Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday warned citizens against misusing visa-free entry while traveling overseas. The warning followed a rise in arrests involving Taiwanese nationals accused of illegal activities abroad, officials said.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei raised the issue during a regular briefing in Taipei. He said South Korean police arrested six Taiwanese this year over alleged involvement in telecommunications fraud.
Previously, similar cases involving Taiwanese travelers occurred only once every one to two months. Taiwanese passport holders may enter South Korea visa-free for tourism or short-term business stays of up to 90 days.
However, visa-exemption rules strictly prohibit paid employment and any form of illegal activity. Hsiao said misuse of visa-free entry could damage Taiwan’s international credibility and travel privileges.
He warned host countries may respond by tightening immigration checks on Taiwanese visitors. The ministry also pointed to similar cases reported in Southeast Asia during recent years.
In several incidents, Taiwanese entered Thailand visa-free before traveling onward to Myanmar or Cambodia. Authorities later linked those travelers to online gambling and telecommunications fraud operations.
As a result, Thai authorities have increased screening of visa-free visitors at border checkpoints. Officials now conduct more detailed questioning to detect illegal employment risks.
The Foreign Ministry urged travelers to understand visa conditions before departing Taiwan. It also advised citizens to verify overseas job offers and invitations carefully.
Officials warned criminal groups often exploit visa-free travel to recruit participants. Experts said repeated violations could prompt foreign governments to reconsider visa exemptions.
The ministry said it will expand travel advisories and public awareness campaigns. It also plans to strengthen coordination with foreign authorities on cross-border crime prevention.
