Everyone enjoys being able to travel overseas without having a visa. And it’s one of the perks us Malaysian passport-holders enjoy in most countries.
The recent news of Taiwan resuming visa-free entry for visitors from various countries, including Malaysia from 12 September 2022 got many people excited. But that enthusiasm appears to have fizzled out now that Malaysia is no longer included in the group of qualifying countries as of 6 September.
Malaysia has joined the list of the countries marked as ‘temporarily suspending’ on the website of Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. Other Asian nations such as Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand are also included.
There was no explanation for the temporary suspension. However, the Taiwan Representative Office said that a press release from 5 September was misinterpreted. It was corrected the day after.
Since Malaysia is no longer on the exemption list, visitors from Malaysia must still remain in quarantine for three days and submit a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Taiwan.
A cap of 50,000 travellers a week will also remain.
For Malaysians, this change is significant because Taiwan is a favourite and budget-friendly travel destination.
In addition to its great street food, world-class hot springs, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking landscape, Taiwan is also home to an incredibly rich cultural and spiritual legacy.
Previously, those with a passport from Malaysia could enter the country visa-free for up to 30 days. All you needed was a passport valid for at least six months at the time of admission, a confirmed return ticket, and a clean criminal record.
For details on visa exemption requirements and the necessary documentation, please refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website. Visitors from some countries can stay in Taiwan visa-free for up to 30 days, while those from others can stay for up to 90 days.
