Visa-free Access for Taiwanese Visitors to the UK from 3 March 2009

(Taipei, 10 Feb 2009) The British Trade & Cultural Office (BTCO) today announced that from 3 March 2009 Taiwan passport-holders who wish to visit the United Kingdom for less than six months on business or as a tourist, family visitor or student visitor will no longer require a visa.

Those wishing to stay in the UK more than six months, or to live, work, marry or study there on courses over six months, will continue to require a visa as before.

The decision announced today is based on the world-wide review of visa regimes carried out by the UK Borders Agency in 2007-08.

“Britain enjoys strong commercial and cultural ties with Taiwan”, David Campbell, the BTCO’s new Director said. “Lifting the visa requirement for stays of less than six months will help to build on that to the benefit of both British and Taiwanese people.”

Taiwanese visiting the UK after 3 March 2009 must still satisfy UK authorities at the port of entry that they meet the admission requirements on arrival in the UK. As with all those who can visit the UK without a visa, they must carry with them in their hand luggage relevant supporting documents such as return flight tickets, evidence of funding, letters from sponsors or businesses they are visiting, or the school they plan to study at.

The BTCO received over 28,000 visa applications in 2008. After 3 March 2009, that figure is expected to fall to 6-8,000 a year.

http://ukintaiwan.fco.gov.uk  /  www.vfs-uk-tw.com