEFORE your flight. The visa is valid for 1 month only, which means that once they give you a visa, you must leave the Philippines within 1 month. BUT, you can only stay in Taiwan for 14 days so if you want to maximize your 14-day stay, better to get it a week before the flight. Since you're staying for 4 days only, you can work on your visa around October 14.

      The address and phone number in Taiwan is the contact details of the hotel you will be staying in. They want to make sure you really have a place to stay in once you get there. You will also need to present the reservation form of the hotel you will be staying in.

      Good luck!

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  14. Hi Coleen,

    Question lang, pde pala if hingi lang ako ng bank statement or copy ng money ko tru our payroll atm? wala kc ako bankbook e. thanks!

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    1. Bank statements are okay. You can show whatever financial documents proving you have money. :) Yun lang important. Good luck!

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  15. hi colleen.. ask ko lng po my bf po ako sa taiwan working as teacher and he want me to go there and spend our xmas together and new year ill book my flight dec 14 to jan 4. ask ko lng po kung anu po kailangan namen gawin or mga requirements na pede ipasa and ok lng po vha 70k its enought?

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  16. Hi, Colleen! I’m planning to visit Taiwan as a tourist with my brother. I would have no problem with the requirements. My brother, however, is still in college and he doesn’t have a bank account yet. My mother will shoulder his expenses. Should we prepare a letter of sponsorship stating that my mother will be shouldering his trip expenses? We could bring his school ID to prove that he’s still a student, birth certificates will prove the kinship/relationship, and my mother could provide her bank statement/certificate as proof that she has more than enough money to sponsor the trip. Also, would it be alright if I only submitted an ITR? Thank you very much. :)

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    1. Hi Leah! Sorry for the late reply. I hope I'm not too late. I think being a student is okay. They have better chances of getting a visa provided one of your parents show that they're supporting his trip. As for you, ITR is okay. I was asked for my bank documents because I didn't have my ITR but it's actually a better option. But if you have both, better! Good luck!

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  17. I actually call the TECO office today, and they told me airline ticket confirmation is not required, They told me to get the visa first, then buy the ticket. here is the # you can call (63-2) 887-6688. Enjoy Taiwan tour!!!

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    1. Wow! Is this true? This is very good news then! Last year, they required airline tickets to get a higher chance of getting approved. Thanks for the info, James.

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  18. hi, thanks for this useful info.. I never thought na kelangan muna ng visa before mgbook ng flight.. So we already booked a flight kc nga me promo and I heard Taiwan is beautiful..Tpos un nga mgprocess kmi ng Visa dun sa teco.. Pwede ba kahit 10k lang nailagay dun sa bank statements namin sa Payroll? tapos me passbook ako ng 5k ? pwede na ba un?

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    1. Pwede niyo i-try. Depende rin kasi sa magchecheck. Pero better kung yung bank account niyo is consistent na may laman talaga na P10K. Kung bagong lagay kasi, baka mahinang proof yun ng financial capacity. Kung wala kayong bank statements, pwede rin naman kayo kumuha ng ITR sa BIR para lang may proof na kaya niyo talaga i-support yung vacation. :D

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  19. and just to add, it is really hard to get a letter from the Employer stating that we have filed the leaves and it was approved.. Will it be okay na Certificate of employment nalang ibigay or letter ng Supervisor mo just to prove na okay kami mgleave?

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    1. A certificate of employment of is good, but it's better to have an official document from the office stating that you really filed for leave. Think of it as proof that your employer/company knows that you're leaving for vacation lang and you will be coming back. :) Good luck!

