“Taiwan’s high ranking is a testament to recognition by the international community of the nation’s democracy, economy, rule of law and responsible citizenry,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said June 26.
“The result also speaks volumes about policy measures implemented by President Ma Ying-jeou in seeking visa waiver status and other preferential treatment for the nation’s travelers since taking office in 2008,” the MOFA added.
The year before, Taiwan and Mauritius shared 36th spot in the index with visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 120 countries. Taiwan now shares 25th with Antigua and Barbuda and the Vatican City.
In addition, the nation’s passport is rated seventh most powerful in Asia, well ahead of mainland China, whose passportholders can only access 44 countries visa-free or with a landing visa, the index shows.
Finland, Sweden and the U.K. top the list with 173 countries granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. On 172, the U.S. comes second along with Denmark, Germany and Luxembourg.
Developed in cooperation with the Canada's International Air Transport Association, the U.K.-based annual index is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom their citizens enjoy. The 2014 survey investigated a total of 219 destination countries and territories, and was created based on regulations valid July 1, 2013. (DF-SDH)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw