The complex identity of the Republic of China passport

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While often called the Taiwanese passport, its official name remains the Republic of China. This document carries a unique legal weight, navigating a delicate political landscape where citizenship, household registration, and the right of abode create two distinct classes of passport holders.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) passport is a document of significant geopolitical nuance. Since 2008, all issued versions have been biometric, with the first generation introduced on 2ical 29 December 2008, making Taiwan the 60th nation to adopt this technology. The second generation was rolled out on 5 February 2018, following a brief suspension of its December 2017 launch due to the Dulles Airport image controversy.

A critical distinction exists between holders with household registration and 'nationals without household registration' (NWOHRs). While both may hold ROC passports, NWOHRs do not possess the right of abode in Taiwan. This distinction is vital for international travel; many countries require a Taiwanese National ID number on the biodata page to verify the holder's right of residence. In the United States, NWOHR passports may even be considered stateless for visa purposes because they lack this right of entry.

The passport's design reflects the island's natural heritage and recent legal shifts. The inner pages, colored light purple, feature watermarks of Jade Mountain and illustrations of local nature hotspots. The biodata page includes a holographic broad-tailed swallowtail butterfly, an endemic species. Furthermore, since an August 2019 amendment, romanization in the passport can reflect various national languages, including Hakka, Hoklo, and indigenous Formosan languages.

Travel freedom for ordinary holders has seen significant growth. In the September 2020 Henley Passport Index, this document held 32nd place worldwide, allowing entry to 150 nations without prior visas or upon arrival, plus 20 extra destinations via e-visas. This represents one of the most improved ratings globally since 2006.

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