UK passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days, but every British traveler must submit a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before arrival. This guide covers what UK citizens specifically need to know about the TWAC, visa-free entry rules, and how to prepare for a smooth arrival in Taiwan.
Do UK Citizens Need a Taiwan Arrival Card?
Yes. Every UK passport holder entering Taiwan must submit a TWAC through the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. The TWAC is mandatory regardless of the trip purpose or duration. UK citizens enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, but this does not exempt them from the TWAC requirement.
The TWAC is free and takes about 5 minutes to submit online. It is not a visa – it is a digital arrival declaration that pre-registers your information with Taiwan immigration.
Taiwan Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens
UK passport holders benefit from generous visa-free entry to Taiwan:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 90 days without a visa |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from arrival date |
| Purpose | Tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, short courses |
| Return ticket | Required – proof of onward travel |
| Extensions | Possible at NIA offices in Taiwan (apply before the 90-day limit) |
| Work | Not permitted without a work visa |
Since Brexit, UK passport holders retain the same visa-free access to Taiwan as before. No changes to the 90-day allowance have been made. The TWAC requirement applies equally to British citizens regardless of when the trip was planned or booked.
How UK Citizens Submit the TWAC
The submission process is the same for UK citizens as for all nationalities:
- Visit twac.immigration.gov.tw
- Select English as your language
- Enter your full name exactly as shown on your UK passport
- Provide your UK passport number (the number on the photo page)
- Select United Kingdom as your nationality
- Enter your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
- Fill in your gender as shown on your passport
- Enter your email address
- Add your UK phone number with country code: +44 followed by your number (e.g., +44-7911-123456)
- Enter your flight number (e.g., CI 90, BA 99, EVA 68)
- Fill in your arrival date in Taiwan
- Add your expected departure date
- Enter your Taiwan accommodation address (hotel name and address)
- State your occupation
- Review all entries and submit
Within minutes, you receive a confirmation email with your QR code. Keep this accessible on your phone or print a copy.
Specific Tips for UK Travelers
- Phone number format: UK mobile numbers start with +44-7xxx-xxx-xxx. Landline format: +44-20-xxxx-xxxx (London). Always include the +44 prefix.
- Date format: The portal may use DD/MM/YYYY which is the same format used in the UK. If using a US-format portal, remember to enter the month and day correctly.
- Passport format: UK passports have a 9-character number (e.g., 123456789 or AB1234567). Enter it exactly as printed.
- Name formatting: UK passports may include middle names. Enter your name exactly as shown, including middle names if listed.
Flights from the UK to Taiwan
There are no direct flights from the UK to Taiwan. Most British travelers connect through a hub airport:
| Route | Airlines | Approximate Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| London – Hong Kong – Taipei | Cathay Pacific | 14-16 hours |
| London – Bangkok – Taipei | EVA Air, Thai Airways | 15-17 hours |
| London – Amsterdam – Taipei | KLM | 15-17 hours |
| London – Dubai – Taipei | Emirates | 16-18 hours |
| London – Singapore – Taipei | Singapore Airlines | 16-18 hours |
| London – Tokyo – Taipei | Japan Airlines, ANA, BA | 16-18 hours |
| London – Doha – Taipei | Qatar Airways | 16-18 hours |
When submitting the TWAC, enter the flight number of the flight that actually arrives in Taiwan, not the long-haul segment.
At Taiwan Immigration: What UK Citizens Should Expect
After landing at Taoyuan International Airport:
- Follow signs to the Immigration hall
- UK citizens aged 14 and older with biometric passports are eligible for e-Gate (automated immigration)
- e-Gate registration is free and done at the airport – just approach the gate area
- If using the staffed counter, present your passport and QR code
- The officer checks your TWAC in the system and stamps your passport
- Collect your luggage and pass through customs
The e-Gate option processes immigration in under 1 minute. The staffed counter typically takes 2-5 minutes per person. During peak arrival times (morning and early afternoon), queues can extend to 30+ minutes.
UK Citizens Traveling with Children
UK families visiting Taiwan should note:
- Each child needs their own TWAC submitted using the child’s UK passport details
- Children under 14 must use the staffed immigration counter, not e-Gate
- Parents submit TWAC forms on behalf of their children
- Use a parent’s email address for all family confirmations
- Keep all QR codes organized on one phone or printed together
Children on their own UK passports need their own TWAC. Children listed on a parent’s passport (older style) may share the parent’s TWAC entry, but this is increasingly rare as the UK issues individual passports for all ages.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 90 Days
UK citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days in Taiwan must:
- Apply for an extension at an NIA office in Taiwan before the 90-day limit expires
- Or leave Taiwan and re-enter (submitting a new TWAC for the return entry)
- Or apply for a visitor visa or resident visa at a Taiwan representative office before traveling
Overstaying the 90-day limit results in fines (NT$2,000-10,000+), potential detention, and a re-entry ban. If you realize you may overstay, visit an NIA office promptly.
British Citizens Working or Studying in Taiwan
The 90-day visa-free entry does not permit:
- Employment (paid or unpaid work)
- Long-term study programs
- Volunteer work beyond short-term programs
For work or long-term study, UK citizens must:
- Obtain a work permit (arranged by the employer)
- Apply for a work visa or student visa at a Taiwan representative office
- Apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days of arrival
Short-term courses under 90 days are permissible under visa-free entry. Business conferences and trade shows are also allowed.
What If Your UK Passport Is Expiring Soon?
UK passports must have at least 6 months validity from your Taiwan arrival date. UK passport renewals typically take:
- Online renewal: 3-4 weeks standard processing
- Fast track: 1 week (available for eligible renewals)
- Premium same-day: Available at passport offices by appointment
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before submitting the TWAC. An invalid passport will result in denied entry even with a valid TWAC.
Frequently Asked Questions for UK Citizens
Related Resources
For a complete overview of the Taiwan Arrival Card, visit our Taiwan Arrival Card FAQ.
For what documents you need before applying, read our Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements guide.
For full entry requirements including passport rules, see our Taiwan Entry Requirements 2025 checklist.
For information about arriving at Taiwan’s main airport, check our Taiwan Arrival Card at Taoyuan Airport guide.
