Taiwan Designated into Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

On October 2, 2012, DHS designated Taiwan into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This streamlines travel for thousands of eligible Taiwan passport holders. The designation takes effect on November 1, 2012.Taiwan joins 36 participants in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP permits visa-free travel to the US for eligible travelers for 90 days or fewer for business or tourism. In FY2011, the VWP accounted for 18.3 million US visits. This is more than 6o% of tourist and business travelers entering the US via air.

In accordance with the process, DHS determined that Taiwan complies with key security and information-sharing requirements. These include enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the US. They also include timely reporting of lost and stolen passports. Other requirements are maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, aviation and document security standards.

All VWP travelers must apply for and obtain advanced authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). As mentioned above, eligible Taiwan passport holders with an approved ESTA will be able to visit the US without visas as of November 1, 2012.