By MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano officially announced at around noon Eastern Time on October 2—late night October 2 in Taipei—during the “Global Travel and Tourism Conference” hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State that Taiwan has become a participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, making it the 37th country to join.
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The United States officially announced last night (10/2) that Taiwan is one of the countries eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
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After the implementation of the U.S. visa waiver program, Taiwanese citizens traveling to the U.S. will need to apply for a chip-embedded passport, which costs NT$1,600. (Photo provided by Mona Editor)
Taiwan sees up to 400,000 annual trips to the U.S., with around 120,000 of those being for business or tourism visas. The savings on visa fees would amount to approximately NT$600 million. If we estimate an increase similar to the 1.5-fold rise in travel to the U.K. after it granted Taiwan visa-free access, and the surge in Korean travelers to the U.S. following their visa waiver, the number of annual trips from Taiwan to the U.S. could reach as high as 600,000, saving citizens nearly NT$900 million that would have been spent on business/tourism visa applications. For example, a family of four living in Kaohsiung could save over six hours of round-trip travel and queuing for interviews, as well as nearly NT$20,000 in visa fees, by not needing a visa.
The new chip-embedded passport contains a microchip that stores the holder’s basic information and facial features, along with enhanced security and anti-counterfeiting designs, significantly reducing the risk of passport forgery compared to traditional passports. The cost to apply for a chip passport is NT$1,600, and it is valid for 10 years. To apply, you need to bring your original ID card, two color photos with a white background taken within the last six months (4.5 cm tall × 3.5 cm wide, not including borders), and a passport application form. Those renewing their passport must also submit their old one. For more details, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.boca.gov.tw.
●Read more: Top 10 International Destinations for Taiwanese / 12 Must-Visit Attractions in New York
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