Taiwan has suspended the acceptance of tourist visa applications from Sri Lankan nationals with immediate effect, introducing revised visa measures that limit applications to a number of specified travel categories.
In a notice issued on 17 July, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) said Sri Lankan nationals will no longer be eligible to apply for tourist visas under its updated visa policy.
Under the revised measures, Sri Lankan citizens may continue to apply for visas only if their travel falls within designated categories. These include official invitations from a government agency of the Republic of China (Taiwan), exchange activities, visits to relatives within the third degree of kinship, business travel, joining a vessel in Taiwan, and medical treatment.
According to the notice, applications under these categories will be processed by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Chennai, India, or the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore.
Taiwan also outlined new documentation requirements for eligible applicants. Documents provided by a guarantor in Taiwan must include a Letter of Guarantee and a copy of the guarantor’s Republic of China (Taiwan) National Identification Card. These documents must be authenticated by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, one of its domestic branch offices, or a Republic of China overseas mission.
Applicants are also required to submit a copy of the biographical page of their passport, a Police Clearance Certificate, proof of financial capability, proof of accommodation in Taiwan, and a return air ticket.
The Taiwanese authorities advised applicants to ensure that all required documentation has been prepared before submitting visa applications through the designated overseas offices.
The notice did not specify the reason for the policy change or indicate whether the suspension of tourist visa applications is temporary or permanent. The revised measures took effect immediately upon announcement.
