Taiwan has waived visa requirements for nationals of Thailand and Brunei as part of a year-long trial designed to encourage tourism.
The trial period began on Monday and will run until July 31 next year. The decision is part of the government’s Southbound Policy, which aims to bring Taiwan closer to Southeast Asia and India. Many Southeast Asian visitors to Taiwan are Singaporeans and Malaysians, who do not require visas to enter. However, the government hopes to attract visitors from other countries in the region too.
Taiwanese nationals traveling to Thailand and Brunei are eligible for visas on arrival, but still require visas for entry. The foreign ministry says it will work to secure visa-free entry to both countries for Taiwanese nationals based on the principle of reciprocity.