Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-12-09
The foreign ministry is telling Taiwanese tourists planning a trip to Palau that they will now be expected to sign an environmental pledge before being allowed into the country.
The Pacific island nation of Palau is one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and the availability of direct flights has helped make the country a popular destination for Taiwanese tourists. However, the foreign ministry says that as of Thursday, all visitors to the country will have to complete an extra procedure before clearing immigration.
Palauan immigration officers have begun putting an agreement called the “Palau Pledge” into visitors’ passports. The pledge is an agreement that tourists will cooperate with efforts to protect the local environment and respect the local culture. The foreign ministry says visitors will have to sign their name on the agreement before being allowed into Palau.
The foreign ministry is also warning Taiwanese nationals going to Palau that violating local environmental regulations will result in heavy fines. [SOURCE]