Taoyuan Entry Requirements

Taoyuan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Information last reviewed December 2024. Always verify with official government sources before traveling, as immigration policies and health requirements may change.
Taoyuan serves as the primary gateway to Taiwan (Republic of China), home to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the largest airport in the country. Entry requirements for Taoyuan follow Taiwan's national immigration policies, which are generally welcoming to international visitors. Taiwan offers visa-free entry or landing visa options to citizens of many countries, making it an accessible destination for tourism, business, and transit purposes. The immigration process at Taoyuan International Airport is typically efficient and modern, with clear signage in English and Chinese. Travelers will encounter automated e-gates for eligible nationalities and well-staffed immigration counters. Taiwan has implemented streamlined entry procedures, including online arrival registration systems, to expedite processing times. The airport features comprehensive facilities to assist arriving passengers with customs declarations, currency exchange, and onward transportation. Before traveling to Taoyuan, visitors should verify their specific visa requirements based on nationality and purpose of visit, ensure their passport has adequate validity (at least six months recommended), and prepare necessary documentation including return tickets and proof of accommodation. Taiwan maintains high standards for border security while facilitating legitimate travel, and most visitors find the entry process straightforward when properly prepared.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Taiwan offers various visa categories depending on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Many nationals enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges for short-term visits.

Visa-Free Entry
90 days for most countries; 30 days for select countries

Citizens of eligible countries can enter Taiwan without obtaining a visa in advance for tourism or business purposes

Includes
United States (90 days) Canada (90 days) United Kingdom (90 days) Ireland (90 days) Australia (90 days) New Zealand (90 days) EU member states (90 days) Japan (90 days) South Korea (90 days) Singapore (90 days) Malaysia (30 days) Thailand (30 days) Brunei (30 days)

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Visitors must have confirmed return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Visa-free entry cannot be extended and does not permit employment.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
30 days, extendable once for additional 30 days

Some nationalities can apply for online authorization before travel instead of traditional visa

Includes
India Philippines Vietnam Indonesia Myanmar Cambodia Laos
How to Apply: Apply online through the Taiwan Electronic Travel Authorization system at least 3 working days before departure. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days. Requires valid passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Cost: Approximately USD 30-50 depending on nationality

ETA holders must enter Taiwan through Taoyuan, Taipei Songshan, Kaohsiung, or Taichung airports. Not valid for employment purposes.

Landing Visa
30 days, non-extendable

Citizens of select countries can obtain visa on arrival at Taoyuan Airport

Includes
Available to limited nationalities including some Southeast Asian countries under specific conditions
How to Apply: Apply at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Requires passport photos, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds (approximately USD 2,500 equivalent).
Cost: Approximately NTD 1,600 (about USD 50)

Landing visa availability is limited and subject to conditions. Advance visa application is recommended when possible.

Visa Required
Varies by visa type: typically 60-90 days for visitor visa

Nationals not eligible for visa-free, ETA, or landing visa must obtain visa before travel

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Taiwan embassy, consulate, or Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. Submit application form, passport photos, financial proof, travel itinerary, and invitation letter if applicable. Processing takes 4-10 business days.

Visitor visas can typically be extended once in Taiwan. Work, study, and resident visas have separate requirements and longer processing times.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, travelers proceed through immigration, collect baggage, and clear customs. The process is well-organized with clear signage in multiple languages.

1
Arrival Card Completion
Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card online before departure (recommended) at https://niapass.immigration.gov.tw or fill out paper form on aircraft. The online system expedites immigration processing.
2
Immigration Control
Proceed to immigration counters. Eligible travelers may use automated e-gates (available to many visa-free nationals, requires fingerprint registration on first use). Present passport, completed arrival card, and return ticket if requested.
3
Biometric Collection
First-time visitors will have fingerprints and photograph taken at immigration. This is standard procedure and takes only moments.
4
Baggage Claim
Collect checked luggage from designated carousel. Trolleys are available free of charge throughout the baggage claim area.
5
Customs Declaration
Complete customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Choose green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (goods to declare). Random inspections may occur in green channel.
6
Exit to Arrivals Hall
After clearing customs, proceed to arrivals hall where you'll find tourist information, transportation options, currency exchange, and SIM card vendors.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Should have blank pages for entry stamp.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Taiwan within permitted stay period. Airlines may check before boarding; immigration may request at entry.
Accommodation Details
Hotel reservation confirmation or host information. Required for arrival card and may be requested by immigration.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Credit cards, cash, or bank statements showing ability to support yourself during stay. Rarely requested but advisable to carry.
Visa or Authorization
If required for your nationality, ensure visa is valid and matches purpose of visit. Print ETA confirmation if applicable.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete online arrival registration before departure to save time at immigration. The system is available in multiple languages.
Have all documents readily accessible in carry-on luggage, not packed in checked bags. Keep them organized in a travel document holder.
Exchange a small amount of currency before leaving the airport or withdraw from ATM in arrivals hall. Many local transportation options don't accept foreign currency.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable WiFi device at the airport for connectivity during your stay. Several vendors operate in the arrivals hall with competitive rates.
Take advantage of automated e-gates if eligible. After first-time registration (which takes about 5 minutes), future entries will be much faster.
Keep your arrival card stub with your passport. You'll need to present it when departing Taiwan.
If traveling during peak hours (morning arrivals from North America, evening arrivals from Europe), expect longer immigration queues. Be patient and have documents ready.

