Taiwan has resumed processing visa applications from Moroccan nationals, ending a diplomatic dispute that disrupted travel between the two sides for nearly three months.
- Taiwan has resumed visa processing for Moroccan nationals after Morocco restored visa services for Taiwanese citizens, ending a three-month dispute.
- The diplomatic dispute began when Morocco stopped processing visa confirmation letters for Taiwanese travelers, prompting reciprocal action by Taiwan.
- Taiwan also lifted health-related visa restrictions for Ugandan residents after an Ebola review, but extended similar restrictions for Democratic Republic of Congo residents until late November.
- These decisions reflect a combination of diplomatic reciprocity and public health concerns shaping Taiwan's visa policies towards African countries.
The decision, effective October 12, 2026, follows Morocco’s restoration of visa services for Taiwanese passport holders on September 21, ending a nearly three-month diplomatic dispute.
Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to review visa restrictions affecting other African countries, having restored access for Uganda while maintaining Ebola-related restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Why Taiwan suspended Moroccan visas
The visa dispute began on July 23, when Morocco's embassy in Japan stopped processing visa confirmation letters for Taiwanese travellers without publicly explaining its decision.
According to Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Taiwanese passport holders were ineligible for Morocco's electronic visas and had to obtain confirmation letters from Moroccan diplomatic missions before travelling.
In response, Taiwan suspended visa applications from Moroccan nationals on July 30, citing the principle of "reciprocity". The restrictions affected tourism and business travel, although exceptions remained available to applicants with special government approval.
The dispute began to ease on September 21, when Morocco resumed accepting visa confirmation letter applications from Taiwanese travellers.
However, the East Asian island, delayed lifting its restrictions while seeking clarification on whether Morocco's decision covered all travel purposes.
Following confirmation from Moroccan authorities, Taiwan announced that normal visa processing for Moroccan nationals would resume on October 12, 2026.
Uganda regains access as DR Congo restrictions continue
Taiwan has also lifted visa restrictions affecting Uganda, although those measures stemmed from public health concerns rather than diplomatic disagreements.
On June 2, 2026, Taiwanese authorities imposed a 90-day suspension on visa issuance and entry for residents of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing Ebola-related health risks.
The restrictions included exemptions for diplomatic personnel, eligible students, certain family members of Taiwanese citizens and humanitarian emergencies.
Following a review of the health situation, Taiwan lifted the restrictions on Ugandan residents on August 28.
However, authorities extended the measures affecting DRC residents for another 90 days, until November 28, citing continued public health concerns.
One-China policy and Taiwan's relations with Africa
The visa developments come against the backdrop of Taiwan's limited diplomatic presence in Africa, where most countries, including Morocco, Uganda and the DRC, maintain formal relations with Beijing under the One-China principle.
In January 2026, the African Union reaffirmed its support for the principle, recognising the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China and backing Beijing's claim over Taiwan.
Taiwan rejected the declaration, maintaining that it is not subordinate to Beijing.
Despite these diplomatic differences, African countries continue to engage with Taiwan on travel and other practical matters. Eswatini remains the only African country with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan.