Taiwan Arrival Card for Tourism: What Travelers Need

Taiwan is one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually with its night markets, temples, mountain scenery, and modern cities. Every tourist entering Taiwan must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before arrival. This guide covers what tourists need to know about the TWAC, entry process, and how to start your Taiwan trip smoothly.

Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) - Official Form Sample — Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) – Official Form

The Taiwan Arrival Card for Tourists

The TWAC is a mandatory digital form that all foreign tourists must submit before entering Taiwan. It replaced the old paper arrival card and is processed entirely online at twac.immigration.gov.tw.

For tourists, the TWAC is simple:

Cost: Free
Time to complete: About 5 minutes
When to submit: Within 7 days before arrival
What you need: Passport, flight details, hotel address, email

The TWAC collects your personal details, travel information, and Taiwan accommodation. Once submitted, you receive a QR code by email that you present (on phone or printed) when going through Taiwan immigration.

Why Taiwan Requires the TWAC for Tourists

Taiwan transitioned to the digital TWAC to:

Speed up immigration processing at busy airports like Taoyuan (TPE)
Pre-screen traveler data before arrival for security
Replace the paper forms that were handed out on airplanes
Enable integration with the e-Gate automated immigration system

As a tourist, the TWAC means shorter immigration lines and faster entry. Immigration officers have your information ready in the system before you even reach the counter.

Tourist Entry Requirements Beyond the TWAC

In addition to the TWAC, tourists entering Taiwan need:

Requirement	Details
Valid passport	At least 6 months remaining from arrival date
TWAC	Submitted at twac.immigration.gov.tw
Visa	Not required for 65+ countries for stays of 30-90 days
Return ticket	Proof of onward or return travel
Accommodation	Hotel booking or host address in Taiwan
Funds	Sufficient cash or cards for your stay

For citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most EU nations, no visa is required for tourist stays up to 90 days. Citizens of select Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore) can stay up to 30 days visa-free.

How Tourists Complete the TWAC

The submission process for tourists:

Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw
Select your language
Enter your passport details (name, number, nationality, date of birth)
Add your email address and phone number with country code
Enter your flight number and arrival date
Fill in your hotel name and address in Taiwan
State your occupation
Review and submit
Check email for confirmation with QR code

Tourist-specific tips:

If you are visiting multiple cities, enter your first hotel address
If you have not booked a hotel yet, book a refundable option to use the address
If your trip involves multiple flights, enter the flight that arrives in Taiwan
Keep the QR code accessible on your phone throughout your trip

Popular Tourist Destinations and TWAC Logistics

Tourists visiting Taiwan typically arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) near Taipei. From there, popular destinations include:

Taipei (30 minutes from TPE by MRT):

Taipei 101, night markets (Shilin, Raohe), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Hot springs in Beitou, Elephant Mountain hike

Northern Taiwan:

Jiufen old street, Shifen waterfall, Yehliu Geopark
Yangmingshan National Park

Central Taiwan (2 hours by high-speed rail):

Sun Moon Lake, Alishan National Scenic Area
Taichung night markets and Rainbow Village

Southern Taiwan (1.5 hours by HSR from Taipei):

Kaohsiung’s Dragon Tiger Pagodas, Pier-2 Art Center
Kenting National Park beaches
Tainan’s historic temples and street food

East Coast:

Taroko Gorge near Hualien
Qingshui Cliffs
Taitung’s hot air balloon festival (summer)

What Tourists Need at Taiwan Immigration

When you land at the airport:

Deplane and follow signs to Immigration
Have ready: Your passport and TWAC QR code (phone or printed)
Choose your line:
- e-Gate (automated): If you are from an eligible country (US, UK, most EU, Japan, South Korea, etc.) and aged 14+, use e-Gate for 1-minute clearance
- Staffed counter: Present your passport to the officer
Receive your entry stamp with the allowed stay duration
Collect your luggage from the carousel
Pass customs – green channel if nothing to declare

For most tourists at Taoyuan Airport, the entire arrival process takes 30-45 minutes.

