Prague Airport Removes National Flags; Taiwanese Automatic Clearance Eligibility Unchanged

(Central News Agency, reporter Liu Yu-ting, Prague, July 3rd, special report) Prague's Václav Havel Airport recently adjusted the display on its departure automatic clearance system screens, removing the flag of the Republic of China, which has drawn attention from Taiwanese travelers. Havel Airport responded today that this change is part of an overall optimization of the information display system, and all national flags will be removed and replaced with country codes. The eligibility of Taiwanese travelers to use automatic clearance with their passports remains unaffected.

Since May, the Czech Republic has allowed travelers from Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea to use the departure automatic clearance (eGATE) system. At that time, Prague's Havel Airport displayed the flag of the Republic of China alongside flags of other countries and the EU on its departure display boards. However, a Taiwanese traveler reported to CNA on the 2nd that the flag representing Taiwan had disappeared.

Regarding this matter, Havel Airport spokesperson Denisa Hejtmánková replied to CNA's inquiry today, stating that this update only involves the graphical display method of information on the current automatic clearance (eGATE) screens and does not represent any change in the eligibility to use the automated border clearance system.

Hejtmánková said, "We hereby formally confirm that Taiwanese passport holders who meet the eligibility criteria can still use the eGATE automatic clearance system at Prague's Václav Havel Airport under the exact same conditions as before."

She stated that this update is part of an overall adjustment to the eGATE information display system. Starting next week, the displayed list will be expanded to include more third countries that are not considered high-risk and meet the eligibility requirements.

Hejtmánková said, "The information will be changed to a unified text format, displaying only country codes, and will no longer be accompanied by national flags. Therefore, all national flags will be removed from the screen display. The regulations for passenger eligibility have not changed; only the visual presentation of information has been updated."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan also pointed out earlier that it is currently confirmed that the right of citizens to use the departure automatic clearance with their Taiwanese passports is not affected. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to defend national dignity and protect the rights and interests of its citizens. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150703

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