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  20. ask lng po dun sa bank statements ilang months ba pwedeng ibigay dun? pwede lang ba 3 months bank statements ? thanks

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    1. Pwede na yung three months pero baka kailangan mo pa dagdagan ng ITR mo. The bank statements kasi are needed para lang they know na you're going there for vacation lang, not work; and that you can support yourself financially when there. :)

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  21. Hello Coleen, I am very happy I read your blog. I am planning to go to Taiwan this year. I have a Taiwanese boyfriend and he wants me to visit his country. However I am not confident that they will approve me a visa. First I just graduated in 2013, I only have 1 year of working experience but I am pretty sure I am capable of supporting myself. In your blog you said you need to show to the embassy your financial statements. I already have a bank account but how much money should I put there to ensure they will approve my VISA. Thanks a lot. :)

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    1. Hi Rachel! If you have a bank account already, you can't just do a 1-time, big time deposit. The bank statements should show that there's a constant flow of money going into the account. P40-50K will be okay, I guess. I've heard others show P100k show money but if you are employed, a certificate of employment, ITR, and official letter from the office saying that you really filed for leave and are going for a vacation only. Make sure you also have an address of where you're staying in Taiwan on your application form. :)

      Good luck!

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  22. Hi Coleen! Thanks for the reply! Much appreciated! Yes, we have printed 6 months of bank statements thru payroll, we have requested for COE and ITR! tpos ng.open pa kami ng passbook 10k..Sana okay na un.. Our supervisor also made a letter which is not hand written and she also signed it..Kc as far as we know, di ngrerelease ung Employer ng statement na permit to leave, di ung employer pero ung Boss pwede pa..What do u think Coleen? My officemate has just been regularized which is 6months pwede na ba ung ITR nia un sa present company na 6 months palang xa sa present employer? Thanks so much sa help! Means a lot :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! That's great. You really are prepared. If handwritten yung letter ng supervisor niyo, I think it's better if you also bring a photocopy of her company ID as proof that she really is your supervisor. Anyone can write a letter kasi, at least you have proof na she really is your immediate boss. As for your friend, hmm. I can't say but I'm not confident about his/her status. If this is her first job and six months pa lang siya, baka magka-problem kayo. They might think kasi na pupunta kayo doon for employment. BUT! If you have the necessary financial documents, ITR and bank account/s (dapat yung bank account niyo may constant flow ng cash going in), pwede na. Good luck! :)

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    2. Nope, matagal na xang ngwowork Coleen sa BPO, she just transferred company samen, 7 months nxa actually sa company pero meron naxang experience sa previously sa BPO as well. so do I need to have the letter handwritten or pwede computerized?

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    3. Actually, mas formal sana kung printed. Syempre visa center rin kasi yun. :) Good luck!

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  23. yup! we can have it photocopied kaso wala naman kcng nkalagay na Supervisor xa sa ID eh..so pano un Coleen? :(

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    1. I'm not sure if it'll pass. You can try but they're a bit strict kasi. :)

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  24. Hi what if sa friend namin sa taiwan kmi tutuloy? Ano need nya ibigay smin for visa application?

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    1. You need your friend's address and contact number in Taiwan. Yun yung lalagay niyo sa visa application form ninyo. :)

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  25. Hi Coleen! Thanks for this blog ha! We just got our Tourist visa from TECO earlier.. We are bound for taiwan na extweek! This blog really helped us! Thanks! :) Ingat

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    1. I'm so glad to hear that! Enjoy Taiwan! Make sure to try all their delicacies -- stinky tofu, pineapple cakes. :D

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  26. Hi coleen! Im planning to visit my husband working in taiwan. I worked also in taiwan before for 4yrs. My husband and I are both filipino. I am a canada visa holder. May bank account has only 20k. Does it enough for 14days visit. My husband will shoulder all my expenses during my stay. Do i need to submit letter like invitation letter from my husband. I cannot also give COE or approval letter for leaving since im not employed anymore. Do i need to present my work contract in canada as a proof that i will return.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! I think it'll be easier since you worked in Taiwan before. Just prepare the necessary requirements as listed above. I'm not even sure if you have to apply for a visa since you have a Canadian visa na. They usually don't require visas for those who hold visas from UK, US, and Canada. :)

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  27. hi coleen, thanks for this informative blog, how is it possible for non working person? im college student and im planning to visit some friends in taiwan and have tour tho, of course i dont have CEO nor ITR, i have bank certificates/statements anyway and sufficient amount on it (allowance), so is it possible for me as student to apply visitors visa in taiwan? im looking forward to your response... thanks mam god bless :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you're still a student, I think you have to present your parents' financials. Since you're still studying, they know that you're not going there to look for work and that you need to come back here. Just bring all the other requirements you can. :)

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  28. Hello po. I was planning to visit my boyfriend in Taiwan. So ang kkunin ko Tourist Visa po db? Kailangan ko pa ba ng Letter of Invitation galing sa bf ko? and ok na kaya ang 40k na laman sa bank statement ko if mag sstay ako ng 2weeks in taiwan? Thankyou po. Wait ko po answer nyo :)

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    1. And student palang po kasi ako.

