When it comes to issues of getting into another country, one cannot easily travel without having that necessary stamp on his passport – a visa. Are you applying for a visitor visa for your vacation in Taiwan? If yes, then you need to remember some things before visiting this country. Here are some of the pointers that you have to take note:
A visitor visa is completely different from other visas especially the resident visa. The latter is valid for a longer time but the visitor visa will only be valid for 90 days during your stay here.
Visitor visa can be extended for a period of time once proper reasons and documentations were provided and approved.
This visa can only be granted at an official Taiwan representative office located in many countries. Here in the Philippines, the Taiwan Office is located in Makati City, Metro Manila.
Please have in mind that a visitor visa is granted to applicants who are planning to stay in Taiwan for less than six months.
Also remember that the activities you should be doing here if you’re issued with visitor visa are limited. You can only do the following:
a. Transit
b. Sightseeing
c. Visit relatives
d. Visit with a letter of invitation
e. Study or train
f. Business
g. Have technical assistance
h. Have medical treatment
I. Be engaged in other legitimate activities
Here are the things that you should take note in applying for a visitor visa.
Make sure that your passport is valid six months (or more) beyond your departure date.
You need to have a duly filled-out visa application form.
Your photographs for identification should be taken within the last six months.
You need to secure a round trip ticket (incoming and outgoing).
Secure a Proof of Residence (e.g. telephone bill, bank statement, driver’s license and other valid documents.)
Make sure that you also being other necessary documents like birth certificate, NBI clearance and other relevant documents.
It would also be advisable that you have at least two copies of all the documents you’re bringing just in case the office asks for other documents.
Bring extra cash. There might be extra fees that you’ll have to pay for.
Provided below are details in Extending a Visitor Visa:
You can have a visa extension just by leaving Taiwan. On your re-entry in this country, you will automatically get a 30-day or 60-day extension. The extension count depends on your original visa.
The extension can be effective for a maximum of 180 days of stay.
If your visa has no remark that says “no extension will be granted”, you may get an extension on the nearest police headquarters. There is a maximum extension of 120 or 90 days for this process.
Should you plan to apply for an extension, it would be advisable to file your application several days before the expiration of the actual date. This way, you will be able to get other documents should the office require for additional papers.
If you are planning to change your visitor visa to a resident visa, you should leave Taiwan and apply outside the country. It is also advisable the you file for an application in the nearest possible time.
Can’t find the information you’re looking for? You can check out the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines’ main website or other relevant sites too. You may also visit the Taipei Office in Makati if you want to know about the detailed process of applying for a visitor visa.