January 29, 2018
No.004
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will start issuing next-generation e-Passports on February 5, 2018. Starting on that date, citizens may apply for such passports at MOFA’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, its branch offices in Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hualian, and Chiayi, or missions abroad.
The application fee for the next-generation e-Passport, as well as application procedures and requirements, remain unchanged. Previously issued e-Passports and machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry date. However, passport holders may apply for a new, next-generation e-Passport prior to the expiration of their current passport.
As the competent authority for the issuance of passports, and in accordance with the Passport Act, MOFA has affixed a fraud-resistant sticker to the fifth page of the next-generation e-Passport providing travel advice to the holder. MOFA reminds citizens to not remove this sticker, so as to not invalidate the passport. In addition, specimens of the next-generation e-Passport will be sent to foreign governments in line with international protocol to ensure a smooth travel experience for citizens.
MOFA remains firmly committed to providing high-quality services to citizens, improving overseas visa privileges for them, and bolstering the international standing of ROC passports.(E)