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.
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