Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Taiwanese passport holders can now travel to The Gambia without the need for a visa, as announced by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The policy, which came into effect on August 15, 2024, brings the total number of countries and regions offering visa privileges to Taiwanese citizens to 167, according to the Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Deputy Director General, Chen Shang-yu.

The new visa regulations also bring updates for other countries. Taiwanese travelers to Rwanda and Gabon can now obtain visas on arrival, while visas for Cameroon and Togo can be acquired electronically.

This visa-free agreement between Taiwan and The Gambia marks a notable point in the complex and evolving diplomatic history between the two nations. The Gambia officially recognized Taiwan in 1996, a move that led China to sever diplomatic ties with the West African nation. However, in November 2013, Gambian President Yahya Jammeh abruptly cut ties with Taiwan, a decision that was formally reciprocated by Taiwan shortly after.

China resumed diplomatic relations with The Gambia in 2016, marking a shift in the latter’s foreign policy. During a 2018 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Gambian President Adama Barrow described the country’s previous relations with Taiwan as a “huge mistake,” expressing gratitude for China’s subsequent support.

As of August 2024, Taiwanese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 109 countries and territories, with the Taiwanese passport ranked 69th globally on the VisaGuide Passport Index. In contrast, Gambian citizens can travel to 49 countries without a visa, with their passport ranking 137th worldwide.

This visa-free agreement is seen as a diplomatic gesture, enhancing Taiwan’s global mobility while reflecting The Gambia’s nuanced stance in its international relations.