Taiwan Lowers Eligibility Age for e-Gate Program to 10 Years Old Starting 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, individuals aged 10 and above, with a height of at least 120 cm, will be eligible to use Taiwan’s e-Gate system for streamlined immigration clearance at airports. The announcement was made by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) on Tuesday, marking a significant change in the accessibility of the automated system.
What Is Taiwan’s e-Gate Program?
The e-Gate program offers an automated alternative to traditional manual immigration checks, allowing travelers to clear immigration quickly using a biometric system. Previously, the program was only available to citizens and foreign nationals holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) who were at least 12 years old and 140 cm tall.
New Eligibility Criteria for e-Gate Program
As of January 1, 2025, the eligibility for the e-Gate system will expand to younger travelers. The minimum age will be reduced to 10 years old, and the height requirement will be lowered to 120 cm. This change is expected to make the system more accessible to families and younger travelers, promoting convenience and efficiency at immigration checkpoints.
New Generation e-Gates and Future Installations
The NIA has also shared details about improvements in the infrastructure supporting the e-Gate program. By the end of 2024, all old e-Gate booths at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport will be replaced with 49 new-generation e-Gate booths. These booths are designed to allow travelers to self-enroll and pass through immigration quickly with the newly designed e-passports, which Taiwan began issuing in 2021.
In 2025, additional e-Gate booths will be installed at other major Taiwanese airports, including Kaohsiung, Songshan, and Taichung. A new booth will also be set up at the Kinmen Shuitou Port Tourist Service Center, which is currently under construction.
Key Features of the New e-Gate System
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| New Eligibility Age | 10 years old and above |
| New Minimum Height Requirement | 120 cm |
| E-Gate Enrollment | Available at 49 new booths at Taoyuan Airport |
| Additional Installations | Kaohsiung, Songshan, Taichung, Kinmen (2025) |
| E-Passport Requirement | Must hold newly-designed e-passport (issued since 2021) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is eligible for the e-Gate program in Taiwan starting January 2025?
A1: As of January 1, 2025, individuals aged 10 and above with a height of at least 120 cm will be eligible to use the e-Gate system.
Q2: What changes are being made to the e-Gate system?
A2: The eligibility age is being lowered from 12 to 10 years old, and the minimum height requirement is reduced from 140 cm to 120 cm.
Q3: Where will the new e-Gate booths be installed?
A3: The new booths will be installed at Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Songshan, and Taichung airports, as well as at the Kinmen Shuitou Port Tourist Service Center.
Q4: Do I need an e-passport to use the e-Gate system?
A4: Yes, travelers must have the newly designed e-passports, which were introduced by Taiwan in 2021.
Q5: When will the new-generation e-Gate booths be available at Taiwan’s airports?
A5: The new-generation e-Gate booths will be available at Taoyuan International Airport by the end of 2024 and at other airports starting in 2025.
