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Tigerair Taiwan launches direct flights to Ishigaki Island
Tigerair Taiwan has launched twice-weekly flights between Taoyuan and Ishigaki, marking its 23rd destination in Japan. The one-hour flights depart Thursdays and Sundays, catering to Taiwanese travelers drawn by Japan’s weak yen. The airline also introduced online self-check-in for flights to Japan, South Korea, and Thailand from Taiwan’s three major airports, as Japanese tourism sees a 21% surge in 2025.
2025/07/17 17:19
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Brunei grants Taiwanese travelers 14-day visa exemption
Taiwan’s foreign minister announces visa-free travel to Brunei for 14 days, marking the third New Southbound Policy success. This move boosts diplomatic ties.
2025/06/24 15:55
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Taiwan evacuates citizens from Israel as tensions rise
Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led to airspace closures, affecting travelers. Taiwan’s MOFA helped 14 citizens leave Israel for Jordan. Nine remain in Iran.
2025/06/16 13:00
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South Korea targets 1.6 million Taiwanese visitors in 2025
Taiwan ranks as the third-largest source of travelers to South Korea, with 1.6 million expected this year. South Korea promotes ocean tourism and pet-friendly travel, enhancing experiences for Taiwanese visitors.
2025/04/11 06:00
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Foreign minister highlights Taiwan’s passport progress
Taiwan’s passport ranks 34th in the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 139 destinations. The foreign minister aims for more visa waivers and e-Gate access.
2025/03/27 19:00
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Taiwan launches hotline for travelers to China, Hong Kong
The Mainland Affairs Council launched a hotline to aid Taiwanese travelers in China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Registrations surged due to security law changes.
2024/12/03 11:11
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MAC calls for accurate info on China travel policies
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council highlights a 7.2-fold increase in Taiwanese travelers to China over mainland visitors to Taiwan. The council blames China’s policies for hindering tourism and urges travel agents to avoid misinformation.
2024/11/27 11:02
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Rising Chinese tourists prompt call for transport plan
Independent Councilor Tung Sen-po urges Kinmen to improve transportation as Chinese tourist numbers rise. He calls for a timeline and capacity control to protect residents.
2024/11/25 16:06
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Taiwan urges China to ease travel restrictions
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council highlights a stark travel disparity with China. Fewer than 200 Chinese tourists visited Kinmen and Matsu, while 138,000 Taiwanese traveled to China.
2024/09/27 11:49
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Chinese pressure suspected in visa policy changes for Taiwan
Taiwan’s visa-free entry changes, with five countries removing this privilege for Taiwanese nationals, may be influenced by China, according to MOFA. Learn about the adjustments in global travel options for Taiwan.
2024/08/06 15:31
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Taiwan warns travelers against taking gold to Japan
Discover why Taiwan’s MOFA warns travelers against carrying valuable jewelry to Japan, following a gold necklace confiscation incident. Learn about Japan’s customs regulations and the reasons behind increased scrutiny.
2024/07/04 13:53
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Taiwan advises travelers after Palau strip search
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises travelers to keep embassy contacts ready after a Taiwanese woman experiences a humiliating search in Palau, sparking calls for improved customs procedures and negotiations between Taiwanese officials and the Palau government for better treatment of travelers.
2024/07/02 17:56
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Palau defends customs search of Taiwanese visitor, cites law
Discover the details of a Taiwanese tourist’s distressing experience in Palau and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response, as they work with Palauan authorities to address the incident.
2024/07/02 10:02
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Taiwan warns citizens of increased risks in Hong Kong travel
Discover the latest travel advisory for Taiwanese citizens visiting Hong Kong, including risks and safety tips due to new security laws. Learn about the Mainland Affairs Council’s guidance and emergency services.
2024/06/12 10:43
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Taiwan warns citizens of Dubai’s strict laws on alcohol
Learn about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ warning to Taiwanese citizens on adhering to Dubai’s strict laws on alcohol and venue entry to avoid detention or deportation.
2024/06/11 16:38
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MAC head warns travelers after detention incident in China
Discover the latest on cross-strait relations: Taiwan’s MAC confirms the release of a detained Taiwanese tour group member in China and highlights safety concerns for travelers. Read more about the incident and the implications for the upcoming Straits Forum.
2024/06/07 12:20
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Taiwan maintains ban on group tours to China
Discover the latest on the ban on group tours to China for Taiwanese citizens, as the Travel Agents Association confirms no changes despite industry calls for easing restrictions.
