Taoyuan Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
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.
Citizens of eligible countries can enter Taiwan without obtaining a visa in advance for tourism or business purposes
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.
Some nationalities can apply for online authorization before travel instead of traditional visa
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.
Citizens of select countries can obtain visa on arrival at Taoyuan Airport
Cost: Approximately NTD 1,600 (about USD 50)
Landing visa availability is limited and subject to conditions. Advance visa application is recommended when possible.
Nationals not eligible for visa-free, ETA, or landing visa must obtain visa before travel
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.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
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.
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.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.