By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The nine-day Lunar New Year holiday has just ended, and many travelers only realized their passports were either expiring soon or had already expired just before departure, leading them to apply for replacements at the airport — placing a heavy burden on the airport office of the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Starting as early as April, if travelers wish to process an emergency passport replacement at the airport, the fee will increase from the original NT$900 to NT$3,600. Adding the standard NT$1,300 passport replacement fee, the total cost at the airport will be NT$4,900.
Emergency passport processing at the airport sees a major price hike. (Image source / Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
The Bureau of Consular Affairs emphasizes that emergency passport services at the airport are meant for “emergencies,” not routine “appointments.” Many travelers avoid following the standard procedures at the Bureau and instead choose to apply at the airport last minute. Due to limited manpower at the airport, this has crowded out other urgent rescue services. According to statistics, during this year’s nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, there were as many as 246 emergency passport applications — nearly double compared to last year.
Starting April 1, the emergency passport processing fee will rise from NT$900 to NT$3,600, plus the original NT$1,300 passport fee, totaling NT$4,900. (Image source / Taoyuan International Airport)
To prevent the abuse of administrative resources, fees have been adjusted to manage demand. Starting April 1, the emergency passport processing fee increases from NT$900 to NT$3,600, plus the original NT$1,300 passport fee, totaling NT$4,900. In accordance with the Passport Application and Issuance Regulations, those with less than one year of validity left on their passport may apply for a renewal before departure. After the new fee structure takes effect, the airport will no longer accept applications for replacing expired passports, allowing the airport to return to its primary role in providing emergency rescue services.