Taiwanese Can No Longer Travel to Two Countries? 'Travel Agencies Halt Visa Processing, Travelers Denied Entry and Deported on Same Flight' – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reveals Cause: Likely Related to This Issue

Travelers planning overseas trips or business visits are advised to pay close attention to entry regulations. Following Morocco, a popular North African tourist destination, unexpectedly suspending visa applications for Taiwanese passport holders at the end of July, East African country Uganda has seen multiple incidents in early August of Taiwanese nationals having their passports seized by local immigration officials, being denied entry, and forcibly deported on the same flight. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds the public that Uganda remains under a Level 4 'Avoid All Travel' travel advisory, and urges careful risk assessment before traveling to the country.

This visa and entry dispute involves multiple countries, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging through diplomatic channels to address the situation and ensure the entry-exit rights and personal safety of its citizens.

Why is Uganda seizing Taiwanese passports? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals a key reason unrelated to China

Regarding the incidents in early August where two Taiwanese nationals were detained and denied entry at Ugandan airports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the reports on August 9 and stated that the government has been closely monitoring the overall situation. The ROC Representative Office in Somaliland, which handles Ugandan affairs, immediately coordinated with the Ugandan Taiwanese Business Association to provide necessary assistance to affected nationals upon receiving the news.

Notably, while past unfriendly actions by some African countries toward Taiwan were often attributed to political factors, the Ministry clarified that, after thorough investigation, Uganda's recent entry denials may be linked to Taiwan's border control measures implemented on June 2 in response to the rising Ebola outbreak in Uganda. At that time, Taiwan announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance to Ugandan nationals and restricted their entry, which may have triggered a chain reaction. The ROC Representative Office in Somaliland is continuing to communicate and negotiate with the Ugandan government to seek a proper resolution.

What to do about Morocco's sudden visa suspension? Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds with reciprocal measures

In addition to Uganda, visa issues in Morocco, North Africa, have also drawn significant public attention. Previously, Taiwanese travelers visiting Morocco needed to apply for an entry visa through the Moroccan Embassy in Japan. However, on July 23, news emerged that Morocco had suddenly stopped issuing visas to Taiwanese passport holders, prompting domestic travel agencies to immediately announce the suspension of related tour bookings.

After verification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Moroccan government has instructed all its overseas diplomatic missions to temporarily suspend visa applications for Taiwanese nationals. Based on the principle of reciprocity in bilateral exchanges, the Ministry announced that, effective July 30, it will temporarily suspend visa applications for Moroccan nationals coming to Taiwan, except for those approved under special cases. The Ministry also urges the Moroccan government to recognize and maintain the convenience of people-to-people and business exchanges between the two countries, and to restore normal exchange mechanisms as soon as possible. The government will continue to adjust its response based on Morocco's future actions.

What is the current travel advisory level? How to seek help in an emergency in Uganda?

According to the Overseas Travel Safety Advisory issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda remains at the 'Level 4: Red – Leave Immediately' advisory issued on May 27. The Ministry strongly urges the public to exercise extreme caution when assessing risks before traveling to Uganda.

If Taiwanese nationals encounter danger or emergencies in Uganda, they should immediately call the emergency assistance hotline of the ROC Representative Office in Somaliland (+252-636-292-616) or directly contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 'Emergency Service for Travelers Abroad' (+886-800-085-095) to receive immediate assistance.