Taiwan has suspended tourist visa applications from Sri Lankan nationals with immediate effect, in line with the latest visa policy of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry has announced.
Under the new policy, tourist visa applications from Sri Lankan passport holders will no longer be accepted.
However, Sri Lankans may still apply for visas under a limited set of categories. These include travel on the official invitation of a government agency of the Republic of China (Taiwan), exchange activities, visiting relatives within the third degree of kinship, business, joining a vessel in Taiwan, or medical treatment.
Applications under these categories will be processed by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Chennai or the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore, as Taiwan does not maintain a diplomatic mission in Colombo.
Applicants in the permitted categories are required to submit supporting documents, which may include a letter of guarantee and a copy of the guarantor’s Taiwanese National Identity Card authenticated by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, a copy of the passport biographical page, a police clearance certificate, proof of financial capability, proof of accommodation and a return air ticket.
The move affects Sri Lankan travellers who had planned leisure trips to the East Asian territory, and prospective visitors have been advised to prepare all required documentation before submitting applications under the remaining eligible categories.