Getting Around Taiwan as a Tourist

From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei:

Airport MRT (Taoyuan Metro): 35 minutes to Taipei Main Station, about NT$160 ($5 USD)
Bus: 50-70 minutes, about NT$120-150 ($4-5 USD)
Taxi: 40-60 minutes, about NT$1,000-1,200 ($30-40 USD)

Within Taiwan:

High-speed rail (HSR): Connects Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung
Taiwan Railways (TRA): Reaches the east coast and smaller cities
Metro systems: Taipei MRT, Kaohsiung MRT
Buses: Extensive inter-city and local bus network
Scooter/car rental: International Driving Permit recommended

Payment for tourists:

Cash is widely used, especially at night markets and small shops
Credit cards accepted at hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants
ATMs accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard)
EasyCard (similar to Oyster or Suica) can be purchased at convenience stores for public transport

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Season	Months	Weather	Best For
Spring	March-May	Mild, occasional rain	Cherry blossoms, outdoor activities
Summer	June-August	Hot, humid, typhoon season	Beaches, festivals, fruit season
Autumn	September-November	Cool, dry, clear skies	Hiking, cycling, city exploration
Winter	December-February	Cool in the north, mild in the south	Hot springs, Lantern Festival (Feb)

The TWAC is valid year-round. Submit it as you normally would regardless of the season.

Tourist Accommodation Types in Taiwan

Type	Price Range (USD/night)	Where to Book
Hostels	$15-30	Hostelworld, Booking.com
Budget hotels	$30-60	Booking.com, Agoda
Mid-range hotels	$60-120	Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com
Luxury hotels	$120-400+	Hotel websites, Booking.com
Airbnb	$30-100	Airbnb
Guesthouses (minsu)	$40-80	Direct booking, Agoda

Enter the address of your first accommodation when submitting the TWAC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taiwan Tourism and the TWAC

For a complete overview of the TWAC, visit our Taiwan Arrival Card FAQ.

To understand the full entry requirements beyond the TWAC, read our Taiwan Entry Requirements 2025 checklist.

For information about arriving at Taoyuan Airport specifically, check our Taiwan Arrival Card at Taoyuan Airport guide.

US citizens can find specific passport and visa information in our Taiwan Arrival Card for US Citizens guide.

Do tourists need the Taiwan Arrival Card?

Yes. Every foreign national entering Taiwan for tourism must submit a TWAC. This includes citizens of visa-exempt countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations. The TWAC is mandatory regardless of how short your stay is.

How long can tourists stay in Taiwan without a visa?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most EU countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free. Citizens of select Southeast Asian countries can stay 30 days. Check Taiwan’s MOFA website for your specific country’s allowed duration.

Can tourists use e-Gate at Taiwan airports?

Yes, tourists from eligible countries aged 14 and older with biometric passports can use the e-Gate automated immigration system. Eligible countries include the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU nations. Registration is free and done at the airport.

What happens if a tourist arrives without a TWAC?

Tourists without a pre-submitted TWAC can complete one at airport kiosks in the arrival hall. This adds 10-15 minutes to the arrival process. It is not a violation, but submitting in advance is recommended for a faster entry experience.

Do tourists need to carry the TWAC confirmation during their stay in Taiwan?

No. The TWAC is only checked at immigration upon arrival. Once you have entered Taiwan, the TWAC QR code serves no further purpose for that trip. Keep it until you clear immigration, then discard or save it for your records.

Is Taiwan safe for tourists?

Taiwan is one of the safest destinations in Asia. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft can occur at crowded tourist areas. Use common sense: keep valuables secure, watch your belongings at night markets, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.

Do tourists need a return ticket to enter Taiwan?

Yes. Taiwan immigration and airlines require proof of onward or return travel. Book a return flight within your allowed stay period. If you are unsure of your exact return date, book a flexible or refundable ticket. Without a return ticket, airlines may deny boarding.

What currency do tourists use in Taiwan and how do they get money?

Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). ATMs are widely available and accept international Visa and Mastercard. Exchange counters are at airports and banks. Most hotels and larger stores accept credit cards. Night markets and street food vendors are cash-only. A rough exchange rate is 1 USD = 30-32 NTD.