TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's passport has secured a stronger position in global mobility rankings, now offering its citizens visa-free access to 139 destinations worldwide. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) announced the advancement on Thursday (March 27), expressing satisfaction with Taiwan's 34th-place ranking in the prestigious Henley Passport Index. During his remarks, Lin emphasized the growing international recognition of Taiwan's passport and pointedly noted the significant gap between Taiwan's standing and China's 60th position, which provides visa-free access to just 83 countries.
The Foreign Minister attributed Taiwan's passport power to the island's rising global significance and the stellar reputation of Taiwanese travelers abroad. This positive perception has prompted an increasing number of nations to extend visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival privileges, or streamlined e-visa processing to Taiwan's citizens. Lin highlighted Thailand's recent decision to grant visa-free access to Taiwanese passport holders as evidence of this trend. He also noted the growing list of countries—including the United States, South Korea, Australia, Italy, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia—that now offer expedited e-Gate border processing for Taiwanese travelers. The ministry remains committed to further enhancing global mobility for Taiwan's citizens through continued negotiations for additional visa waiver agreements and reciprocal automated clearance arrangements with more nations.
The latest Henley Passport Index, released in mid-March by U.K.-based global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, confirms the shifting dynamics in global passport power. Singapore maintains its dominance at the summit of the rankings, offering its citizens unprecedented access to 193 destinations without prior visa arrangements. Japan holds the second position with visa-free entry to 190 countries and territories. Taiwan's 34th-place ranking with access to 139 destinations represents a meaningful achievement in the increasingly competitive landscape of global mobility, reflecting the island's growing diplomatic and economic relationships worldwide.
