Border Security Management
- Date：
- Source：Border Affairs Corps
- Hit：7174
- Updated date：2025-01-01
The Border Affairs Corps of the NIA is responsible for border control and security management. The NIA operates offices in 10 airports, including Songshan, Taoyuan, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Hualien, Kinmen, and Penghu, as well as 15 harbors, such as Keelung, Taipei, Taichung, Mailiao, Budai, Anping, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Heping, Suao, Magong, Shuitou, Fuao, Liaoluo, and Baisha. The primary duties include inspecting travel documents and preventing the use of fraudulent/counterfeit and falsified passports and other travel-related documents to cross the borders. Dedicated to safeguarding border security, the NIA ensures a balance between efficiency and service. By providing high-standard immigration clearance for inbound and outbound passengers, the NIA plays a vital role in promoting a positive international image for the nation.
2. Application of Border Information Technology
To enhance the efficiency of immigration clearance and border management, the NIA has implemented the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the Advance Passenger Processing System (APP), which allow early screening prior to the arrival of suspected travelers and other restricted passengers to prevent them from entering the borders. Since August 1, 2015, the Biometric Verification System has been deployed at all major airports and seaports. This system collects and stores facial images and fingerprints of foreign persons, preventing imposters and identity fraud. Additionally, on January 4, 2016, the NIA launched the Suspicious Passport Comparison System, which includes a comprehensive database of passport samples from various countries. This system enhances the ability of immigration officers to detect fraudulent passports and improves the training of newly recruited officers, thereby elevating the overall service quality.
To facilitate convenient immigration clearance for nationals and foreign persons with residency, the NIA introduced the first-generation e-Gate system in 2011. Using facial recognition and fingerprints technology, travelers can use the e-Gate system after completing a simple pre-registration process. In 2020, the NIA launched the third generation of the e-Gate system, followed by the fourth generation in 2023, gradually replacing earlier versions. The latest e-Gate systems feature integrated registration and clearance functions, allowing passengers to register and clear immigration simultaneously without prior registration. This upgrade improves user convenience and increases public adoption. Additionally, foreign nationals who have submitted biometric data during entry may use the e-Gate system for expedited clearance when departing.
Through the implementation of these advanced border information systems, the NIA enhances the overall quality of immigration clearance services, effectively deters illegal activities at the borders, and prevents individuals from using falsified documents to gain entry. These efforts bolster the nation’s international reputation, safeguard border security, maintain Taiwan’s strong ranking in the "Trafficking in Persons Report", and help secure and sustain visa-waiver privilege from countries around the world.
3. Immigration Clearance Service
To facilitate efficient immigration clearance for frequent visitors to Taiwan, the NIA has set up speedy immigration clearance counters. These counters are available to foreign business professionals who are recommended by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, individuals who have visited Taiwan at least three times within a year (Frequent Traveler Certificate), holders of the Asia-Pacific Business Travel Cards, Academic and Business Travel Cards, Plum Blossom Cards, or Employment Gold Card. This service allows eligible travelers to enjoy expedited processing at immigration checkpoints. Also, in line with the Executive Yuan’s policy to support disadvantaged groups, the NIA provides specialized counters for infants, the elderly, and individuals with mobility challenges. During public holidays, additional family-friendly counters are available for travelers with children under the age of 10. These initiatives aim to offer not only a convenient immigration experience but also a warm and considerate service that reflects the government’s commitment to accessibility and care.
The NIA has signed memorandums of understanding with several countries, including the United States (Global Entry), South Korea, Australia, Italy, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia, enabling reciprocal use of the e-Gate system for citizens of both sides. Nationals from these countries who hold e-passports and meet the eligibility requirements can register to use Taiwan’s e-Gate system, providing international travelers with a convenient and efficient immigration clearance service.
4. Combating Human Smuggling at Borders
To counter illegal activities such as human smuggling through transit in Taiwan, the NIA has implemented inspection measures targeting transit flights to destinations including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe. Inspections are conducted in boarding lounges and transit lounges, where suspicious passengers are promptly identified, questioned, and identities verified. These efforts aim to prevent transit-based smuggling and uphold the integrity of border security.