Although it remains relatively undiscovered by travelers from the West, Taiwan is one of Asia’s hidden gems and deserves more attention, and requirements for Taiwan tourist visas are relatively straightforward, especially when compared to those of its enormous neighbor. Taiwan is known for its hot springs, national parks, mountain peaks, eclectic cultural mix, delicious food, and incredible hospitality and for many nationalities the Taiwan tourist entry requirements are little more than a valid passport and a sense of adventure. Plan your travels to this fascinating island with the Asia Experts, Secret Retreats, we offer both off the shelf and tailor-made travel itineraries to Taiwan and our travel concierges assist you from planning, booking to throughout your travels.
As with most countries, Taiwan entry requirements for travelers coming into the country who are eligible for visa-free entry demand a clean, undamaged passport that has a minimum of six months validity from the planned date of arrival in Taiwan, plus at least two blank pages for your entry and exit stamps. Those coming from the United States and Japan are required to hold a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay on the island. Visitors should also be able to show a valid ticket for travel out of Taiwan before the expiration of their visa-free travel period. While there are no documents required or application for those eligible for visa-free travel to Taiwan, all travellers are required to complete an online arrival card before arriving in Taiwan, the link to the online form is here - https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ . As with all travel, insurance is always a very good idea – please check out the best options for travel insurance for Asia here https://www.souscription.safebooking.com/en/secret-retreats/.
Citizens of the following countries are permitted visa-free entry into Taiwan and can stay in the country for up to 90 days after arrival:
Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Bulgaria Canada Chile Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Eswatini Finland France Germany Greece |
Guatemala Haiti Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Republic of Korea Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Marshall Island Monaco Netherlands |
New Zealand North Macedonia Norway Palau Paraguay Poland Portugal Romania San Marino Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Tuvalu United Kingdom USA Vatican City State |
The requirements for tourist in Taiwan from other nations vary with those coming from the following nations permitted visa-free entry to the country for up to 30 days:
- Belize
- Malaysia
- Nauru
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Singapore
Visitors from the following three countries are permitted visa-free stay for up to 14 days if they have proof of accommodation and adequate funds for the duration:
- Brunei
- Philippines
- Thailand
More information about Taiwan tourist entry requirements can be found at: https://www.boca.gov.tw/
Requirements for Taiwan Tourist Visas and Taiwan evisa
Where the traveller does not hold a passport that is eligible for visa free entry to Taiwan, the requirements for Taiwan tourist visas mean a Taiwan visa on arrival or evisa will be required to travel Taiwan. The Taiwan visa on arrival is only available to visitors arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Travellers flying into Taichung International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, or Taipei Songshan Airport will be allowed into the country on a temporary entry permit and are required to apply for a visa at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs office or through the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Taipei, or at the BOCA office at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Those attempting to depart the country without first obtaining a visa are likely to find themselves in trouble. Taiwan evisas are available as a single-entry option for a period of no longer than 30 days to citizens of the following countries:- Bahrain
- Bosnia and Herzogovina
- Burkina Faso
- Colombia
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Mauritius
- Montenegro
- Oman
- Panama
- Peru
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Solomon Islands
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
Nationals from the following countries can also apply for a single-entry 30-day Taiwan evisa with the stipulation that they are traveling within the country with an approved tour company:
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Vietnam
Those eligible for a Taiwan evisa should apply here: https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw
Although there are plenty of resources available to those wishing to find out about Taiwan entry requirements and requirements for tourists in Taiwan it is best to start with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (above) as it provides full lists of all of Taiwan’s missions and embassies in other countries, a section dedicated to visas, as well as a News and Events page that lists all the latest regulations and requirements. The site also provides links to the forms you will need to complete depending on the type of visa you are applying for as well as any supporting documents you might need to supply when applying for your visa to Taiwan and don’t forget to book travel insurance which is always a good idea.
Other Important Information Regarding Travel Requirements to Taiwan
Visitors taking advantage of visa-free entry to Taiwan should be aware that travel requirements to Taiwan make it almost impossible to extend their stay beyond the duration originally permitted. An exception to this rule extends to visitors who have flown in from Canada or from the UK who can request an extension of up to 180 days. It is also worth noting that once visa-free entry has been activated it cannot be converted into a visa. Any queries about extending your stay should be directed to the National Immigration Agency Office.There are options available to those who want to spend more time in Taiwan studying, working, or visiting relatives. Although there is currently no dedicated Taiwanese student visa category, it is possible to apply for a Visitor Visa at an overseas mission in your home country. A Visitor Visa allows the holder single entry to the country for as long as six months. Those wishing to stay longer while adhering to the travel requirements to Taiwan should inquire about applying for a Resident Visa. Although costs may vary a Visitor Visa will cost around USD50 and a Resident Visa should cost around USD100. Taiwan’s Working Holidays Scheme is another option for those who want to spend up to a year in the country. Open to most nationalities that are eligible for visa-free entry the scheme is aimed at travelers between the ages of 18 and 30 and allows holders to live in Taiwan for up to twelve months with some stipulations including not being employed by the same employer for a period longer than three months.
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