TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Many in Taiwan have plans to go abroad during the Chinese New Year, and the number of citizens aiming to renew their expired passports has skyrocketed.
On weekdays, thousands of applications are made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). According to data, around 3.5 million people need to renew their passports.
Amid growing interest in international travel, the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the MOFA is reminding potential travelers not to wait until their passport is expired.
At around 3 o'clock in the afternoon on a weekday, more than 2,000 people had already waited in line, and the wait was estimated to be over 2 hours.
"I feel like I'm going through customs when I come here because I have sent the application form at home," said a Taiwanese woman lining up to renew their passport.
"I didn't expect to come here, and still have to queue up again, and then get in a line for a waiting number after the queue, and line up again after I have a number," she added.
Chen Shang-yu, deputy head of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, MOFA, said: "Currently, the number of cases has increased to more than 6,000 every day and sometimes even exceeds 7,000."
She added: "In Taipei, the increase is about 1.4 times compared to before. Employees in Taipei and Kaohsiung are working overtime every day, for 2 to 3 hours."
The Bureau of Consular Affairs has increased the number of working counters from 8 to 13. Although online reservations are open 10 days in advance, it is fully booked in the morning and afternoon until Dec. 28.
"After discussion, maybe we will extend it to a period of 20 days, 20 working days, which is equivalent to a month's period," said Chen.
Applicants must remember to prepare two passport photos, an ID card, and a filled-out form, and ensure all necessary documents are ready to ensure they won't have to wait in line again.
