Taiwan Today
Date: October 7, 2016
Nine countries, including six in the Middle East, have been added to Taiwan’s e-visa program with
A hotel in New Taipei City’s Xinzhuang District displays a halal certification obtained with the assistance of a government program aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s status as a Muslim-friendly destination. (Photo courtesy of Chateau de Chine Hotel Xinzhuang)
immediate effect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Oct. 7.
Passport holders from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates as well as Montenegro and Dominica can now apply online for visas to Taiwan. The Philippines has also been added to the program on a 12-month trial basis.
“This initiative is primarily aimed at attracting high-end Muslim tourists,” the MOFA said. “Going forward, the ministry will consider adding further nations to the program based on the results of regular implementation reviews.”
The Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications welcomes the policy change, since simplified visa procedures can help significantly bolster foreign visitor numbers, according to Eric K.Y. Lin, director of the bureau’s International Affairs Division. [FULL STORY]
