TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) issued a travel advisory for Taiwanese citizens planning to visit Schengen area countries on Tuesday (Oct. 7). The ministry's Director-General of the Department of European Affairs (外交部歐洲司), Huang Jiun-yaw (黃鈞耀), made the announcement during a press conference, highlighting the European Union's upcoming implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES, 入/出境系統) on Sunday (Oct. 12).
The EES will record biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, from travelers upon their first entry. Huang emphasized that countries offering E-gate services to Taiwanese travelers, such as the Czech Republic, Italy, and Germany, will require first-time entrants to register their biometric data as well.
The EU has since granted Schengen member countries a six-month grace period, ending on April 10, 2026, to implement the EES gradually. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested that the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) provide Taiwanese citizens with detailed information on the EES's implementation and publish these details on its website.
Due to system integration issues, the Czech Republic will temporarily suspend E-gate access for travelers from Taiwan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. The ministry advised travelers to monitor official EU and Schengen area government websites for the latest regulations and travel information. Travelers can also seek information from the European Commission's official website or contact the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, the Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office, and the German Institute Taipei for further details.
