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Wednesday, August 7, 2019

How to Apply for Multiple Entry Visa to Taiwan for IVF

Starting November 1, 2017, Filipinos now enjoy (visitor) visa free entry to Taiwan upto fourteen days.

However, previously those with active visa to certain first world countries like the USA, Japan enjoy visa free 30 day multiple entry to Taiwan which you apply Travel Authorization Certificate online can no longer enjoy this benefit.

For those undergoing Invitro Fertilization (IVF) or other types of medical care in Taiwan may use the visa free entry provided you stay not more than fourteen days at a time.

Effective August 1, 2019, one can no longer apply for extension while in Taiwan.  Hence, if you think there is a possibility that you’d stay more than 14 days, I would personally suggest that you apply for extended or multiple visa.

If you’re doing IVF, is it necessary to get extended or multiple visa?  It would depend what kind of treatment you will be doing and if you’re doing different stages continuously or not.  Generally, here is the estimated minimum number of days per stage (including day of arrival and departure):

4 days - first consultation
9 days - Egg retrieval Day 8 to 14, possible to extend until Day 16 (of menstruation)
7 days - Embryo Transfer: Day 18 to Day 22 (minimum 3 days bed rest)
16 days - Egg retrieval to Fresh Embryo Transfer
If you stay from transfer day to pregnancy test, that is 2 weeks from transfer date.
If you stay upto heartbeat ultrasound, that is 2 weeks from pregnancy test.



Application is submitted personally or through representative at:
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines
41 floor Tower 1 RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati
https://www.roc-taiwan.org

Requirements:

1.  Completed and signed application form
2.  Two passport size photos in color
3.  Original and photocopy of passport
4.  Birth Certificate issued by PSA
5.  Marriage Certificate issued by PSA
6.  Certificate from hospital of Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) Treatment (We have requested this during our first consultation, original is required)
7.  Bank Certificate. ( must be sufficient to support cost of treatment plus board and lodging)
8.  Cost of Treatment and payment plan, if any

Optional Requirement:

Since the Certificate provided by the hospital merely state that the treatment will last for three months and does not specify multiple entry visits is required (I tried to ask from them to specify multiple entry but they refused), I had to be creative.

To support my request for multiple entry visa, I submitted additional documents:
1.  IVF protocol including PGS showing the timeline



2.  A letter request stating the reason for the need of multiple entry. 

Sample letter

Me and my husband (as companion) were granted multiple visa good for one year, valid for 30 days at a time with a cost of P5,200 per person.  The visa was released within five working days after submission.

I would personally suggest that you apply for visa to save yourself from unnecessary stress during IVF treatment.  Some of our Filipino companions applied for extension in Taiwan for about P2,000+ for a single entry of additional 14 days, however I have learned from another that they discontinued granting extension on August 1, 2019.  ( Please validate directly with the embassy). Some also requested for multiple entry in Taiwan but was denied.

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