The 10 diplomatic allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Central America and the Caribbean are the latest additions to the country’s visa-waiver program, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs July 12.
Effective immediately, qualified citizens of Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia as well as St. Vincent and the Grenadines can visit Taiwan for up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa, while passport holders of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua can enjoy the same privilege for a maximum stay of 90 days.
The MOFA said the decision reflects the importance of the enduring friendship between the ROC and the diplomatic partners as well as the desire to strengthen the development of bilateral relations. It is hoped that the move will boost business, cultural exchanges, tourism and trade between Taiwan and the nations, the ministry added.
According to the MOFA, the measure is in line with the principles of mutual benefits and reciprocity, as these 10 allies already grant visa-free treatment to ROC nationals. Each of these nations has also been included in the country’s eVisa program since the initiative was launched in January 2016.
The move follows the ministry’s recent announcement of reciprocal visa-free treatment between the ROC and its South American diplomatic ally the Republic of Paraguay.
These additions bring the total number of countries under the ROC’s visa-waiver program to 59, according to the MOFA’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. (SFC-E)
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