In a significant development for Indian travelers, Taiwan is actively considering implementing visa-on-arrival (VoA) for Indian citizens.

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang emphasized India’s considerable outbound travel and the potential advantages of streamlining visa procedures.

During a press briefing in Taipei on Tuesday, he acknowledged the proposal and stressed the need for internal discussions with Taiwan’s immigration department before making any formal decisions. He underscored the collaborative nature of such a policy change, stating that it cannot be enacted solely by the government.

“We have received proposals to have a visa-on-arrival. We are giving it very serious consideration,” Tien Chung-kwang said.

The closer ties between Taiwan and India began with India’s “Look East Policy” in early 1991, leading to mutual efforts to relax visa restrictions.

This development follows Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister strongly rejecting China’s objections to recent communications between Taiwan President Lai Ching Te and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following Modi’s electoral victory.

“The reactions from China will not deter Modi ji and our President,” affirmed Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister.

The Chinese Embassy in India reiterated its stance that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of China’s territory. The embassy spokesperson underlined the one-China principle as a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the global community.

The economic partnership between India and Taiwan has significantly expanded in recent years. Taiwan has recognized India as a crucial partner under its ‘New Southbound Policy,’ and both nations have signed a migration agreement to enable Indian workers to find employment in Taiwanese industries.