Taiwan Entry Requirements

Taiwan requires all foreign visitors to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, complete the free digital Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online before arrival, and meet nationality-specific visa or visa-free entry conditions. Citizens of 62+ countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. This guide covers every document, rule, and procedure you need for a smooth entry into Taiwan.

Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) - Official Form Sample — Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) – Official Form

What Documents Do You Need to Enter Taiwan?

Taiwan entry requires three core documents: a valid passport, a completed Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC), and either a visa or confirmed visa-free eligibility based on your nationality. Immigration officers at the port of entry verify all three before allowing you into the country.

The specific requirements vary depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. However, the baseline applies to every foreign passport holder entering Taiwan.

Complete Entry Requirements Checklist

Before departing for Taiwan, confirm you have the following:

Requirement	Details	Mandatory
Valid passport	Minimum 6 months validity beyond your stay	Yes
Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)	Completed online at twac.immigration.gov.tw	Yes
Visa or visa-free eligibility	Based on your nationality	Yes
Return or onward ticket	Shows departure from Taiwan	Recommended
Accommodation details	Hotel booking or host address for TWAC	Yes
Travel insurance	Medical coverage for your stay	Recommended

Taiwan immigration officers may ask to see proof of accommodation and a return ticket even if you qualify for visa-free entry. Having these documents ready speeds up the immigration process.

Passport Validity Rules for Taiwan

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Taiwan. This rule applies regardless of your nationality or visa status. Immigration officers check passport validity at the border, and travelers with less than 6 months remaining will be denied entry.

For example, if you plan to stay in Taiwan until December 2026, your passport must be valid through at least June 2027. This is a strict requirement with no exceptions for transit or short stays.

Blank Pages and Passport Condition

Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Taiwan immigration stamps your passport upon arrival and departure. If your passport is full or nearly full, renew it before traveling to avoid complications at the border.

Damaged passports – those with water damage, torn pages, or faded biographical data – may be rejected by immigration officers. If your passport shows visible wear, consider replacing it before your trip to Taiwan.

Taiwan Visa-Free Entry by Nationality

Taiwan grants visa-free entry to citizens of more than 62 countries and territories. The permitted stay duration depends on your nationality: 14 days, 30 days, or 90 days.

To qualify for visa-free entry, you must:

Hold a passport from an eligible country
Have a return or onward ticket
Not have a criminal record in Taiwan
Have no prior immigration violations in Taiwan

90-Day Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the following regions can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa:

North America: United States, Canada
Europe: All European Union member states, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Israel
Other: Paraguay, Guatemala, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Honduras, Nicaragua

This is the longest visa-free period Taiwan offers. Travelers from these countries do not need to apply for a visa in advance – they simply present their passport and completed TWAC at immigration.

30-Day Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the following regions can stay for up to 30 days without a visa:

Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei
Other: Turkey, Russia, and select additional nations

The 30-day visa-free entry is popular among regional travelers visiting Taiwan for tourism or short business trips.

14-Day Visa-Free Countries

Some nationalities qualify for a 14-day visa-free stay. This shorter period applies to a select group of countries. If you hold a passport from one of these nations and plan to stay longer than 14 days, you must apply for a visa before traveling.

Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website at boca.gov.tw for the most current list of visa-exempt countries and their permitted stay durations.

Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) Requirements

All foreign visitors must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online before arriving in Taiwan. The TWAC is a digital form that replaced the old paper landing cards in October 2025. It is free to submit and mandatory for every foreign passport holder.

The TWAC collects your personal information, passport details, flight information, and accommodation in Taiwan. You must submit it within 14 days before your arrival date.

How to Complete the TWAC Online

Follow these steps to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card:

Visit the official TWAC website at twac.immigration.gov.tw
Select your language preference (English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean available)
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, nationality
Enter your passport details: passport number, expiry date, issuing country
Provide your travel information: flight number, arrival date, purpose of visit
Enter your accommodation details: hotel name and address, or host information
Review all information carefully before submitting
Submit the form and save or screenshot your confirmation number

The entire process takes approximately 5-10 minutes. You do not need to print anything – immigration officers can verify your TWAC electronically using your passport.

When to Submit the TWAC

Submit your Taiwan Arrival Card within 14 days before your arrival date. You can complete it as soon as you have your flight details and accommodation booked. Many travelers submit the TWAC immediately after booking their trip.

If your travel plans change after submitting the TWAC, you can update your information on the same website. Make sure your arrival date and accommodation details are accurate before you fly.

Visa Requirements for Taiwan

Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before traveling to Taiwan. Taiwan offers several visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit:

Visitor Visa: For tourism, visiting family, or short-term business (up to 60 days, extendable)
Business Visa: For commercial activities, conferences, or trade negotiations
Work Visa: For employment in Taiwan (requires employer sponsorship)
Student Visa: For studying at a Taiwanese educational institution

Apply for a visa through a Taipei Representative Office or TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) in your country. Processing times vary from 3-10 business days depending on the visa type and your nationality.

Landing Visa

Some nationalities can obtain a landing visa upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. This option is available for citizens of specific countries who did not have time to apply for a visa in advance. The landing visa fee is approximately NT$3,000 (around USD $95) and allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Not all nationalities qualify for a landing visa. Check with BOCA before relying on this option.

Visitor Visa Application

To apply for a standard visitor visa, prepare the following documents:

Completed visa application form
Passport with at least 6 months validity
Two passport-sized photos
Proof of accommodation in Taiwan
Return flight ticket
Proof of financial means (bank statements)
Visa fee payment

Submit your application at the nearest Taipei Representative Office. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days.

