Taiwan Introduces Digital Arrival Card as Part of Global Travel Modernization Trend
Taiwan has recently implemented a new mandatory procedure for all incoming international visitors, requiring them to apply for a “Taiwan Digital Arrival Card” (TWAC) three days before their arrival. This free digital form, announced by the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency Republic of China Taiwan (MINIA), represents Taiwan’s efforts to streamline travel processes while enhancing security measures at its borders. Travelers must submit personal information including a valid passport, email address, occupation, phone number, and accommodation details during their stay. This new requirement applies to all visitors, including those from mainland China, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to standardizing entry procedures for all international arrivals regardless of their origin. The implementation comes at a significant time, as Taiwan welcomed over 7.5 million visitors in 2024, with Americans representing the fourth-largest group of international travelers to the island according to data from Taiwan’s Tourism Administration.
The introduction of Taiwan’s digital arrival card reflects a broader global trend toward digitized, more secure border management systems. Countries worldwide are increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions to enhance traveler verification while creating more efficient entry processes. These digital systems allow immigration authorities to pre-screen visitors before they arrive, potentially reducing congestion at border checkpoints while giving security personnel more time to review visitor information. The shift toward digital arrival forms also carries environmental benefits by reducing paper usage and physical storage requirements for immigration records. For travelers, this modernization means adapting to new pre-travel requirements but potentially enjoying smoother arrivals once they reach their destination, provided they’ve completed the necessary digital paperwork before departure.
Europe is implementing similar but more extensive changes to its border management systems. Beginning October 12, a phased rollout of a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin across 29 European countries, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. This system represents a significant advancement in border security, as it will collect biometric data including facial images and fingerprints from travelers entering the Schengen Area. The European Union has indicated that implementation will occur gradually, with biometric collection capabilities being introduced at different border crossing points over approximately six months. This measured approach allows for technical adjustments and traveler adaptation as the system becomes fully operational across the continent.
The European EES system is designed with multiple objectives beyond basic border management. According to EU statements, the technology will enhance security by improving the detection of fraudulent documents and helping counter terrorism threats through more sophisticated traveler verification. The system will also automatically calculate and monitor the duration of authorized stays in the Schengen Area, helping authorities identify visitors who have overstayed their permitted time. For convenience, the EES will offer self-service options for travelers with biometric passports containing embedded chips with their personal information. This balance between enhanced security and traveler convenience exemplifies how countries are attempting to modernize border controls without significantly increasing the burden on legitimate visitors.
These developments in Taiwan and Europe highlight how international travel is evolving in response to technological capabilities, security concerns, and efficiency demands. Digital pre-arrival systems allow immigration authorities to shift some processing time from the physical border to the pre-travel period, potentially reducing congestion at airports and other entry points. While requiring additional preparation from travelers, these systems may ultimately create smoother arrival experiences by reducing processing times at immigration checkpoints. The collection of more comprehensive traveler data also allows authorities to conduct more thorough security assessments before visitors arrive, potentially identifying concerns before a traveler boards their flight to the destination country.
For international travelers, these changes represent a new reality of global mobility where advance preparation and digital documentation are increasingly becoming standard requirements. While completing digital arrival cards and potentially providing biometric information may feel intrusive to some, these measures reflect how countries are balancing openness to visitors with security responsibilities in an increasingly complex world. As more nations adopt similar systems, travelers will likely become more accustomed to providing pre-arrival information and using digital systems to facilitate their international journeys. The parallel developments in Taiwan and Europe suggest that this trend toward digitized, information-rich border management will continue to expand globally, transforming how people experience international travel in the coming years while establishing new standards for cross-border movement in the digital age.
