Taiwan Critiques Somalia's Travel Restrictions for Its Passport Holders

Taiwan has formally condemned a travel restriction imposed by Somalia, which prevents Taiwanese passport-holders from entering or transiting through the country, labeling it a politically motivated maneuver influenced by China.

Taiwan has expressed strong disapproval over Somalia's recent travel ban that prohibits holders of Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through the East African nation. The travel restriction took effect on Wednesday, following an order from Somali aviation authorities announced last week. Despite Taiwan's protests, Somalia has remained silent regarding the ban, which surfaces amidst Taiwan's increasing relations with Somaliland, a self-declared state that split from Somalia 34 years ago but lacks international recognition.

According to Taiwan’s foreign ministry, Somali civil aviation authorities issued a directive to airlines indicating that Taiwanese passports "will no longer be valid for entry into or transit through the Federal Republic of Somalia" starting April 30. In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry has vocally criticized Somalia's actions, asserting that it demonstrates an infringement on travel freedom and safety for Taiwanese nationals and demands the Somali government retract the ban immediately.

The ministry has also condemned Somalia's perceived misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 that it claims links Taiwan's status to the "one China" principle. Taiwanese officials have cautioned citizens against traveling to Somalia or Somaliland until the ban is overturned.

While Somaliland and Taiwan enjoy a measure of diplomatic ties, the situation has attracted scrutiny from China, which welcomed Somalia's ban as a legitimate act reflecting loyalty to the one-China principle.

China claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has threatened military action to enforce its governance over the island, which operates under its own constitution and conducts regular elections. Taiwan is globally recognized only by a handful of countries due to ongoing diplomatic pressure exerted by China.

Somaliland previously declared independence in 1991 after the fall of Somalia's dictatorship, maintaining its own elections amidst varying degrees of stability within the broader, conflict-ridden region. Somalia does not acknowledge Somaliland's independence and has voiced disapproval of international dealings with its government, including Ethiopia's port agreement.