Taiwan Entry Process at the Airport

After landing in Taiwan, you pass through a straightforward immigration process. Here is what to expect at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taiwan’s main international gateway.

Follow the signs to the Immigration area. Join the line for foreign passport holders. Present your passport and the immigration officer will verify your TWAC electronically. The officer may ask brief questions about your visit.

Immigration Interview

Immigration officers at Taiwan ports of entry typically ask the following questions:

What is the purpose of your visit?
How long do you plan to stay?
Where will you be staying?
Do you have a return ticket?

Answer clearly and confidently. Have your accommodation booking and return ticket accessible on your phone or in print. Most interviews take less than 2 minutes for visa-free travelers with complete documentation.

After clearing immigration, collect your baggage and proceed to customs.

Customs Declaration

Taiwan customs regulations allow the following duty-free allowances per adult:

Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 1 pound of tobacco
Alcohol: 1 liter of alcohol
Other goods: Up to NT$20,000 (approximately USD $630) in value

You must declare cash amounts exceeding USD $10,000 or equivalent in other currencies. Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and certain agricultural products. Taiwan has strict drug laws – possession of even small quantities of illegal substances carries severe penalties.

Special Entry Situations

Taiwan has specific entry rules for transit passengers, children, and dual nationality holders.

Transit Without Visa

Citizens of certain countries can transit through Taiwan airports without a visa for up to 24 hours, provided they:

Hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country
Remain in the airport transit area
Do not pass through immigration

This option is useful for travelers with connecting flights through Taoyuan Airport. However, not all nationalities qualify – check with your airline before booking transit through Taiwan.

Entry for Children and Minors

Children of all ages need their own valid passport to enter Taiwan. The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is required for children as well – parents or guardians can complete it on their behalf.

Unaccompanied minors (under 18 traveling without a parent or legal guardian) may need additional documentation, including:

Notarized consent letter from parent(s) or guardian(s)
Contact information for the receiving adult in Taiwan
Return flight details

Airlines may have their own policies for unaccompanied minors, so check with your carrier in advance.

Dual Nationality Holders

If you hold both a foreign passport and a Republic of China (Taiwan) passport, you must enter and exit Taiwan using your ROC passport. Taiwan does not recognize dual nationality for ROC nationals in the context of immigration – you are treated as a Taiwanese citizen when in Taiwan.

Foreign nationals who also hold ROC nationality should be aware that they may be subject to military service obligations and other civic duties under Taiwan law.

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide reflects Taiwan entry requirements as of July 2026. Always verify the latest rules with the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) at boca.gov.tw or the National Immigration Agency before traveling. For information about the Taiwan Arrival Card, visit our guide on how to fill out the Taiwan Arrival Card or learn more about Taiwan visa requirements for your specific nationality.

Do US citizens need a visa for Taiwan?

No. US citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. You need a valid US passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and a completed Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). No visa application is required for tourism or short business visits.

What is the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)?

The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a mandatory digital form that all foreign visitors must complete online before arriving in Taiwan. It replaced the old paper landing cards in October 2025. The TWAC is free to submit at twac.immigration.gov.tw and collects your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address.

When should I fill out the Taiwan Arrival Card?

You must submit the Taiwan Arrival Card within 14 days before your arrival date in Taiwan. Many travelers complete it as soon as they book their flights and accommodation. You can update your information on the same website if your plans change.

Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free?

Yes, the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is completely free. There is no fee to submit the form. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees to process the TWAC – the only official site is twac.immigration.gov.tw.

How long can I stay in Taiwan without a visa?

The permitted stay depends on your nationality. Citizens of 62+ countries can enter visa-free: US, Canada, EU, UK, and several other countries get 90 days; some Asian nations get 30 days; and a smaller group gets 14 days. Check the BOCA website (boca.gov.tw) for your specific nationality.

Do I need a return ticket to enter Taiwan?

A return or onward ticket is recommended and may be checked by immigration officers, especially for visa-free travelers. While it is not always strictly enforced, having proof of departure from Taiwan strengthens your entry case and avoids potential issues at the border.

Can I enter Taiwan with a criminal record?

Taiwan immigration may deny entry to individuals with serious criminal records. Each case is assessed individually at the port of entry. Minor offenses from many years ago may not cause issues, but drug-related convictions are taken very seriously in Taiwan. If you have concerns, contact the nearest Taipei Representative Office before traveling.

Do children need a Taiwan Arrival Card?

Yes, all foreign visitors including children and infants must have a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Parents or guardians can complete the TWAC on behalf of their children. Each child needs their own valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.

What is the Taiwan e-Gate system?

Taiwan’s e-Gate is an automated immigration system that allows eligible travelers to pass through immigration using biometric verification (fingerprint and facial recognition). Frequent travelers to Taiwan can register for e-Gate at the immigration counter upon arrival. The system speeds up the entry and exit process significantly.

Can I work in Taiwan on a tourist visa or visa-free entry?

No. Tourist visas and visa-free entry do not permit employment in Taiwan. To work in Taiwan, you need a valid work permit and a work visa sponsored by your employer. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation that can result in deportation and a ban from re-entering Taiwan.

What happens if I overstay my visa-free period in Taiwan?

Overstaying your permitted stay in Taiwan is a serious immigration violation. Penalties include fines (NT$2,000-10,000 per day of overstay), detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Taiwan for a period of time. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at the National Immigration Agency (NIA) before your authorized stay expires.

Can I extend my visa-free stay in Taiwan?

In some cases, yes. Travelers who entered visa-free can apply for a stay extension at a National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center. Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days and require a valid reason (such as medical emergency or flight cancellation). Apply before your current authorized stay expires.