"Taiwan Travelers Now Visa-Free in 6 More Countries, Total Reaches 148"

▲ Taiwan passport now grants visa-free access to 6 more countries and regions!(Photo / Reporter Chen Ming-jen)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 10th,that the number of countries and regions offering visa-free (or visa-on-arrival) and other visa facilitation arrangements to Taiwanese travelers holding Republic of China passports has increased by six, namelyIndia, Iran, Armenia, Qatar, Côte d'Ivoire, and Somaliland,bringing the total number of visa-free destinations for Taiwan to 148, up from the previous 142.

The ministry pointed out that India, Qatar, and Côte d'Ivoire will allow Taiwanese travelers to apply for electronic tourist visas to visit, while Iran and Armenia will offer visa-on-arrival options. Somaliland offers full visa exemption.

The ministry also reminded that if an Israeli visa or related stamp is found in a passport, Iran may refuse to issue a visa.

The methods for applying for visa-on-arrival and electronic visas in these countries are as follows:

India: Starting August 15, nationals holding a passport valid for at least six months can apply online for an electronic visa for tourism or business purposes at least four days before the intended departure date. The fee is $60 USD per person for a single entry, valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, with a maximum of two electronic visa entries per year.

Iran: Nationals holding a passport valid for at least six months and a return (or onward) ticket can apply for a visa-on-arrival at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, Tehran Mehrabad Airport, Tabriz, Shiraz, Esfahan, Mashhad, Kish Island, and Gheshm Island. For business purposes, the maximum stay is 14 days per entry, and for tourism, it is 15 days per entry. The visa fee is 80 euros (subject to slight variation depending on the purpose of entry).

Armenia: Nationals holding a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, and a photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm) can apply for a visa-on-arrival at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport. A single-entry 21-day tourist visa costs 3,000 AMD (approximately $6 USD), a 120-day visa costs 15,000 AMD (approximately $30 USD), and a single-entry transit visa costs 10,000 AMD (approximately $20 USD).

Qatar: Qatar offers an electronic visa to Taiwanese nationals. Those holding a valid round-trip ticket to Qatar with Qatar Airways and having booked accommodation through Discover Qatar (the airline’s travel division) can apply online via the airline’s website (http://www.qatarairways.com) for a single-entry, non-extendable tourist visa valid for 60 days with a 30-day stay period. Processing times and fees are: 7 working days for urgent applications ($120 USD), and 10 working days for regular applications ($55 USD).

C：Chinese nationals applying for an electronic visa to Côte d'Ivoire must register online (www.snedai.ci/en) prior to departure, upload basic information, and pay the fee (the 90-day stay visa costs 73 euros). After receiving the entry approval barcode sent via email by Côte d'Ivoire’s Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, applicants should present this barcode along with relevant supporting documents to apply for the electronic visa upon arrival at Abidjan International Airport in Côte d'Ivoire.

：Somaliland (region)：Chinese nationals may stay in Somaliland for up to 90 days without paying a visa fee. Upon arrival, travelers only need to fill out an arrival information card to have their entry stamp endorsed at the port of entry. If Chinese nationals wish to extend their stay after arrival, they may directly apply to the immigration authorities of Somaliland.