The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a free digital form that all foreign visitors must complete online before entering Taiwan through the National Immigration Agency portal. The card requires passport details, flight information, and accommodation address in Taiwan. This guide covers the complete application process, troubleshooting common issues, and nationality-specific requirements for every traveler.
What Is the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)?
The Taiwan Arrival Card, commonly known as TWAC, is a mandatory digital entry form for all foreign visitors entering Taiwan. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) of Taiwan manages this system through their official online portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. Since Taiwan transitioned from paper-based landing cards to the digital system, all international travelers must complete the TWAC before arriving in Taiwan.
The TWAC serves as an electronic record of your entry information, including personal details, travel itinerary, and accommodation in Taiwan. Immigration officers at the airport will verify your TWAC registration using the QR code confirmation you receive after submission. Without a completed Taiwan Arrival Card, you may face delays or complications at immigration.
Digital vs Paper Arrival Card History
Before the digital system, Taiwan required visitors to fill out paper landing cards during their flight or at the immigration counter. The paper forms were often illegible, caused long queues, and created processing delays. The National Immigration Agency introduced the TWAC digital system to streamline the entry process, reduce paperwork, and improve data accuracy.
The transition to digital means you now complete everything online before your trip. This change benefits travelers by reducing wait times at immigration and allowing you to prepare your information in advance rather than scrambling with a pen on the plane.
Who Needs to Complete the TWAC
All foreign nationals entering Taiwan must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card, regardless of their visa status. This includes:
- Tourists on visa-free entry
- Business travelers with valid visas
- Transit passengers leaving the airport
- Students and workers with long-term visas
- Diplomatic passport holders (in most cases)
The only exceptions are ROC (Republic of China) passport holders and certain transit passengers who do not pass through immigration. If you hold a foreign passport and plan to enter Taiwan, you need to complete the TWAC.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan Arrival Card Online
Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card in 4 straightforward steps through the official TWAC portal. The entire process takes approximately 10-15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Step 1 – Visit the Official TWAC Portal
Navigate to the official TWAC website at twac.immigration.gov.tw. Look for the “SUBMIT” button on the homepage to begin a new registration. The portal is available in English and Chinese, making it accessible for international travelers.
Important: Only use the official government portal. Third-party websites may charge unnecessary fees or mishandle your personal information. The official TWAC registration is completely free.
Step 2 – Enter Personal Information
Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport:
- Full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
Common mistake: Entering your name differently from your passport (e.g., using a nickname or omitting your middle name) can cause issues at immigration. Double-check every field against your passport.
Step 3 – Provide Travel Details
Enter your travel information for your Taiwan visit:
- Flight number and airline
- Arrival date
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
- Accommodation address in Taiwan (hotel name and address, or host’s address)
Have your hotel booking confirmation or accommodation details ready before starting this step. You need a specific address, not just a city name.
Step 4 – Submit and Receive QR Code
Review all your information for accuracy, then submit the form. The system will send a confirmation email containing your QR code to the email address you provided. This QR code is your proof of TWAC registration.
Save the QR code to your phone (screenshot or download) and have it ready to show at immigration. Some travelers print a paper copy as a backup, though the digital version on your phone is sufficient.
Taiwan Arrival Card Form Fields Explained
The Taiwan Arrival Card form requires specific information that you should prepare before starting the application.
Personal Information Fields
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | As shown on passport | John Michael Smith |
| Date of Birth | DD/MM/YYYY format | 15/03/1990 |
| Gender | Male/Female | Male |
| Nationality | Country of passport | United States |
| Passport Number | Alphanumeric | AB1234567 |
| Passport Expiry | DD/MM/YYYY | 20/06/2030 |
Travel Information Fields
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Number | Airline code + number | CI 001 |
| Arrival Date | Date of arrival in Taiwan | 01/08/2025 |
| Purpose of Visit | Select from options | Tourism |
Accommodation Fields
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Full name of accommodation | Grand Hotel Taipei |
| Address | Street address in Taiwan | No. 1, Section 4, Zhongshan N Rd |
| City | City in Taiwan | Taipei |
Taiwan Arrival Card Cost and Fees
Is the TWAC Free?
Yes, the Taiwan Arrival Card is completely free of charge when you register through the official government portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. There is no fee for submitting the form, receiving the QR code, or updating your information. The National Immigration Agency provides this service at no cost to all travelers.
