TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of countries granting visa-free travel to Taiwanese citizens has decreased from 171 at the end of last year to 166, according to a report from the National Audit Office.

The report noted that as of last year, 171 countries or regions granted visa-free access to Taiwanese citizens, up from 164 at the end of August 2016, marking a recent high. However, by the end of April this year, the number dropped to 166.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) explained that this decrease was due to certain African countries canceling their e-visa agreements, Kazakhstan canceling its pre-approved on-arrival visa scheme, and Colombia restricting its visa-free access for Taiwanese citizens.

MOFA pledged to continue directing its overseas missions to garner more visa privileges for Taiwanese based on principles of reciprocity. It added that it would improve visa facilitation measures and promptly update website information to assist the public with travel arrangements.

The report also pointed out that MOFA’s efforts in the past five years have resulted in e-visa and visa-free agreements with seven countries, including Argentina and Thailand.