Job Discussion Forums

SolitaryThrush · Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 32

Hi, this question isn't related to teaching in Taiwan, but I'm looking for advice for a friend, so I'm going to ask it here. Maybe some of you can provide some assistance.

I have a friend in Kaohsiung looking to volunteer in the UK. She is going through an agency and she has her position set up. She is a little distressed, though, because of a difficult visa situation. It will be difficult for her to gain entry to a number of European countries (especially Germany, where she has family.) She will be using a Schengen Visa. I was surprised by all the red tape she's encountered, from trying to get an overseas position to trying to open a bank account to now trying to visit other countries. I understand why, though, given Taiwan's international position and its lack of recognition.

My question is to those with Taiwanese friends/spouses. I'm curious how you or they were able to visit different parts of the world given so many restrictions. Are there different visas available? Are there different procedures to follow? Thanks, and I hope my situation makes sense.

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

Yes, it really can be very difficult.

The best advice I have is to plan ahead. Make sure she has ALL the documents she needs. Call the embassy ahead and check with them to make sure you have everything you need. It's the little, simple things that can make a big difference when applying for a visa.

This is a great example for all those that complain about getting a visa to come to Taiwan! It's a LOT harder for Taiwanese (or non-citizens in general) to get into Western countries than vice versa. I've had friends accepted or rejected for US visas based upon no discernable reasons that I can see. They ask a lot of tough questions in the interviews and deliberately try and make you feel uncomfortable to be sure you have good intentions in going to the US. I understand the reasons for this, but it doesn't make it pleasant for those who just want to go on vacation!

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

I might add that it is impossible to travel abroad as a Taiwanese citizen. I do know people who have obtained Taiwanese passports but had them confiscated because they were not issued by the ROC. Until the occupational authorities relinquish control of Taiwan and the Pescadores Taiwanese citizenship is a pipe dream.
You would probably be better off traveling on a World passport.
Please read this,
10 Steps to Success on Taiwan!
Good luck!
A.

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

I hate to stoop to responding to a moronic post but.....

I have Taiwanese friends and co-workers who have traveled extensively. To places in Europe, North America and throughout Asia. I've also met many Taiwanese citizens when I've been traveling. Yes, it can be time consuming and frustrating, but it can be done. To suggest otherwise is ludicrous.

Cat

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

Yep! There's a lot of BS going on here. My wife spends almost 50% of her time flying around on business. Never had any problems in Asia, other than in some countries she needs to apply for a visa in advance, and wait a few days for it. She does it all on her Taiwan passport.

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

They don't seem to have any trouble entering Indonesia. I see hundreds of them everyday here in Bali and interestingly quite a few of them are backpackers.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Again, you missed the point.
In order to travel on a Taiwanese passport there would have to be a Republic of Taiwan. There is no such place on the planet Earth.
If you look at your "Taiwanese" passport you will see that is is in fact a passport from the occupational authority on Taiwan called the Republic of China that has illegally annexed the island of Taiwan claiming it as part a the now non existent Republic of China.
Perhaps you might read the ROC constitution or any one of countless other legal documents that are used to maintain the corrupt, racist occupational authorities on Taiwan.

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

No, we got the point, but chose to ignore it as it's not relevant to the conversation. This is a practical question. It is no more difficult for a Taiwanese to travel to Europe or North America than it is any other national of an Asian country, in fact I suspect it is probably easier than some. Entry to the west is usually based on likelihood of the applicant returning to their home country before their visa expires. This is usually assessed by checking financial records, letters of employment, family ties, etc.

Ask yourself this Aristotle, do you think it's easier for a mainlander or a Taiwanese to travel abroad?