The U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially designated Taiwan as a Visa Waiver Program participant.

Eligible Taiwan passport holders who obtain Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval will be permitted to visit the United States without visas, effective Nov. 1. The U.S. State Department in January as part of an executive order signed by President Barack Obama formally requested Taiwan's inclusion in VWP. According to DHS, 18.3 million visitors to the United States during fiscal year 2011 came from the 36 existing VWP participants, accounting for "more than 60 percent of tourist and business travelers entering the United States by air."