Planning a Trip to Taiwan? Sri Lankans Face Stricter Visa Conditions From July 2026

COLOMBO (News 1st); Taiwan has announced revised visa requirements for Sri Lankan nationals, including the suspension of tourist visa applications and the introduction of additional documentation requirements for eligible travelers.According to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Chennai, which handles visa matters relating to Sri Lankan applicants, tourist visa applications from Sri Lankan nationals will no longer be accepted. The updated notice, issued on July 18, 2026, states that Sri Lankans may only apply for visas for specific approved purposes.Under the revised policy, Sri Lankan nationals may apply for entry visas to Taiwan for official visits at the invitation of Taiwanese government agencies, participation in legitimate international conferences or events, family visits involving relatives within the third degree of kinship, business activities, joining vessels as crew members, or short-term medical treatment.Applicants seeking to travel under these categories must submit a Letter of Guarantee issued by a guarantor in Taiwan. The guarantor must hold a Taiwan National Identification Card, while the Letter of Guarantee must be authenticated by Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), a Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch office, or an overseas Taiwanese mission.In addition to standard visa application requirements, Sri Lankan applicants must also provide a Police Clearance Certificate, proof of financial capacity, proof of accommodation arrangements during their stay in Taiwan, and a confirmed return or onward air ticket.According to the Bureau Of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, Taiwan's designated-country visa arrangements also apply to nationals of several other countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Iraq, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia and Syria.