2024/05/29 17:53
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Negotiations with Austria on driving permits underway
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s efforts to negotiate driving rights in Austria for its citizens, following issues with the International Driving Permit. Updates on diplomatic talks and the principle of reciprocity here.
2024/05/23 10:15
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Scholar stresses risks in China’s national security measures
Discover the implications of China’s new national security regulations for Taiwanese travelers, as experts warn of increased risks and vague criteria that could affect individuals. Learn about the potential for political retribution and the concerns raised by Taiwan Thinktank’s researcher Wu Se-chih.
2024/04/29 11:53
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CDC provides COVID-19 test kits tests at Taoyuan Airport
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun distributing COVID-19 rapid test kits to travelers at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. The kits are available in the reception areas and exit halls of both terminals, and each traveler is eligible to receive one kit regardless of age. The decision was made in response to the increasing rates of respiratory diseases worldwide. The CDC Deputy Director-General, Philip Lo, stated that the peak of the COVID-19 surge in Taiwan is expected to be in mid-to-late January, with a possible rise after the Lunar New Year holidays. Travelers have expressed appreciation for the policy, with many noting how thoughtful and helpful the Taiwanese government is. The distribution of test kits may continue after the Lunar New Year holidays, depending on the international and domestic pandemic conditions.
2024/01/03 18:05
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Over 500 Taiwanese stranded in Japan after earthquake: MOFA
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has reported that 547 Taiwanese people are currently stranded in Japan following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. All Taiwanese tour group members have been confirmed safe. Tourists from four travel agencies, including Colatour, Lion Travel, Richmond Tours, and Star Travel, were affected by the disaster. Additionally, 20 individual travelers are stuck at Niigata Airport due to its closure. The earthquake has resulted in at least six fatalities, dozens of injuries, and severe damage, including house fires, collapses, road fractures, and airport closures. More than 30,000 homes in Ishikawa and 1,100 homes in Niigata are without power, with disruption to water supplies. Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior is preparing an international rescue team to dispatch to Japan, and the Japanese government has been informed of Taiwan’s readiness to help. MOFA advises Taiwanese citizens to contact the consulate in Osaka for assistance.
2024/01/02 10:40
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Taiwan to U.S. travel nears pre-COVID levels, up 84%: MOTC
Discover America Committee in Taiwan President Brenda Tang revealed that the U.S. travel market from Taiwan has rebounded to 84% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the Tourism Administration. Taiwanese travelers heading to the United States surged by 185% from January to October this year, reaching 396,913, as reported by the National Travel and Tourism Office. Flights to the U.S. during the peak summer season had load factors of over 90%, while the off-peak months of September and October maintained load factors of at least 85%. China Airlines and EVA Airways have nearly returned to pre-pandemic flight levels, and Starlux Airlines is set to launch its San Francisco route. United Airlines plans to double its Taipei to San Francisco flights, and Delta Air Lines is preparing to commence a Taipei to Seattle route. Tour package prices to the U.S. for the first quarter of next year and the Lunar New Year peak season are expected to increase by no more than 25%, offering travelers some price assurance amid growing demand.
2023/12/12 19:26
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Taiwanese tourists propel surge in overseas spending
Following the pandemic, Taiwanese travelers have significantly increased their overseas spending, with credit card expenditures reaching new heights. The Financial Supervisory Commission reports a notable surge in tourism consumption, with Taiwanese visitors leading in Japanese spending.
2023/12/10 19:29
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Taiwan may benefit from Indonesia’s visa-free entry plan
Taiwan is among the potential beneficiaries of Indonesia’s contemplation to offer visa-free entry for tourists from 20 major source countries, following the example set by Thailand. Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, disclosed in an interview that the government is discussing the launch of a visa exemption policy to attract more tourists and boost local economic development. Currently, travelers, including short-term tourists, need to secure a visa to visit Indonesia, including the option of Visa on Arrival (VOA) at designated entry points. Taiwanese passport holders can apply for VOA at 15 airports across Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali, allowing them to stay up to 30 days with a one-time extension option. Given Taiwan’s place within the top 20 sources of foreign tourists to Indonesia, there is a significant chance that it will be included in the visa exemption program. This move could simplify travel for Taiwanese citizens and deepen tourism-based interactions between the two nations.
2023/12/09 17:09
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Taiwan’s travel cap to China sparks industry concerns
Explore the latest developments in Taiwan’s travel industry as the government implements a cap on group travel to China, sparking concerns among agencies and travelers. Learn how the Mainland Affairs Council is responding to the backlash and the potential impact on cross-strait relations.
2023/11/16 17:38