Taiwan has suspended most visa applications from Moroccan citizens after Morocco halted the processing of travel authorisation letters for Taiwanese visitors, escalating diplomatic tensions between both sides.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the suspension took effect on July 30 under the principle of reciprocity, although applications may still be considered in exceptional circumstances.
The move followed a directive from the Moroccan government instructing its embassies and consulates worldwide to stop processing visa confirmation letters for Taiwanese nationals.
Morocco’s embassy in Japan, which handles visa-related matters for travellers from Taiwan, reportedly informed travel agencies on July 23 that it would no longer accept new applications.
Before the latest restrictions, Taiwanese citizens travelling to Morocco for tourism or business were required to obtain a visa confirmation letter through Morocco’s embassy in Japan. The applications were then forwarded to authorities in Rabat for approval before successful applicants could receive a visa on arrival.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the new Moroccan policy disrupted travel arrangements and bilateral exchanges, prompting Taipei to introduce similar restrictions on Moroccan nationals.
However, Taiwanese travellers who obtained confirmation letters before July 20 will still be allowed to use them to enter Morocco while the documents remain valid.
The ministry urged Moroccan authorities to reinstate the previous travel arrangements and said it would continue reviewing the situation before deciding on further measures.
The visa dispute comes as King Mohammed VI marks 27 years on the Moroccan throne, with several world leaders sending congratulatory messages highlighting the country’s growing diplomatic influence and economic progress.
Among them was Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose message attracted attention because Morocco supports the One-China policy and does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The diplomatic disagreement also coincides with renewed migration pressure along Morocco’s northern border after large numbers of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, prompting Spain to reinforce security measures.
Although the migration crisis is unrelated to the visa dispute, both developments have added to the diplomatic challenges facing Rabat as it continues to expand its international partnerships across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The latest restrictions are expected to affect travel, tourism and business exchanges between Morocco and Taiwan as both governments continue to review their respective policies.