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    2. Hi Rachel! Yes, tourist visa. Actually, kahit wala ng invitation letter from your boyfriend. Just make sure you indicate your boyfriend's contact details in the visa application form. Sa hotel ka ba magsstay or with him? You also have to indicate saan ka titira while you're there. If you're a student, I think it's easier kasi sure sila na babalik ka dito for your studies. They might ask for other documents from your parents though like ITR nila or permission slip if you're under 18 years old. :)

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    3. Meron pong question sa Visa Form na ID No. Ano po illagay dun?

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    4. Leave it blank lang. Wala naman tayong national ID. :)

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    5. Thankyou po. :) Ilang days po kya bgo mkuha ang visa? Ang laking help po nitong blog mo. :)

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    6. You're very much welcome. I'm glad I could help. :) After 3 working days, pwede na siya kunin. Good luck!

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    7. Tomorrow ko na po icclaim ung Visa ko. Kinakabahan ako! 40k lang po kasi laman ng Bank Statement ko eh. And wla po ako any supporting documents.. Pero complete po ako sa mga requirements.

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    8. Rachel nakuha mo ba yung visa mo?

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  29. Hi coleen..i have a taiwanese fiance and he is planning to bring me to taiwan for 2 weeks to visit his family..i just resigned recently because we are about to get wed dis year. I don't have COE to present (since i already resigned from my job). What other documents should i prepare in place of the COE?

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    1. I worry that they might deny my visa application since i already resigned from work..is the invitation letter enough and bank certificate enough? Thanks

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    2. Hi Monna! I don't think they'd deny your visa. If you guys are getting married this year, I think that's a valid reason for having resigned. Just prepare the other financial documents you have and state the purpose of your visit. I assume your fiance is Taiwanese? :)

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    3. Yes my fiance is taiwanese. We just applied for my visitor visa today. The purpose of visit i placed was tourism purpose, but i gave a copy of his taiwan passport and ID for supporting documents to prove that he is taiwanese. I hope my visa will be granted. Thanks for your help.

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    4. That's great! I'm glad I could help. Good luck! :D

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  30. Hi Coleen!

    Why did you say that it's harder for fresh grads to obtain a visa? I will be applying for a visa next week for our trip in May. I'm a fresh grad (just graduated last March so I don't have work yet), I don't have a bank account, and my parents will be shouldering my expenses. I'll also be travelling with a few of my friends. Should I show them the financial documents of my parents instead? Or should it really be filed under the applicant's (mine) name?

    Thank you so much!

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    1. Hi Erin! They usually think kasi they (fresh grads) go to Taiwan for work. I was already working for almost a year, with previous work experience pa, but my visa was denied because I didn't have proof of income. In your case, it's best if you tell them that your parents will finance it and show your parents' documents instead but of course, the application should be under your name. :D Good luck!

      Delete
  31. Hello, may minimum show money po ba for Taiwan visa? If ever po how much? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! They will ask for your financial documents or bank statements showing the amount of money you have saved. :) A good amount would be around 20-30k plus proof that you have a secure job and all the other documents they will ask for (ITR, CoE, etc.)

