Asia-Pacific First: Hope to Enter the U.S. Without Leaving Taiwan

Text by MOOK Travel Peichi, compiled and reported
 
To enhance travel convenience to the U.S., China Airlines will launch a new route to Ontario, California on the 20th. Reports suggest that after negotiations with the U.S. side, China Airlines may break through diplomatic restrictions by implementing "U.S. Border Preclearance" measures. This means passengers can undergo U.S. customs inspections in Taiwan and disembark directly upon arrival in the U.S., effectively having "entered the U.S." while still in Taiwan.

Taiwan officially joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in November 2011 and was included in the "Global Entry" program last year, allowing Taiwanese travelers to enjoy expedited clearance in the U.S. Now, there is hope for the implementation of "U.S. Border Preclearance," where clearance procedures are completed in Taiwan. If successful, Taiwan would become the first case in the Asia-Pacific region, sparking widespread discussion among netizens.

However, the "U.S. Border Preclearance" plan has sparked extensive online discussion. Some note that once passengers pass through "U.S. Customs" at Taoyuan Airport, they are considered to have entered U.S. territory, meaning they won’t pass through duty-free shops, and in-flight duty-free sales would also be prohibited, preventing passengers from purchasing such goods. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that various departments are still coordinating, with details and supporting measures under discussion. Whether the plan will be implemented still awaits evaluation.