In 2016, Taiwan recorded up to 140,000 visits from Macau, up 10 percent from 2015, according to a statement released by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau. This number may increase further due to additional flights by Tigerair Taiwan from Macau to Taichung to begin in March.
Yet, in 2016, the number of visitors from Taiwan to Macau rose 0.2 percent only.
Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency has eased the administration burden for Macau and Hong Kong residents who intend to apply for a Taiwan visa, also according to a statement.
Currently, residents from both SARs are required to apply for visas to Taiwan through the Office. The simplified procedure now allows residents to exclusively apply online, instead of having to visit the Office in person.
At the present moment, the system is in an experimental period, which will last until March 27.
According to the Office, by June 30th in-office handling of travel visas to Taiwan for SARs’ residents will cease. Starting from July 1, all applications will be managed by the online system.
Applicants must possess a permanent Macau or Hong Kong citizenship, a Home Visit Permit or a passport from either one of the two SARs. Qualified applicants will be required to pay NTD600 (MOP 154) as an application fee.
In the current stage, the provisional online system has been working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. It will become available for 24 hours a day after it has been officially put in operation.
The Taiwanese official also added that, aside from tourism, the office will seek closer collaboration with the SAR government on trade and education.
(Macau News / Macau Daily Times)
