Morocco has resumed processing tourist visa applications from Taiwan passport holders, effective September 21. The resumption, reported by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA), covers applications filed for tourism purposes only. The move ends a suspension that had been in place since July 20, when Morocco instructed its embassies and consulates worldwide to stop processing visa confirmation letter (VCL) applications from Taiwanese travelers.
The resumption was confirmed by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which received a verbal reply from the Moroccan Embassy in Tokyo on September 25. According to MOFA, Taiwanese travelers must obtain a VCL before entering Morocco. Travel agencies have quickly responded to the development, with Five Dragons and Lifetour announcing that they have resumed their VCL delivery service for Taiwanese travelers.
The dispute began over the summer, with Morocco halting VCL applications from Taiwanese travelers on July 20. The Moroccan Embassy in Japan notified Taiwanese travel agencies of the halt on July 23. Taiwanese who had obtained a Moroccan VCL before July 20 remained free to enter the country for business or tourism during their visa's validity. However, the suspension disrupted exchanges between the two sides, as Taiwan nationals cannot apply for a Moroccan e-visa.
Taiwan responded to the suspension by halting the processing of visa applications from Moroccan nationals, apart from specially approved cases. Officials identified four grounds for special approval: family visits, study, diplomatic or official business, and medical treatment. The reason behind Morocco's original decision was unclear, with Department of West Asian and African Affairs Director-General Yen Chia-liang suggesting that Taiwanese were not the only nationals required to secure a confirmation letter.
MOFA pledged to stay in contact with Moroccan authorities through multiple channels, including asking like-minded countries for help in understanding the situation. By mid-August, the ministry described the matter as still under negotiation. Throughout the standoff, the ministry pressed Rabat to ease the restrictions, urging the Moroccan government to "maintain convenient travel arrangements for people from both sides" and to "restore normal non-governmental exchanges as soon as possible."
With tourist processing now restored, attention turns to whether Taiwan will lift its own countermeasures. The ministry has not decided whether to resume accepting visa applications from Moroccan nationals, intending first to confirm how the restored process works for Taiwan passport holders. The reopening is limited to tourism, and until Morocco publishes a formal notice and clarifies the full scope, both governments appear to be moving cautiously toward restoring normal travel between them.
Morocco and Taiwan have no formal diplomatic relations, as Rabat recognizes the People's Republic of China and adheres to the one-China principle. Nonetheless, limited economic, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges continue. The resumption of tourist visa processing is a positive step toward restoring normal exchanges between the two sides, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the future.
Key points
- Morocco resumes tourist visa processing for Taiwan passport holders, effective September 21.
- The resumption covers applications filed for tourism purposes only.
- Taiwan had halted visa processing for Moroccan nationals in response to Morocco's suspension.
