New Act Mandates US-Taiwan Tourism Boost and Feasibility Study for Preclearance Facilities

The newly proposed Taiwan Travel and Tourism Coordination Act is all about boosting the flow of people and dollars between the U.S. and Taiwan. This isn't just a feel-good measure; it sets concrete deadlines for federal agencies to formalize and expand tourism cooperation, and it takes a serious look at making international travel much smoother.

The 90-Day Outreach and Five Years of Follow-Up

This bill immediately puts the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism on the clock. Within 90 days of the Act becoming law, that office has to start talking to Taiwanese officials about how to make travel easier and strengthen both countries' tourism sectors (SEC. 3). Think coordinated travel events, sharing best practices on protecting cultural sites, and working together on visitor safety. If you own a small hotel, run a tour company, or even manage a restaurant near a major airport, this is the government actively trying to send more international customers your way.

Crucially, the law requires that while these cooperation activities are ongoing, the U.S. side must take steps to protect sensitive U.S. information, trade secrets, and economic interests (SEC. 3). It’s a partnership with guardrails. Furthermore, Commerce and State must report back to Congress on their progress every year for the next five years, starting with the first report due within 270 days of enactment. This ensures the cooperation isn't a one-off meeting but a sustained effort with built-in accountability.

Preclearance: The Game Changer for Travelers and Trade

Perhaps the most significant part of this bill for the average traveler is Section 4, which mandates a deep dive into establishing U.S. customs preclearance facilities in Taiwan. If you’ve ever flown back to the U.S. from a country like Canada or Ireland, you know preclearance means you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before you even board your flight. You land in the U.S. as a domestic passenger, which cuts down on lines and wait times dramatically.

The Secretary of Homeland Security must complete a report within 180 days assessing the feasibility of this move. This isn't just about convenience; the report has to analyze how preclearance would impact U.S. trade, established supply chains, and U.S. tourism revenue. For a business traveler, this could mean fewer logistical headaches and faster processing. For the U.S. economy, the assessment will explore potential cost savings and new market access opportunities in the region (SEC. 4). This report is the first step toward potentially streamlining travel and commerce, making it easier for both U.S. tourists to visit Taiwan and for Taiwanese visitors and business travelers to come here.