Casablanca – Taiwan and Morocco are negotiating over visa arrangements for Taiwanese travelers, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday, according to the Taipei Times.
Department of West Asian and African Affairs Director-General Yen Chia-liang said Morocco issued the instruction on July 20. Taiwanese travelers are required to obtain a visa confirmation letter before traveling to Morocco.
In response, Taiwan suspended visa application processing for Moroccan nationals on July 30, except for cases receiving special approval, Yen said.
The exceptions cover family visits, study, diplomatic or official business, and medical treatment.
Yen said the reason for Morocco’s decision remains unclear. He added that Taiwanese nationals are not the only travelers subject to the visa confirmation letter requirement, as the procedure also applies to other nationalities, including Iranian and Kosovar nationals, suggesting that the measure may not have been specifically directed at Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it is communicating with Moroccan authorities through several channels and has also asked like-minded countries to help clarify the situation. Yen said the ministry hopes the issue can be resolved quickly.
He urged the Moroccan government to maintain convenient travel arrangements for people on both sides and restore normal non-governmental exchanges as soon as possible.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Morocco and Taiwan maintain economic ties. In 2024, Morocco exported about $57.9 million in goods to Taiwan, while Taiwanese exports to Morocco reached around $160 million, according to available trade data.
