Taiwan bans tourist visas for 16 countries, including Sri Lanka.

Taiwan has taken steps to immediately suspend the acceptance of tourist visa applications for Sri Lankans. This decision has been made in accordance with the latest visa regulations issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it acts as a revision to the visa control policy for specific countries identified by Taiwan.

Despite the prohibition on obtaining visas for tourism purposes under this new decision, Sri Lankans still have the opportunity to travel to Taiwan under several other categories. Visa applications can still be submitted for visits with official invitations from a Taiwanese government agency, educational and cultural exchange programs, visits to meet third-generation relatives, business activities, reporting as ship crew members, and for the purpose of receiving medical treatment.

Sri Lankans applying for visas for other approved purposes must submit their applications to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in Chennai, India, or the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore. It is mandatory to submit several documents, including a letter of guarantee from a Taiwanese guarantor and a copy of their national ID, as well as the applicant's passport copy, police certificate, documents proving financial capability, accommodation information, and a return air ticket.

The Taiwanese government has designated several countries, including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Iraq, Algeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, and Syria, as high immigration risk countries. Although some relaxations were previously made for Sri Lankans to obtain tourist visas under Taiwan's 'New Southbound Policy,' this suspension of tourist visas is a diplomatic measure to mitigate issues such as overstaying, illegal employment, and regional security risks.

While this measure temporarily suspends tourist visas for Sri Lankans, spouses and children of Taiwanese citizens, diplomats, and individuals with humanitarian needs are exempt from these restrictions. Since these policies may change periodically based on immigration data and diplomatic needs between the two countries, it is advisable for those preparing for future travel to check for updated information through the official website of Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) or the nearest Taiwanese representative office.