Customs & Duty-Free

Taiwan customs regulations are designed to prevent illegal imports while allowing reasonable personal items. Travelers should be aware of duty-free allowances and prohibited items to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Alcohol
1 liter of alcoholic beverages
Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol content and type not restricted within volume limit.
Tobacco Products
200 cigarettes, OR 25 cigars, OR 1 pound (454g) of tobacco, OR combination not exceeding equivalent weight
Must be 18 years or older. E-cigarettes and related products are prohibited in Taiwan.
Currency
TWD 100,000 or equivalent of USD 10,000 in foreign currency
Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared on arrival. Undeclared excess currency may be confiscated. No limit on traveler's checks.
Gifts and Personal Goods
Combined value not exceeding TWD 20,000 (approximately USD 650)
Goods for personal use during stay are generally exempt. Commercial quantities will be questioned. Perfume limited to 2 ounces.

Prohibited Items

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics - Taiwan has severe penalties including death penalty for drug trafficking
  • Firearms, ammunition, and weapons - without proper authorization
  • E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products - banned in Taiwan
  • Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
  • Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal skins, protected plants under CITES
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables - to prevent agricultural pests
  • Meat products - including processed meats from most countries due to disease concerns
  • Obscene or seditious materials - pornography and materials deemed threatening to national security
  • Gambling devices and lottery tickets
  • Pirated or counterfeit currency

Restricted Items

  • Prescription medications - bring only personal supply with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Quantities exceeding 2-month supply require import permit
  • Live animals and plants - require quarantine certificates and import permits from relevant authorities
  • Wireless communication devices - certain frequencies require approval from National Communications Commission
  • Chinese herbal medicines - limited to 12 types per category, total weight not exceeding 1kg, for personal use only
  • Dairy products - limited quantities for personal consumption with proper documentation
  • Drones and radio-controlled devices - may require registration and permits depending on specifications

Health Requirements

Taiwan maintains high health and safety standards. Health requirements for entry vary depending on global health situations and traveler's origin country.

Required Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever - required only if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Certificate must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine vaccinations - ensure up to date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and annual flu shot
  • Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to possible food/water exposure
  • Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
  • Japanese Encephalitis - for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during summer months
  • Typhoid - for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas

Health Insurance

Health insurance is not mandatory for entry but highly recommended. Taiwan has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical treatment for foreigners can be expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers readily accessible.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other infectious disease requirements before travel. Taiwan's health requirements may include testing, quarantine, or vaccination documentation depending on global health situations. Visit the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or contact your nearest Taiwan representative office for the most current health entry requirements. Requirements can change rapidly based on epidemiological conditions.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

National Immigration Agency
Official immigration authority for visa and entry information
English service available. For visa inquiries, extensions, and immigration matters.
Taiwan Tourism Bureau
Official tourism information and traveler assistance
Multi-language service available for tourist inquiries and assistance.
Emergency Services
Police, ambulance, and fire services
English-speaking operators available. Use these numbers for any emergency situation.
Foreign Affairs Police
Police service for foreign nationals
For reporting crimes, lost passports, or other police matters involving foreign nationals.
Your Embassy or Consulate
Contact your country's diplomatic mission in Taiwan
Check your government's travel advisory website before departure for Taiwan-specific advice and embassy contact information.
Taoyuan Airport Information
Airport services and information
For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, including contact information. This is not always checked but recommended to avoid complications. If traveling with only one parent or guardians, carry birth certificate or custody documents. Children follow same visa requirements as adults based on nationality.

Traveling with Pets

Taiwan allows pet imports under strict conditions. Pets must be microchipped with ISO-compliant chip and vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before arrival but within validity period. Import permit required from Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ). Health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of departure required. Dogs and cats from rabies-free countries may avoid quarantine with proper documentation. Pets from countries with rabies require 7-21 days quarantine. Apply for import permit at least 20 days before arrival. Limited to two pets per person. Certain breeds may be restricted.

Extended Stays or Work

Tourist visa-free stays cannot be extended beyond initial period. For longer stays, apply for visitor visa extension at National Immigration Agency service centers before current authorization expires (at least 15 days before). Extension typically granted once for similar duration. For employment, must obtain work permit from Ministry of Labor before arrival and appropriate visa/residence permit. Students need admission letter from recognized institution to apply for student visa and resident certificate. Business travelers conducting activities beyond tourism need appropriate visa. Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Taiwan with confirmed onward tickets within 24 hours generally don't need to clear immigration and can remain in transit area. For layovers exceeding 24 hours or if wishing to leave airport, check if eligible for transit visa exemption (many nationalities can stay up to 7 days). Must have valid passport, onward ticket, and visa for final destination if required. Some nationalities not eligible for transit exemption must obtain transit visa in advance.

Dual Nationals with Taiwan Citizenship

Individuals holding both Taiwan (ROC) and another country's passport must enter and exit Taiwan using their Taiwan passport. This is mandatory regardless of which passport was used to depart other countries. Taiwan does not recognize dual nationality for entry purposes. Failure to use Taiwan passport for entry may result in complications. Apply for or renew Taiwan passport at overseas missions before travel if necessary.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering visa-free or with visitor visa can attend meetings, conferences, and conduct business negotiations but cannot engage in paid employment. For contract signing, market research, or attending trade shows, visitor status is appropriate. If conducting activities generating income in Taiwan or working for Taiwan entity, work permit and employment visa required. Carry business documents, invitation letters, and company registration to demonstrate purpose. Business visa allows multiple entries and longer stays than tourist visa.

Medical Travelers

Taiwan is popular for medical tourism. Visitors seeking medical treatment enter on regular visitor visa/visa-free status. Carry medical appointment confirmations, doctor referral letters, and sufficient funds for treatment. Some hospitals provide visa assistance letters. Medical visa available for extended treatment requiring longer stays. Ensure travel insurance covers intended medical procedures or arrange payment methods with medical facility in advance.

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