Introduction to New Travel Procedures
A new procedure for all incoming visitors has been implemented at a popular tourist location to optimize the travel process and security. The travelers to Taiwan must apply for a "digital arrival" card (TWAC), which is free but requires submitting a valid passport, an e-mail address, job, telephone number, and travel accommodation.
Requirements for Digital Arrival Card
The card requires several pieces of information, including a valid passport, e-mail address, job, telephone number, and travel accommodation. Travelers must apply for the card at least three days before their trips.
Global Trend in Travel Systems
This update reflects a wider global trend, as many countries modernize their travel systems with increasing supervision and stricter security measures. For example, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and 25 other countries will implement a new entry/exit system (EES) with fingerprint scans on October 12.
New Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES will introduce the collection of biometric data, such as face pictures and fingerprints. The European Union (EU) states that these countries will introduce the various elements of the EES into phases, including the collection of biometric data. This means that biometric data may not be recorded immediately at any border crossing point, and personal data may not be registered in the system.
Benefits of New System
The new system is expected to help modernize border management across Europe, including security improvements in combating fraud and terrorism. The system will be able to track when visitors exceed their reception in the Schengen region, a zone of more than two dozen European countries that enable movement.
Self-Service System
A self-service system is offered for people with a biometric passport that contains a “chip” of personal biometric information. According to state data, over 7.5 million people visited Taiwan in 2024, and the United States was the fourth largest visitor source in Taiwan. The Chinese visitors to the mainland must also fill out the new form.
