Israel will sign a mutual visa waiver agreement with Taiwan as soon as this week, the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei (ISECO) said on Sunday, urging Taiwanese ornithologists to add Israel to their list of bird-watching destinations for the upcoming migration season.
The visa waiver, which will take effect 45 days after the agreement is signed, will allow Republic of China passport holders to stay in Israel for up to 90 days, ISECO Representative Simona Halperin said.
According to Halperin, Israel gives visitors from less than 60 countries, including the US, EU member states, Japan and South Korea, visa exemption privileges.
“It is obvious for Taiwan to become a member of our visa waiver program,” she said, pointing out the country’s low risk of illegal immigration and its potential contribution to Israel’s tourism.
For travelers from Taiwan, Israel is similar to European countries in terms of length of travel and the vibrancy of culture, but the cost is much less, which makes it a very attractive vacation destination, she said.
Asked about travel safety issues, Halperin acknowledged that there have been a few incidents of conflict in areas of the West Bank and Gaza, where fewer tourists visit.
Nevertheless, popular scenic spots along the Mediterranean Sea remain unaffected, she said.
Besides sightseeing and shopping, Halperin, a bird-lover herself, also suggested Taiwanese indulge in the great wonders of nature by signing up for bird-watching excursions in Israel.
“Israel sits at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, which puts it in a very unique place for bird migration,” she said, adding that Israel features the highest number of bird species in the world.
To further introduce the country to bird-lovers, ISECO and the Wild Bird Society of Taipei have designed a 10-day bird-watching tour group for beginners and experts in Taiwan. The trip, scheduled for launch this fall, will serve as a trial to promote Israel as an ideal bird-watching destination to Taiwanese.
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