      Delete
  32. I'm planning to go Taiwan this October 17 n will maximize my visit to 14 days since my mom hmy step father and siblings re there. My problem is, I don't have much savings on my bank account. I work with just minimum rate. But, it will be my mom who will spend for my vacation there. How is that? Will I have the possibility to be denied? Coz a friend of mine told me I need atleast 100k savings. Please reply. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Coleen. I retired my business of two years last November and I haven't found a suitable replacement yet. This means that I've been technically unemployed for over six months. Will my inability to present a COE prevent me from obtaining a Taiwan visa even if I have my ITR from the previous years and financial/bank documents to present? Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi ms coleen.gud day po..my taiwanese friends are inviting me to visit them.they say they will provide all the expenses eh and they will send me an.invitation letter does it help.i dont have work for a year coz i have a pending application in japan.And one thing more i worked in taiwan for 9 years does it questionable?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Coleen, thank you for this very informative blogpost. I would like to inquire if, say, our Visa application is denied, is there any other way that we can get an entry visa to Taiwan without having any valid US/AU visa?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi what happen if my agency cancelled my fight. I have already a visa going to taiwan. My agency cancelled my fight. I have already schdule fight september 24 2014.last 4days. Pero hnd pa alam ng employer ko na hnd ako itutuloy ng agancy ko. Gusto nila gumawa ako ng letter na kacancel ko visa ko. Ano gagawin ko

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ang work ko saan ay factory worker .fight ko nasa last wensday. Yungagency ko kasi at leanding na nautang ko ng placement my dating bad history. So sabi ng agancy pg hnd ko nabalik ang pera hnd ako matutuloy.so ng punta ako ng lending. Sabi nmn ng lending imposible na macancelled nila ako kc naka visa apperance na ako. after naibalik ko na yung pera my cert. Na ako napakita na wala na me utang. Kasi ang placement ko ay 80 thousand pesos.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Problem are the underpaid Filipino workers at the counter. Taiwanese Consuls are actually nice. I'm an Expat employed in an International Company for many years (top Executive Level) and the nasty women at the counter sent me back three times. I can afford losing my 1K USD for prepaid vacation. I choose not to go to Taiwan now. I'd rather spend my money in Europe. Don't go to Taiwan, they need to understand tourism better. Terrible!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Cool! I will surely follow this guide when I need to apply for Taiwan visa application. I will start completing my requirements so that there will no hindrance in getting my visa. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  40. How much should we need to prepare for my bank statements?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe as long as your average daily balance on your bank statement is above 50k, then you're good.

      Delete
    2. Hi! Apologies for the late replies. The Taiwan Embassy person I talked to did not mention any specific amount. What she simply said was that my bank statements should have enough money to prove that I can support myself during the vacation and that I will be coming back to Manila. The statements should also show that it wasn't a one-time big time deposit. There should be deposits and withdrawals, normal banking transaction in the account within a period of around 6 months. :)

      Delete
  41. I asked my local travel agency for assistance in acquiring a taiwan visa but they said ITR is required even if you have a bank statement. Is ITR really required?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! The ITR is a requirement but given that some people don't have ITRs, you can present a bank or any financial statement that can prove that you can support yourself while you're in Taiwan. :)

      Delete
  42. Good evening po,ask q lng po kng magkano show money na good for 14days stay my 22k na po aq sa bank account q at magddeposit po aq ulit ng 37k this coming week pra mging 65k at ippasa q po ang documents q this coming week then sa friday..kumuha rin po aq ng certificate of employment and compensation q sa school pra my ebidensya aq na yun income q,teacher po kc aq..my plane ticket na rin po aq as a proof na roundtrip,makakakuha kya aq ng visa?thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nung nag-try ako, minimum daw is P50,000 pero mas importante na makita ng embassy na may "flow of income" sa bank account mo. Mas important makita na may constant income na pumapasok sa bank account mo. :)

      Delete
    2. coleen, until now b diffiult to get a visa there? what if itr lng and no bank statement to show, either lng b s dlawa is ok na

      Delete
  43. Hi! Does anyone here have an experience of applying a student visa to study mandarin in Taiwan?

