Taipei: Holders of a Taiwan-issued international driving permit (IDP) can now legally drive again in Austria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced Friday. The Austrian transport ministry has updated its administrative regulations in October to recognize the validity of IDP issued in Taiwan, according to MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei.

According to Focus Taiwan, the update came after continued talks between MOFA, its representative office in Austria, and the Austrian government. Anyone presenting a Taiwan-issued permit along with their Taiwan driver's license can now legally drive in Austria, as stated by Hsiao.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the move and mentioned that the ministry will work with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to restore reciprocal treatment for holders of Austrian-issued IDP. Citing Lin, Hsiao noted that the reciprocal measure is expected to enhance business and tourism between Taiwan and Austria and strengthen exchanges and ties between their peoples.

In May of the previous year, MOFA was informed by the Austrian government that it would no longer accept Taiwan-issued driving permits after Taiwanese travelers reported difficulties using them in Austria. At that time, the Taiwanese representative office in Austria, through a Facebook post, did not specify if reasons were provided for the decision but assured that efforts were being made to resolve the issue before the peak summer travel season.

Before this resolution, MOFA stated that the government would suspend the acceptance of Austrian-issued IDPs in Taiwan.