THE Department of Homeland Security yesterday announced Taiwan was approved for inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, according to a press release from the Office of Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, whose efforts aided in the recent decision.
Taiwan nationals are now able to visit the U.S. for tourism and business purposes for up to three months – 90 days – without a visa. The inclusion of Taiwan in the program will be effective Nov. 1.
According to the release, the announcement follows efforts by a number of members of Congress, including Bordallo, urging DHS to include Taiwan under the visa waiver program. Bordallo co-signed a letter with Congressman Eni Faleomavaega urging the Obama administration to make this change. As such, Congress has recognized the significant economic benefits from adding Taiwan to the program.
“I am pleased that the Obama administration has extended visa-free travel to the U.S. for visitors from Taiwan starting this year,” Bordallo said in the release. “This announcement will help facilitate cultural exchange and is a significant development in the relationship between our countries. Adding Taiwan to the visa waiver program will also mean increased travel to the U.S., including Guam. Guam has seen an increase in tourism and business opportunities stemming from Taiwan’s inclusion in our Guam Visa Waiver Program, and this impact is evident in our island’s thriving Taiwanese community.”
She continued, “I am hopeful that Taiwan’s inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will likely have the same effect on a national scale and will be beneficial for our country’s tourism industry and many American workers. I am also hopeful that this announcement will lead to increased flights between Guam and Taiwan facilitating economic opportunities for our island.”
GVB
Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager Joann Camacho yesterday said her agency is pleased with the announcement of the inclusion of Taiwan into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
“With the announcement of parole authority for Russian tourists to travel to Guam in January and this latest announcement for Taiwan, it shows the commitment of the U.S. federal government to increasing travel to the United States, including Guam,” she said. “While we realize that this announcement may impact arrivals from Taiwan to Guam, we foresee that the impact will be minimal. Guam continues to lead the way for international inbound travel to the United States and it is important to continue our momentum to grow our travel and tourism industry.”
Camacho remained optimistic that the island would continue to lead as one of the busiest airports in the nation, while still remaining hopeful about the inclusion of China.
“Being one of the busiest international airports in the nation, we are where 'America’s day begins' and it is without a doubt that Guam is a leader,” she stated. “With this announcement, we are hopeful that our efforts to include China into the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program will come to fruition.”
