Taiwan Tourist Visa: Visa Waiver and Entry Requirements
Enter Taiwan with the right visa status or visa-waiver clearance. Covers visa-free eligibility, online travel authorization, required documents, entry through Taipei Taoyuan, and practical tips for visiting Taiwan.
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Visa Types and Eligibility
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
Citizens of 65 countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea enter Taiwan visa-free for 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. A return or onward ticket is required. The Bureau of Consular Affairs website lists all visa-exempt nationalities and their permitted stay durations.
Apply for an online Travel Authorization Certificate if required
Citizens of countries eligible for the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) apply at taiwantravel.immigration.gov.tw. The TAC is free and processed within 1-3 business days. It allows a single entry for up to 30 days. Print the approved TAC before traveling. The TAC is required for nationalities that qualify for facilitated entry but not full visa exemption.
Apply at a Taiwan representative office for a formal tourist visa
Citizens of countries without visa-free or TAC privileges apply at the nearest Taiwan representative office (TECO). The application requires a completed form, passport, 2 photos, flight booking, hotel reservation, bank statement, and an application fee of 50-66 USD depending on processing speed. Standard processing takes 5-7 business days.
Documents and Preparation
Prepare a return or onward flight ticket
Immigration officers check for proof of departure even for visa-free travelers. One-way ticket holders are regularly turned away at check-in or immigration. If your onward plans are flexible, book a refundable ticket or a low-cost flight to a nearby destination that can serve as proof of departure.
Carry proof of accommodation for at least the first few nights
A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Taiwan satisfies immigration questions about accommodation. Having a specific address to provide speeds up the immigration process. Backpackers should book at least their first night before arriving.
Bring proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Immigration may ask for evidence of financial means. A credit card, bank statement, or cash equivalent to 100 USD per day of stay is the informal standard. This is rarely checked for passport holders from major Western countries but is more common for nationalities with higher overstay rates.
Arrival in Taiwan
Clear immigration at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
Taoyuan Airport is Taiwan's main international gateway, 40 km southwest of Taipei. Immigration processing takes 10-30 minutes depending on queue length. Visa-free travelers use the regular visitor line. Repeat visitors may be eligible for the e-Gate automated system after registering on their first visit. Keep your landing card and entry stamp page accessible.
Fill out the arrival card before reaching the immigration counter
Arrival cards are distributed on the flight or available at stands before immigration. The form requires your flight number, accommodation address in Taiwan, passport number, and purpose of visit. Taiwan has moved toward digital arrival cards, but paper forms are still widely used. Complete the form before joining the queue.
Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT or bus to Taipei city center
The Airport MRT express train reaches Taipei Main Station in 36 minutes for 160 TWD (5 USD). Buses to Taipei cost 125-145 TWD and take 50-70 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis cost approximately 1,200 TWD (38 USD) to central Taipei. The MRT runs from 6 AM to 11 PM. Night arrivals should pre-book a taxi or hotel shuttle.
During Your Stay
Get an EasyCard for public transport and convenience store payments
An EasyCard costs 100 TWD (3.20 USD) at MRT stations, convenience stores, or the airport. It works on Taipei Metro, buses, trains, YouBike rentals, and for purchases at convenience stores and some restaurants. Add credit at MRT stations or convenience stores. The card saves 20% on MRT fares compared to single-trip tokens.
Track your stay duration and note the visa-free extension process
Visa-free stays of 90 days cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must exit Taiwan and re-enter to start a new visa-free period. Popular short exits include flights to Japan, South Korea, or Hong Kong. There is no limit on how many times you can enter visa-free, but immigration may question frequent short exits and re-entries.
Visit a National Health Insurance-enrolled clinic if you need medical care
Taiwan has world-class healthcare at reasonable prices. A doctor visit at a clinic costs 600-1,500 TWD (19-48 USD) without insurance. Emergency room visits cost 2,000-10,000 TWD (64-320 USD) depending on treatment. Pharmacies are widely available and many medications sold over the counter in Taiwan require prescriptions in other countries.
Practical Tips
Get a local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone sell tourist SIM cards at counters in the airport arrivals hall. A SIM with unlimited data costs 300-500 TWD (10-16 USD) for 5-15 days. Pocket Wi-Fi devices rent for 100-200 TWD per day. Taiwan has extensive free Wi-Fi at metro stations, convenience stores, and public buildings through the iTaiwan network.
Carry cash for night markets and smaller vendors
As of 2026, 1 USD equals approximately 31 TWD. Night markets, street food stalls, and traditional shops operate on cash only. ATMs are widely available at convenience stores, which are open 24/7 on nearly every block. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants. Night market meals cost 50-200 TWD (1.60-6.40 USD).
Download Google Maps and a translation app for navigation
Google Maps works well in Taiwan with accurate public transport routing and real-time schedules. The Taipei Metro app shows train times and station maps offline. Most signage in Taipei includes English, but outside the capital, Chinese-only signage is common. A translation app with camera function helps read menus and signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Taiwan?
US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Entry is visa-free with a valid passport (6 months remaining validity) and a return or onward ticket. No advance application is required. The 90-day stay cannot be extended. For longer stays, exit Taiwan and re-enter for a new 90-day period.
Is Taiwan the same as China for visa purposes?
Taiwan and mainland China have completely separate immigration systems. A Taiwan visa or visa-free entry does not allow entry to mainland China, and vice versa. Taiwan issues its own visas through Taiwan representative offices (TECO), not through Chinese embassies. Having a Taiwan stamp in your passport does not affect travel to mainland China or other countries.
How expensive is Taiwan for tourists?
Taiwan offers excellent value. Budget travelers spend 1,500-2,500 TWD (48-80 USD) per day for a hostel dorm, night market meals, public transport, and one attraction. Mid-range travelers spend 3,000-5,000 TWD (96-160 USD). Night market meals cost 50-200 TWD. The Taipei Metro is 20-65 TWD per ride. Taiwan's affordability combined with its food scene, nature, and culture makes it one of Asia's best-value destinations.
What are the best areas to visit in Taiwan beyond Taipei?
Jiufen (gold mining town), Taroko Gorge (marble canyon), Sun Moon Lake (mountain lake), Alishan (sunrise and tea plantations), Kenting (southern beaches), Tainan (oldest city with temples and street food), and the East Coast (Hualien to Taitung scenic route). The Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes. Local trains and buses reach smaller destinations.