Taiwan Recommends Travellers to South Korea To Use Paper Arrival Cards Over the e-Arrival System: Here’s What You Need To Know!

Taiwan Recommends Travellers to South Korea To Use Paper Arrival Cards Over the e-Arrival System: Here’s What You Need To Know!

Taiwan Recommends Travellers to South Korea To Use Paper Arrival Cards Over the e-Arrival System: Here’s What You Need To Know!

A recent diplomatic debate over the just launched e-Arrival Card system has hindered international travel between Taiwan and South Korea. According to reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Taiwanese government has formally advised its nationals to use traditional paper arrival cards instead of the digital platform. The online system’s contentious classification of Taiwan as China (Taiwan), which authorities in Taipei have called factually wrong and a violation of national dignity, is the reason for this advisory. As South Korea continues to roll out its electronic infrastructure, the Taiwanese travellers are being encouraged to exercise their right to use physical forms to ensure their nationality and place of departure are recorded accurately.

The Dropdown Trap: Why Your Digital Identity Is Being Redefined Online

The core of the issue lies within the technical architecture of the e-Arrival Card, which was launched by South Korea in February 2025 as part of a broader effort to modernize immigration. Travelers have discovered that when filling out the mandatory fields for place of departure and next destination, the only option provided for the island is China (Taiwan). This nomenclature is viewed as a significant downgrade of the status of the Republic of China (Taiwan), particularly at a time when bilateral visits between the two nations have exceeded 2.47 million annually.

Despite multiple formal protests lodged by the Taipei Mission in Korea, the South Korean government has not yet implemented a correction. It is noted that prior to the digitalization of entry records, foreign nationals were permitted to manually write their point of origin on paper arrival cards, allowing for a level of self-identification that the new fixed-list system currently prevents. Because the online platform forces a selection from a pre-defined menu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has deemed the system unfriendly and has expressed deep regret over the lack of a positive response from Seoul.

The Paper Protest: Why Going Old School Is Now a Patriotic Act

In response to the unresolved naming issue, a Level 1: Gray Alert was issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs on March 2, 2026. This alert serves as a formal reminder for Taiwanese citizens to remain vigilant regarding their treatment at the border. The ministry has confirmed that the South Korean government currently has no scheduled timetable to phase out the use of paper arrival cards, meaning the physical forms remain a valid and legally recognized alternative to the e-Arrival Card.

By opting for the paper version, travelers can bypass the forced digital labels and maintain the integrity of their travel documents. While the digital system is marketed as a way to speed up immigration, the Taiwanese government suggests that the preservation of national identity outweighs the minor convenience of a faster queue. Travelers are being advised to request the physical cards from airline staff during their flight or to locate the designated stands at Incheon International Airport and other points of entry upon arrival.

Retaliation on the Horizon? The Future of Taiwan-Korea Bilateral Ties

The tension surrounding the e-Arrival Card has prompted discussions within the Legislative Yuan regarding potential countermeasures. Some lawmakers have pointed to the significant trade surplus that South Korea enjoys with Taiwan as a point of leverage, suggesting that the “unfriendly” measures could lead to a comprehensive review of bilateral relations. It is argued by officials such as Richard Liu of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs department that mutual respect must be the foundation of continued cooperation, especially given the high volume of tourism and the interconnected nature of the regional semiconductor supply chain.

While South Korea maintains a policy of non-official but substantive cooperation with Taiwan, its proximity to and economic ties with the People’s Republic of China create a complex diplomatic balancing act. The One China principle, often cited by Beijing, continues to influence the naming conventions used by international bodies and foreign governments. However, with other major powers such as Japan, the United States, and various European nations successfully using the simple designation of Taiwan in their immigration systems, the Taipei authorities remain firm in their demand for an immediate fix to avoid further damaging people-to-people exchanges.

Travel Hacks: How to Navigate the New Rules Without Compromising

For those planning a trip to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju Island, it is essential to understand the current exemptions and requirements. It is noted that travelers who possess a valid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) are generally exempt from the requirement to submit an arrival card altogether. However, for those who do not hold a K-ETA, the choice between digital and paper is currently the only way to manage the entry process.

The National Immigration Agency reminds travelers that regardless of the form used, information must be filled out accurately to avoid delays. For the Taiwanese community, the message remains clear: the use of the e-Arrival Card is currently seen as an endorsement of an inaccurate political label. Until a technical update is provided by South Korean authorities, the humble pen and paper remain the most effective tools for maintaining diplomatic clarity at the border.

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