Import Controls Lifted on 23 Categories of Foreign Language Publications

The Government Information Office has announced that import controls are to be lifted on 23 categories of foreign language publications. In the future these publications will no longer require GIO approval, and applicants who wish to import them need no longer attach GIO permission and can arrange foreign exchange directly with the bank.

The 23 include: shorthand texts; topography texts; geologic surveys; hymnals; prayer books; science books (pure science); specialized technical books; astronomical cartography texts; medical journals; finance journals; fashion magazines; Braille sheet music; studies of sacred rituals; various other categories of sheet music; and some additional categories related to binding and printing of art prints.

Imports of music from Japan have not yet been liberalized; sheet music, records, and tapes from Japan are still restricted.

As for imports of Chinese language printed matter, or matter printed in both Chinese and a foreign language, the current process will remain in force (i.e., they require the approval of the GIO).

More Than Ten Nations Ease Visa Requirements for ROC Citizens

France, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Turkey were among the ten plus nations which have recently broadly relaxed visa requirements for both commercial and tourist visas for ROC citizens, even as far as adopting the principle of reciprocity for giving visa-free most favored nation treatment.

These countries include:

France: Individuals can now apply directly for a visa in the ROC through the Travel Services section of the Franco-Asian Trade Promotion Association, and need not go through Hong Kong to arrange it.

The FRG: The time required for group visa applications through Hong Kong will be reduced from twenty-one to fourteen days, and passports will, as often as possible, not be held (whereas they were previously held seven days).

Italy: The Italian Consul General in Hong Kong has indicated that they are considering simplifying the visa process and shortening the processing time.

Turkey: This year the ROC has set up an office in Turkey, and citizens are eligible to receive visas at the local airport, generally for sixteen days.

Malaysia: Formerly visas took five to ten days, or three to five with a China Airlines or MAS seat; now visas will be arranged within 24 hours as often as possible without regard to airline.

Indonesia: For those leaving from Taipei, visas are completely free. If one does not stay for more than seven days at the preceding stop, Indonesia offers a two-month visa.

Singapore: One may now stay two weeks without a visa.

Mexico: The process for a group commercial visa has been shortened and made more convenient, and moreover may soon be handled at cities on the U.S.-Mexican border.

Australia and New Zealand: If the effective time of the passport is long, then what formerly would have been single entry and exit visas will now be multiple entry and exit.

Honduras: Honduras has already simplified the application process for ROC citizens. From June 5th of this year Honduran representatives worldwide have been authorized to accord visas to ROC citizens without having to go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.