Taiwan

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Taiwan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Taiwan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Taipei Representative Office in London or the Taipei Representative Office in Edinburgh. Entry procedures are being regularly reviewed, so may change at short notice.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Taiwan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Arrival cards

You must complete a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within three days before your arrival in Taiwan. This must be submitted online via the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency website.

You may be exempt if you hold a resident visa, Alien Resident Card (ARC), Alien Permanent Resident Card (APRC), or other permits issued by the Taiwanese authorities.

For further advice and instructions on how to complete and submit the TWAC, check the National Immigration Agency.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days. You can extend this by a further 90 days once you have arrived in Taiwan. You can get more information on entering Taiwan without a visa (‘visa-exempt entry’) from the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events

If you plan to stay in Taiwan for longer than 180 days, you must have a visa before you arrive. If you stay beyond the time given on your visa, you will get a fine and risk being deported from Taiwan.

There are specific rules for naturalised British citizens born in the People’s Republic of China and holders of British National (Overseas) passports wishing to enter under the visa waiver scheme.

Contact the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs or Taiwan National Immigration Agency for further information.

Applying for a visa

If you are in the UK and need a visa, apply at your nearest Taipei Representative Office. If you are in Taiwan, apply through the Taiwan National Immigration Agency.

Alien Resident Certificate and Alien Permanent Resident Certificate holders

If you already hold a resident certificate, you do not need a visa to enter Taiwan.

If you hold a Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Taiwan, you can apply to switch to a working visa or a visa to study a degree course at undergraduate level or higher.

Submit your application to the Bureau of Consular Affairs for consideration. If it is approved, you can then apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at your local National Immigration Agency (NIA) Service Center. Contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs or National Immigration Agency for further information.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Taiwan guide.   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Taiwan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Animal products

Do not bring animal products into Taiwan without authorisation. If you are caught with any animal products, you may face a heavy fine. Customs officials have increased inspections due to concerns about African Swine Fever Virus in pork products, particularly from the People’s Republic of China.

Bringing money into Taiwan

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is higher than 100,000 New Taiwan dollars (NTD) or 10,000 US dollars. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. Contact the Customs Administration for further information.

International bank transfers can be slow. Most of the ATMs in 7-11 stores accept international cards. Other ATMs may accept them, but not all do.

American Express, Citibank and Thomas Cook branches accept their own-brand travellers cheques. You may need your receipt as well as your passport when you cash them.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Taiwan

Ambulance and fire: 119

Police: 110

Coastguard: 118

Domestic abuse and sexual assault hotline: 113

Any further assistance: 0800 024 111 (‘Information for Foreigners in Taiwan’ helpline)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Taiwan.
• dealing with a death in Taiwan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Taiwan
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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• travel advice on X

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Taiwan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.