Taipei: Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued its annual warning to local citizens ahead of the Lunar New Year to check the validity of their passports and get travel insurance well before they head abroad for the holiday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the number of people heading to the airport with expired or invalid passports may be relatively low, with 1,194 people applying for emergency passport renewal services at Taoyuan International Airport in all of 2024.

Armando Cheng, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Bureau of Consular Affairs, reminded citizens to check their passports well before the Lunar New Year holiday begins on February 14 to avoid major disappointment. At a news briefing, he urged travelers to ensure their passports have at least six months of validity before traveling, or they could potentially face being denied entry at their destination. He also warned that souvenir stamps, scribbles, or other damage could invalidate passports.

Cheng noted that it takes 10 working days to renew a passport and stated there is still time to apply for renewals to obtain new travel documents by the February 13 deadline at BOCA headquarters in Taipei or around Taiwan. February 13 will be the last working day for BOCA and other government offices.

Cheng also advised travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical insurance and travel inconvenience insurance, to cover medical expenses and unexpected emergencies while overseas. In case of an emergency abroad, travelers can use 24/7 emergency hotlines at Taiwan’s 113 overseas offices or call MOFA headquarters in Taipei at 0800-085-095.