Taiwan drops Cambodia from visa facilitation programs, extends others

Taipei, July 17 (CNA) Taiwan will remove Cambodia from two visa facilitation programs on Aug. 1, while extending eased entry arrangements for Thailand, India and several other Southeast and South Asian countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

Cambodian nationals will no longer be eligible for the Guanhong Project, which eases visa requirements for certain tour groups, or the Travel Authorization Certificate program, which offers conditional visa-free entry, MOFA said.

In a news release, the ministry said Cambodia had failed to reciprocate Taiwan's goodwill and had instead echoed China in statements undermining Taiwan's sovereignty.

MOFA also accused Cambodia of appearing to support Beijing's possible use of force in seeking unification with Taiwan.

Cambodia's links to recent cross-border fraud cases have also raised public concern, the ministry said.

Cambodia has participated in the two programs since 2018. MOFA said any resumption of visa facilitation would depend on future changes in Cambodia's policy toward Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Taiwan will extend visa-free entry for nationals of Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines for one year, through July 31, 2027, MOFA said.

Nationals of India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos will remain eligible for the Guanhong Project and Travel Authorization Certificate program for another year, through Dec. 31, 2027, the ministry said.