    ReplyDelete
  44. If your visa gets denied,kelan po ba ulit pwede may re-apply?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I applied, you can try again in three days. Not sure lang now kung nagbago na. :)

      Delete
  45. hi ms colleen,
    Is 10k is enough in my savings account to get visa for one week?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lale! I'm not really sure. It depends on other factors like 1) are you currently employed? If so, for how long have you been in your company; 2) even if it's P10K only, do you regularly deposit money in that account? The embassy has to see proof that you can sustain yourself in Taiwan when you get there and that you are not merely attempting to look for employment there in the guise of a "vacation". :)

      Delete
  46. Helo po ma'am coleen ask ok lng po sana ma'am kung anu ang dapat Kong gawin para makapag workpo ako sa Taiwan problem ko po kc! ala po akong middle initial hope mapayohan nyo po ako plss

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! I think mas okay if you consult with POEA. I tried going to Taiwan for pleasure kasi, not work. Bakasyon lang talaga. :)

      Delete
  47. Hi Coleen, I am scheduled to submit requirements next week for taiwan visa. We are applying as a family including my parents whom I will be financially supporting. We have executed affidavit of financial support for their trave. They do not have NSO birth certi already because they were born on the year not listed or available already in the system. Will the negative result letter from NSO sufficient enough as alternative for Birth certi? and will the affidavit covers other requirements na? they travel yearly for the last 10 years including US

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unless they changed their policy, US Visa holders need NOT apply for a Taiwan visa. Just proceed with your appointment so they can advise you on what forms to fill up in case you don't need to apply for a Taiwan visa.

      Delete
  48. Hi ms coleen tanong ko lang po galing npo ako taiwan ofw pwede po ba ako apply ng tourist visa and may advantage ba pagiging ofw ko sa taiwan?thank you

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi ms coleen tanong ko lang po galing npo ako taiwan ofw pwede po ba ako apply ng tourist visa and may advantage ba pagiging ofw ko sa taiwan?thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can still apply as a tourist but I'm not sure kung may advantage na OFW dati. When we applied kasi, sobrang strict nila sa requirements. Pero according to my friend, Taiwan is more lenient now daw. :)

      Delete
  50. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi coleen.. im gonna apply for visa of taiwan but i just want to ask if is that ok if i dont have a work certificate because i am a self employed on call manicurist.. so i just asking is ok if i just have bank statement.. thanks.. i hope you can text me back. Godbless

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi ms coleen im gonna apply visa for taiwan. But im gonna asking if is that ok if i dont have work certificate because im a selfemployed on call manicurist.. is that ok if i just have a bank statement.. thanks i hope you can text me back.. goodbless

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Miss Jenny. COEs are for employees lang naman po. If you are self-employed, bank documents and ITR po pwede na. :)

      Delete
  53. Hi coleen. Just 2 simple-complicated question about bank certificate or bank accounts. Im not sure kung ano mga yan pero ang masasabi kung bank account or certificate na mapprovide ko is yung atm-debit bdo account ko from my current employer and ofcourse every cut off wala natitira sa account na yun as a balance kasi pinag aaral ko kapatid ko at the rest allowance ko na. So need bang may specific amount na laman yun before mag request sa bank ng certificate para ma approve visa? Is bank certificate is a proof na may pera ka while travelling o just a record na nagkakaroon ka ng pera dito ever since na nagging employee ka ng employer mo? Kasi gf ko is nasa Taiwan at sya mag hhandle ng expenses ko doon. Mine is just this visa and plane ticket. Hoping the best answers asap bcos I really miss my girlfriend kaya gusto ko sya pasyalan. Thanks.

    Second

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Second!

      You can always request for your bank certificate from your bank naman. This is the record lang of your transactions sa bank account na meron ka. They ask to see this kasi they need proof na you have enough to support yourself when you go there.

      Since your girlfriend is the one who will be shouldering your expenses, ask her to write a Letter of Invite -- an invitation stating that she is currently employed there with details of her employment/company and that she is inviting you to visit Taiwan and that she will be shouldering your expenses. :)

      Delete
    2. So kahit walang laman savings account ko ma aapprove pa din visa application ko?

      Im thinking kasi na hindi ko muna iwwithdraw yung marrecieve kung salary this end of month since nfull cash ko na tuition ng brother ko and mag ddeposit ng 20k si girlfriend before ako kumuha ng bank statement para it will show na may pera ako na ppunta. Is that enough para mafully approved yung visa application ko?

      Delete
  54. Hi Coleen! I am planning to visit Taiwan next summer. My lolo would be the one to finance my whole trip so do I need to present my lolo's bank statement or bank book? My lolo is self-employed so I am not sure if he has an ITR. I am just going there alone. I am still in college and my savings is not that much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! Since you are a student, you have to present your parents's documents -- bank/financial documents, ITRs, COE.

