Taiwanese travelers to South Korea can choose to fill out a paper arrival card instead of using the country’s electronic system, which still uses the name “China (Taiwan),” despite Taipei having requested a correction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
South Korea in February last year launched its e-Arrival Card system, an online entry declaration form for people to complete within three days prior to their entry into the country, which is meant to replace paper arrival cards.
However, many Taiwanese have filed complaints to the ministry, saying that the online system lists Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” in dropdown menus for “place of departure” and “next destination.”
Photo: CNA
The ministry in December last year said it had repeatedly asked Seoul to fix the “incorrect” listing.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs on Monday issued a “Level 1: Gray Alert” for South Korea, listing seven points reminding Taiwanese travelers to be aware of, including that the online e-arrival card and paper arrival card could be used, but suggesting that people fill out the paper version.
The South Korean government confirmed that it has not set a schedule to phase out the paper arrival card, ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said yesterday.
“The ministry suggests that people fill out the paper arrival card for entry,” Hsiao said.
The ministry and Taiwan’s representative office in South Korea continue to communicate with South Korean authorities on the issue, he said.
“We are also considering appropriate reciprocal measures,” he said.
“Based on the friendly relations between the people of Taiwan and South Korea, we hope the authorities respond positively to Taiwan’s request as soon as possible,” he added.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS