Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Taiwan citizens can now enjoy visa-free travel to The Gambia, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday, August 27. This new development increases the number of countries and territories offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Taiwanese passport holders to 167. The Gambia’s Travel & Tourism sector is on the brink of substantial growth, with projected market revenues expected to reach $6,975,000 by 2024.

The sector is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 5.52% from 2024 to 2029, reflecting the country’s rising appeal as a global travel destination. With the recent addition of visa-free access for Taiwanese travelers, The Gambia’s already booming tourism industry is poised to grow even further, attracting more international visitors and investment.

This positive news comes despite a recent report from the National Audit Office, which highlighted a decline in the number of countries providing visa-free travel for Taiwanese citizens—from 171 in December 2023 to 166 by the end of April 2024. Nevertheless, MOFA’s persistent efforts over the past five years have led to successful visa-free or e-visa agreements with seven countries, including key destinations such as Argentina and Thailand. MOFA has emphasized that visa policies are the result of unique negotiations tailored to each country’s specific circumstances.

While external factors, including diplomatic pressures, might influence these policies, the min.