This year’s Lunar New Year holiday, lasting for nine days, has inspired many citizens to plan overseas trips. To accommodate the expected surge in travelers, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) has implemented enhanced measures to ensure smooth clearance processes. Additional staff have been deployed at key checkpoints, and the NIA encourages travelers to take advantage of the next-generation automated immigration clearance system, e-Gate.
Eligible users include citizens aged 10 and above, with a height of at least 120 cm and a chip-enabled passport, as well as foreign persons with valid resident certificates. These individuals can register and clear immigration directly at the e-Gate in as little as 10 seconds. Travelers meeting the criteria but new to e-Gate are especially encouraged to experience its dual-function "registration and clearance" service. For families with young children who do not meet the eligibility requirements, the NIA has set up family-friendly service counters to ensure a hassle-free process.
To further enhance entry and exit services, the NIA continues to expand its next-generation e-Gate system. At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, all outdated e-Gate have been replaced, with 71 new units now operational. This year, an additional 27 units are planned for installation at Kaohsiung, Songshan, and Taichung airports, as well as the soon-to-open Kinmen Shuitou Port Visitor Service Center. Once the upgrade is complete, all outdated e-Gate will be retired, enabling the system to handle increasing traveler volumes and deliver a more efficient clearance experience.
The NIA reminds travelers who have not yet registered for e-Gate to do so at the next-generation kiosks during entry or exit. By capturing facial images—and optionally, fingerprints—travelers can simultaneously complete registration and clearance. Citizens only need to register once, as the service remains valid for life, even when renewing their passport. The NIA warmly invites travelers to make full use of this convenient service.
Finally, for those planning overseas trips during the Lunar New Year, the NIA advises checking the validity of your passport and destination country’s visa requirements in advance. Travelers should also arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure to complete check-in procedures without delay. To add to the festive spirit, the NIA will distribute limited-edition Year of the Snake red envelopes at airports and seaports nationwide, sharing the joy of the New Year with the public.