MANILA (UPDATED) - Filipinos will be able to travel to Taiwan visa-free, from November 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines announced Monday.

Filipinos who would like to stay up to 14 days in Taiwan for tourism activities, business, visiting relatives, attending functions or events can enjoy visa-free entry effective first day of November.

TECO said those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment and other gainful activities are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

"This visa-free initiative shall undergo a 9-month trial period until July 31, 2018 as part of Taiwan’s goodwill and efforts of the 'New Southbound Policy' to build closer people-to-people exchange of visits," TECO said in a statement Monday.

Requirements for visa-free entries are as follows:

1. An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment) ;

2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;

3. No criminal record in Taiwan;

4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.

TECO clarified that diplomatic and official passport holders are eligible for visa-free treatment.

Those with who entered Taiwan with valid travel authorization certificates", as well as those with approved e-visas, before November 1, may continue their stay for up to 30 days, TECO said.

But those for who did not enter Taiwan before November 1, their travel authorization certificates will be no longer valid, as this "relaxed" visa application systems will be suspended during the 9-month-trial period.

Meanwhile, those who have already obtained long-term & multiple Taiwan visas which have been stamped on their passports can still use their visas to enter the Taiwan.

In return, Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, Taiwan Representative to the Philippines, is also urging the Philippine government and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to grant visa-free treatment to Taiwan nationals.

"Through these significant efforts, we will surely enhance our bilateral tourism, economic, cultural, educational and other areas of cooperation and exchanges which will eventually bring mutual benefits to the peoples of Taiwan and the Philippines," said Dr. Lin.