Taiwan Ranks 4th Globally in 2025 Skytrax Best Airport Immigration Service
The UK-based nonprofit and independent research organization Skytrax announced the results of the 2025 World Airport Awards on the evening of April 9. Taiwan&rsquos National Immigration Agency (NIA), specifically its Border Affairs Corps, ranked 4th in the World&rsquos Best Airport Immigration Service category, trailing only Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, and Bahrain International Airport.
In the 2025 ranking of best airport immigration and document inspection services, Taiwan was honored with 4th place globally. (Image: National Immigration Agency website)
The Skytrax World Airport Awards, launched in 1999, conducted its latest survey between August 2024 and February 2025, collecting responses from travelers in over 100 countries. Known as the &ldquoOscars of the aviation industry,&rdquo the awards are highly regarded worldwide. The immigration service evaluation covers passenger waiting time, fast-track lane efficiency, automated immigration clearance system performance, and officer service quality and courtesy. Taiwan&rsquos NIA rose from 5th place last year to 4th this year&mdashan inspiring recognition of the agency&rsquos dedicated efforts.
Director-General Chung Ching-kun of the NIA stated that to improve border services, the agency accelerated the deployment of the next-generation e-Gate automated immigration system during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2024, 49 new-generation e-Gates will be installed at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan&rsquos main gateway, adding to the existing 22 gates for a total of 71 in operation.
Additionally, 27 more e-Gates are being installed this year at Kaohsiung, Songshan, and Taichung airports, as well as the under-construction Jinmen Shuitou Port Passenger Service Center. Kaohsiung Airport's upgrade was completed in March and has entered trial operation. All old e-Gates will be replaced to accommodate growing numbers and enhance fast and efficient clearance.
The NIA further explained that to expand e-Gate access, starting January 1, 2025, the minimum age to apply has been lowered to 10 years old and the minimum height requirement to 120 cm. Nationals without household registration are now treated the same as citizens&mdashif they hold a valid Taiwanese biometric passport and meet the conditions, they may apply to use the e-Gate.
The next-generation e-Gate system features integrated registration and clearance, on-the-move facial recognition, and support for 40 languages. Travelers can register their facial image&mdashor optionally their fingerprint&mdashwithin the gate for seamless clearance. All foreign nationals are eligible to use e-Gate upon departure.
Director-General Chung added that eligible travelers are encouraged to experience the speed and convenience of this new technology. The NIA will continue leveraging technology to improve border management, ensure a safe and efficient clearance environment, enhance traveler satisfaction, facilitate foreign entries, and strengthen Taiwan&rsquos international image.
