Taiwan launches e-Visa program for foreign tourists

An electronic visa system streamlining travel document processing and enhancing security for inbound Taiwan tourists was launched Jan. 12 by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The one-stop service on a dedicated MOFA website allows for the completion of the e-Visa form, submission of the application and payment of related fees.

A total of 27 countries are included in the first phase of the program. They are Brunei, Macedonia and Turkey, which already enjoy landing-visa privileges in Taiwan; Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, which offer ROC citizens visa-waiver treatment; as well as 21 of the ROC’s diplomatic allies, except the Holy See.

Lo Tien-hung, deputy director-general of the MOFA Bureau of Consular Affairs, said the initiative is available to travelers from the designated countries for the purposes of business, tourism or short visits with family members.

“All foreign nationals invited to attend international conferences, sports events or trade fairs organized by ROC government agencies or approved nongovernmental organizations are also eligible for an e-Visa.”

According to Lo, after an application is approved, the traveler receives a confirmation by email. This does away with the need to visit one of the country’s overseas representative offices and wait for delivery of documents by post.

The e-Visa permits stays of a maximum 30 days and costs NT$1,632 (US$49).

It is anticipated by the MOFA that 25,000 tourists will benefit from the fast-tracked service each year. If the program proves successful, more countries and territories may be added to the list.

“This undertaking is a significant step toward creating favorable conditions for reciprocal travel privileges between Taiwan and its international partners,” Lo said. “We hope it will help increase from 161 the number of countries offering ROC nationals visa-waiver, landing-visa or other visa privileges.” (YHC-JSM)

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