Beware of Third-Party Fee Scams
Several unofficial websites charge fees ranging from $15 to $50 for TWAC registration. These sites are not affiliated with the Taiwan government and often:
- Charge for a free government service
- May mishandle your personal information
- Could delay or complicate your registration
- May not provide valid QR codes
Always verify you are on the official government domain (twac.immigration.gov.tw) before entering any personal information. If a website asks for payment for the Taiwan Arrival Card, it is not the official portal.
Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements by Nationality
All foreign nationals entering Taiwan must complete the TWAC regardless of nationality, though visa requirements vary by country.
US Citizens
United States passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. US citizens must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before arrival but do not need a visa for short stays. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
UK Citizens
British passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 90 days. UK citizens must complete the TWAC online before traveling. The passport validity requirement is 6 months from the date of entry.
Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders typically require a visa to enter Taiwan. However, India nationals must still complete the Taiwan Arrival Card in addition to obtaining the appropriate visa. Check the latest visa requirements with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India before traveling.
Filipino Citizens
Philippine passport holders generally need a visa to enter Taiwan, though visa-free entry programs have been available for limited periods. Filipino travelers must complete the TWAC and should verify current visa requirements with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for 30-90 days. Countries with visa-free arrangements include:
- United States (90 days)
- United Kingdom (90 days)
- Canada (90 days)
- Australia (90 days)
- Japan (90 days)
- South Korea (90 days)
- Most EU countries (90 days)
Even if your country has visa-free arrangements, you must still complete the Taiwan Arrival Card.
Taiwan Arrival Card Validity and Timeline
When to Fill Out the Card
You can complete the Taiwan Arrival Card up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date in Taiwan. The system does not accept registrations earlier than this window. Most travelers complete their TWAC 1-2 days before departure.
Best practice: Complete your Taiwan Arrival Card at least 48 hours before your flight. This gives you time to resolve any issues (like not receiving the confirmation email) before your departure.
How Long Is the Card Valid
Your TWAC registration is valid for your specific trip to Taiwan. If you leave Taiwan and return on a separate trip, you need to complete a new Taiwan Arrival Card. For multiple entries within the same trip (e.g., visiting Taiwan, then Hong Kong, then returning to Taiwan), check with immigration whether you need to update or resubmit your TWAC.
Taiwan Arrival Card Troubleshooting
Did Not Receive Confirmation Email
If you do not receive your TWAC confirmation email after submitting the form:
- Check your spam/junk folder – The email from the TWAC system sometimes gets filtered as spam
- Wait 30 minutes – Email delivery can be delayed, especially during peak travel periods
- Use the “Update” function – Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw, click “Update,” and enter your passport number to retrieve your registration
- Verify your email address – Ensure you entered the correct email during registration
If none of these steps work, you may need to complete a new registration with a different email address.
QR Code Not Working
If your QR code does not scan properly at immigration:
- Ensure your phone screen brightness is at maximum
- Try displaying the QR code in a different app (browser vs. image viewer)
- Have a printed backup of the QR code
- Immigration officers can look up your registration using your passport number
Need to Change Information After Submission
You can update your Taiwan Arrival Card information through the “Update” function on the TWAC portal. Common updates include:
- Changed flight number
- Different accommodation address
- Corrected passport details
You will need your passport number and the email used during registration to access the update function.
Website or System Errors
If the TWAC website is not loading or showing errors:
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Disable any VPN or proxy services
- Try accessing the site during off-peak hours (Taiwan timezone: UTC+8)
Tips for a Smooth Taiwan Arrival Card Experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Name mismatch – Ensure your name matches your passport exactly, including middle names
- Wrong passport number – Double-check every character of your passport number
- Missing accommodation address – You need a specific address, not just “Taipei hotel”
- Late registration – Complete at least 48 hours before departure, not at the airport
- No backup QR code – Save both a screenshot and a printed copy of your QR code
What to Do at Immigration
When you arrive in Taiwan:
- Proceed to the immigration counter with your passport ready
- Show your QR code (digital or printed) to the immigration officer
- The officer will scan your QR code and verify your information
- You may be asked about your accommodation and return flight
- After clearance, collect your luggage and proceed through customs
The entire immigration process typically takes 5-15 minutes if your TWAC is properly completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide was last updated in July 2025. Entry requirements may change – always verify the latest information with Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency at twac.immigration.gov.tw before traveling.
For official information on Taiwan visas and entry requirements, visit the American Institute in Taiwan (ait.org.tw) or your country’s foreign affairs department.
