Eligible visitors to Taiwan (that do not qualify for the Visa-Exempt Entry programme) can now use the city’s streamlined e-visa system to attend business events.
The e-visa is an alternative to the paper-based visa, which requires a visit to a Taiwan mission office in person. However, the application process for an e-visa is done entirely electronically, with payment made online.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends applying for a visa at least seven days before the date of travel, with the process costing NT$1,632 (US$49). Applicants can then print the e-visa once approved and present it to immigration on arrival.
Prior to this, only business travellers attending government-organised events could use the e-visa system. This has now been extended, with foreign nationals attending non-government international conferences, sports events and trade fairs, who meet relevant criteria are now eligible.
The update applies to travellers from the following countries: Belize, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kiribati, Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Turkey, and Tuvalu.
Countries that aren't listed above and are not part of Taiwan's "Visa-Exempt Entry" program, which permits a duration of stay up to 90 days will still have to apply for a paper-based visa.
For more information, visit boca.gov.tw
Clement Huang
