First Batch of Blockchain Visa Allows Tourists' Arrival, Looking Forward to Growth in Business and Tourism

First Batch of Blockchain Visa Allows Tourists' Arrival, Looking Forward to Growth in Business and Tourism
 

The blockchain visa initiative, jointly promoted by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior. Today, we welcome the first batch of international travelers. In the future, apart from achieving efficient paperless visa processing, the convenient online application and mobile barcode identity verification will significantly enhance foreign tourists' willingness to visit Taiwan.

The paperless visa plan utilizes blockchain technology to verify visa materials submitted by travelers through web applications. After confirmation by respective countries, a unique non-fungible token (NFT) is generated with the immutable characteristics of blockchain, enabling lifelong usage with a single application. This not only reduces paper waste in the application process but also records all digital traces on the blockchain, effectively minimizing issues related to document forgery or damage.

The NFT visa also records the visitation history of all foreign travelers, facilitating tracking and issuance of visas for frequent visitors to Taiwan. Additionally, it helps identify cases of using multiple passports for entry or international law violations, effectively serving border control and protecting national security responsibilities, while ensuring convenience for international visitors applying for visas.

In the future, for entry into Taiwan, first-time applicants only need to submit their information through the digital platform 48 hours in advance. After approval, they can present their mobile barcode along with their passport for verification upon entry. For subsequent applications, business purposes, and long-term residency, a 24-hour advance application is sufficient, and the mobile barcode can be repeatedly used for identity verification. This almost realizes a global landing visa process, simultaneously, there will be no issues of on-site long queuing.