A new procedure has been introduced for all incoming visitors at a major tourist destination, aimed at enhancing the travel experience and bolstering security.
Travelers planning to visit Taiwan are now required to complete a “digital arrival” card (TWAC) at least three days before their journey, as stated by the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency Republic of China Taiwan (MINIA).
The card is free of charge; however, it necessitates the provision of a valid passport, email address, occupation, phone number, and details about travel accommodation, according to the same source.
In 2024, more than 7.5 million travelers flocked to Taiwan, based on government statistics. That same year, data from Taiwan’s Tourism Administration indicated that the U.S. was the fourth-largest contributor of visitors, as reported by Taiwan Business Topics.
Mainland Chinese travelers are also mandated to complete the new application.
This revision mirrors a wider global trend, with many nations modernizing their travel procedures to enhance oversight and security.
As an example, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom and 25 additional countries are set to begin rolling out a new Entry/Exit System (EES) featuring fingerprint scans starting Oct. 12, with the implementation spanning approximately six months, as previously reported by Fox News Digital.
“These European nations will gradually introduce different components of the EES, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial images and fingerprints,” notes the website of the European Union (EU).
“This indicates that biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) may not be gathered at each border crossing immediately, and personal information may not be recorded in the system right away.”
Start your day with all the essential news
Morning Report provides the latest updates, videos, photos, and more.
Thank you for subscribing!
This new policy is expected to enhance border management throughout Europe, including implementing security advancements aimed at curbing fraud and terrorism.
The program will allow for tracking instances where visitors exceed their authorized stay within the Schengen Area, consisting of over two dozen European countries that permit free movement.
A self-service option is available for individuals with biometric passports, which include a “chip” containing personal biometric data.