      But if your lolo is the one who will be shouldering the trip, you may need to present his documents too and state that it's a gift from him. If your lolo is self-employed, he should have an ITR din. :) Self-employed and employees have ITRs.

      Delete
    2. Hi! So I don't have to present my parent's documents since my lolo is the one who will be shouldering the trip? And I saw your comment above saying that Taiwan is lenient nowadays. Does it mean that applying for a tourist visa is going to be less strict? Btw, thanks for answering my inquiries and your blog is a huge help for me :)

      Delete
    3. Bring it just in case they ask for it so less hassle for you.

      But when I went there, they asked for the information of the person shouldering my expenses (aka my mom) so number one thing you must have is your lolo's documents and anything to prove that he is paying for it (for example a letter from your lolo stating it's a gift).

      Also, you might have a valid US or Canadian or UK visa. In this case, you don't have to apply for a visa. Just visit their website for the form. :D

      Delete
  55. hello, I am planning to visit Taiwan and unwind since I got suspended for 3 days. I can get a COE however I am not sure if I can get a letter of permission to leave from my company because of my suspension. Are they going to call my employer to verify the status of my employment? Plus the only ITR I can present it from my previous employer. ITR for this year is not yet generated not until January or February 2017, I got employed to my current employer nun January lang kasi. Okay lang ba yun? I got denied na kasi before, when I was in college. ippalakad ko visa application with travel agency, gano kalaki chance ko na maapprove?, thanks! I read all the queries here and none of those applies with my current situation, so hope you can help me out. thankie much. I hope I can get a reply before November 15.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi! I would like to share my own very recent information about Taiwan Visa application for Filipinos.
    MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
    - Visa Application Form. Address and Phone number in Taiwan CANNOT be blank. You can use the contact information of your booked hotel.
    - Two (2) 1.5″ x 2″ less 3 months old passport photos, white background, with signature at the back. Extra copy in a plastic attach to the visa application form.
    - NSO-provided birth certificate
    - NSO-provided marriage certificate (if applicable)
    - Income Tax Return
    - Recent bank certificate AND bank statement
    - Certificate of Employment
    - Certificate of Earnings (for Upwork/oDesk freelancer)
    - Photocopy of Company ID
    - Round-trip tickets
    - Trip Itinerary
    - Confirmed hotel booking at least 1 night (printed email, doesn't have to be paid.)

    I am looking for a buddy, joiner or company for my hike in Snow Mountain sometime in January 25-20, 2017. Please email me hewbertgabon@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. U mean i need to fill out the adress in taiwan using hitel adress right?

      Delete
  57. Hi, when nyo po nalaman na decline application nyo? we've just submitter all our requirements as of today, binalik samin xerox copies, wala ako ITR pero meron bank certificates at complete requirements, waiting nalang feb 8 sa result.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. update us if you've been approved for a visa without ITR. ITR is one of my biggest problems since my employer did not declare us as employee on his firm and I still don't have TIN. I've been working for 2 years already. :(

      Delete
    2. Hi jodie..did u get your visa?

      Delete
  58. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi po! Thanks Colleen for creating this blog. I will be travelling in Taiwan from April 18-21, 2017. Can I use my ITR alone or should I have it with a bank statement? Honestly, I dont have a bank acct. I'll just bring around 30k cash pero I will have that money by end of march. Can I use my payroll bank acct as a proof? I hope my ITR will be sufficient enough. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hello po..im planning to go taiwan next month maybe may 5 po..then i have all the documents except of COE im still student and i currently open my own business last february 2017..is it posible to get visa?..i plan to stay for 2 days..tnx..😁

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hello Colleen, I have concern, I'm gonna used my bank account as proof of my bank statement, the thing is newly made siya. I'm still student

    ReplyDelete
  62. Informative Blog! It's really helpful for people who want to visit taiwan.Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Visit Taiwan..It's great idea and nice blog to provide a great information about visa application.It's great help for Filipinos.Thanks for sharing.


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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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