Taiwanese Travelers Banned from Two Countries? Passport Confiscations and Forced Deportations Prompt New Measures from Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In response to recent unannounced tightening of entry and visa policies by multiple African countries toward Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that several Taiwanese nationals holding Republic of China passports have been unexpectedly detained at Ugandan airports, with local immigration officers confiscating their passports under the pretext of the 'One China Policy,' demanding they stamp Chinese passports, or even facing forced deportation. Additionally, Morocco has suspended the issuance of 'Visa Confirmation Letters (VCL).' In response, the Ministry has instructed its overseas offices to initiate formal protests and implement reciprocal countermeasures based on the principle of reciprocity, while strongly urging citizens to carefully assess potential risks and avoid non-essential travel to Uganda and related areas.

Passport Confiscation Controversy at Ugandan Border

International Parliamentary Group Expresses Support, Condemns 'Coercive Discrimination'

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has received multiple reports of Taiwanese nationals being denied entry upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Kampala, Uganda. Following earlier cases where individuals were denied entry and forcibly deported, in mid-August, three Taiwanese businessmen and their families had their passports confiscated upon entry. While Ugandan immigration officials permitted their entry, they unreasonably demanded that the individuals present stamped Chinese passports before returning their Taiwanese passports, claiming this action was in line with the country’s 'One China Policy.'

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated that Uganda has not officially announced any adjustment to its visa regulations for Taiwan, and such actions clearly involve political pressure. The Ministry has instructed the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland to actively communicate and provide assistance. Officials also assessed that Uganda’s strict border measures may be linked to Taiwan’s previous suspension of visa issuance for Ugandan nationals due to Ebola outbreak concerns, and that border policies will be reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Regarding this incident, the 'Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC),' headquartered in London, UK, issued a statement expressing serious concern over Ugandan immigration authorities forcing Taiwanese travelers to present Chinese passports. IPAC described the act as 'coercive discrimination' and a violation of the non-discrimination principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Huang Chun-yao, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, expressed gratitude for IPAC’s support during a regular press conference on the 18th, and urged the Ugandan government to recognize the objective reality that Taiwan is a sovereign entity independent of China, and refrain from imposing inappropriate entry restrictions for political reasons.

Morocco Suspends Visa Confirmation Letter Issuance; Taiwan Implements Reciprocal Countermeasures

In addition to Uganda, North African country Morocco issued instructions to its global diplomatic missions in late July to temporarily halt processing 'Visa Confirmation Letters (VCL)' for Taiwanese citizens traveling to Morocco, affecting a large number of planned tourists and business travelers.

The Department of West Asian and African Affairs explained that Morocco’s restriction is not solely targeted at Taiwan—countries such as Iran and Kosovo are also affected—but the impact on Taiwan is most significant. Based on the principle of reciprocity in international exchanges, the Taiwanese government has announced a temporary suspension of visa applications for Moroccan nationals, with only special cases such as family visits, study, official duties, and medical treatment eligible for case-by-case approval. The Ministry is currently engaging in active communication through like-minded countries to restore normal bilateral civilian exchanges as soon as possible.

Regarding earlier market rumors that Kenya might no longer recognize Taiwanese passports, the Ministry clarified that Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is currently operating normally, with Taiwanese citizens successfully obtaining authorization and entering the country without issues, and no entry-related incidents have been reported.

New Chapter in Taiwan-Italy Cultural Exchange: Italian Parliament Passes 'Foreign Cultural Artifact Loan Exhibition Immunity Act'

On European diplomatic progress, Huang Chun-yao, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, noted that the Italian Parliament recently passed the 'Foreign Cultural Artifact Loan Exhibition Immunity Act,' which was signed into law by President Sergio Mattarella on July 16 and officially took effect on August 12.

The bill, promoted for over 20 years, was finally enacted with cross-party pro-Taiwan support in the Italian Parliament. The Ministry expressed gratitude to the Italian Parliament, noting that the law provides clear and stable legal protection for future exhibitions of Taiwanese cultural artifacts in Italy, helping deepen cultural exchange and partnership between Taiwan and Italy on the shared foundation of democracy and human rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Entry and Exit for Taiwanese Travelers

Q1: Which African countries have recently adjusted entry or visa policies for Taiwanese nationals?

Uganda: Unannounced confiscation of Taiwanese passports and demands to stamp Chinese passports have occurred.

Morocco: Has temporarily suspended processing 'Visa Confirmation Letters (VCL)' for Taiwanese applicants.

Kenya: The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system remains fully operational, allowing smooth entry for Taiwanese nationals.

Q2: Is it safe to travel to Uganda or Morocco currently? What is the Ministry’s advice?

Due to high uncertainty in entry policies and frequent reports of harassment in Uganda and Morocco, the Ministry urges citizens to carefully assess the necessity and potential risks of travel, advising against non-essential travel to Uganda. If travel is unavoidable, individuals should remain vigilant and maintain contact with Taiwan’s overseas offices.

Q3: What should citizens do if denied entry or having their passport confiscated overseas?

In case of emergencies in Africa, individuals can call the Ministry’s emergency contact center or directly contact the relevant Taiwan representative office (e.g., the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland) for immediate assistance.