US citizens are among the most frequent visitors to Taiwan, and every American traveler must complete a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before entry. This guide covers everything US passport holders need to know: the submission process, visa-free entry rules, costs, timing, and common mistakes to avoid.
Do US Citizens Need a Taiwan Arrival Card?
Yes. Every US citizen entering Taiwan must submit a TWAC, regardless of the trip’s purpose or duration. The TWAC is separate from your visa status. US citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 90 days, but the TWAC is still mandatory.
The Taiwan government transitioned from paper arrival cards to the digital TWAC system to streamline immigration. TSA does not check it; Taiwan immigration officers do. If you arrive at Taoyuan Airport (TPE), Taipei Songshan (TSA), Kaohsiung (KHH), or any other Taiwan port of entry without a TWAC, you may be asked to submit one on the spot using airport kiosks.
Taiwan Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens
US passport holders can enter Taiwan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting relatives, or short-term study. Here are the key rules:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 90 days visa-free |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months remaining from arrival date |
| Return/onward ticket | Required – you must show proof of onward travel |
| TWAC | Mandatory – submit online before arrival |
| Purpose allowed | Tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, short courses |
| Extensions | Possible at NIA offices within Taiwan (before 90-day expiry) |
US citizens who need to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a visa at a Taiwan representative office before traveling, or apply for an extension at an NIA office in Taiwan before the 90-day limit expires.
A US passport alone does not guarantee entry. Taiwan immigration officers can refuse entry if they determine you do not meet entry conditions, such as lacking a return ticket or having insufficient funds.
How US Citizens Submit the Taiwan Arrival Card
US citizens submit the TWAC through the same process as all foreign nationals:
- Visit twac.immigration.gov.tw
- Select English as your language
- Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your US passport
- Provide your US passport number
- Select United States as your nationality
- Enter your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Fill in your gender
- Enter your email address
- Add your US phone number with country code: enter +1 followed by your number
- Type your flight number (e.g., CI 11, EVA 15, Delta 998)
- Enter your arrival date and expected departure date
- Add your Taiwan accommodation address (hotel name and address)
- State your occupation
- Review all fields, then submit
The system processes your submission immediately. You receive a confirmation email with a QR code at the email address you provided.
Common Mistakes US Travelers Make
- Passport name mismatch: Your TWAC name must match your passport exactly. If your passport says “Robert” do not enter “Bob.”
- Phone number format: Always use the international format with country code: +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.
- Wrong passport number: Double-check every character. A single digit error can delay your immigration clearance.
- Inactive email: Submit an email you can check on your phone. The confirmation with your QR code goes to this address.
- Skipping the accommodation field: If staying at a hotel, enter the hotel name and address. If staying with friends or family, enter their residential address in Taiwan.
When US Citizens Should Submit the TWAC
The submission window opens 7 days before arrival and closes at the time of arrival. Processing is instant, but do not cut it close.
Recommended timing for US travelers:
- Submit 2-4 days before departure from the US
- Account for time zone differences – the system uses Taiwan time (UTC+8)
- If departing from the US West Coast (UTC-8), Taiwan time is 16 hours ahead
- If departing from the US East Coast (UTC-5), Taiwan time is 13 hours ahead
Example: If your flight from Los Angeles departs on a Monday at 11:00 PM PST and arrives in Taipei Wednesday morning, you can submit the TWAC starting the previous Wednesday Taiwan time.
Airlines Flying US to Taiwan
Major airlines with direct flights from the US to Taiwan include:
| Airline | From | To | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Airlines | Los Angeles (LAX) | Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) | ~14 hours |
| EVA Air | Los Angeles (LAX) | Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) | ~14 hours |
| EVA Air | San Francisco (SFO) | Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) | ~13 hours |
| United | San Francisco (SFO) | Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) | ~13.5 hours |
| Delta | Seattle (SEA) | Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) | ~12.5 hours |
| Starlux | Los Angeles (LAX) | Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) | ~14 hours |
All airlines flying to Taiwan may check for your TWAC confirmation at the departure gate, though the primary check happens at Taiwan immigration upon arrival.
Starting the Trip at Taoyuan Airport
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s primary international gateway and handles the majority of US flights. After landing:
- Follow signs to Immigration
- Have your US passport and TWAC QR code ready
- US citizens eligible for e-Gate can use the automated gates
- Others proceed to the staffed immigration counters
- Present your passport – the officer will verify your TWAC in the system
- Collect luggage and proceed through customs
The e-Gate option is available for US citizens aged 14 and older with valid biometric passports. Registration for e-Gate is free and done at the airport. With e-Gate, immigration clearance takes under 1 minute.
What to Do If You Lose Your TWAC Confirmation
If you cannot find your TWAC confirmation email or QR code before your flight:
- Check your spam/junk email folder
- Search your email for “twac” or “arrival card”
- If still missing, resubmit the TWAC at twac.immigration.gov.tw (you can submit multiple times; the latest submission replaces the previous one)
- If you arrive at the airport without a confirmation, Taoyuan Airport has TWAC kiosks in the arrival hall
- There is QR codes posted near immigration counters that link to the online form
Having no TWAC does not bar you from entering Taiwan but will add time to your immigration process.
TWAC for US Citizens Traveling with Family
Each traveler, including children and infants, needs their own TWAC submission. US citizen parents should:
- Submit a TWAC for each child using the child’s US passport information
- Use a parent’s email address for all family confirmations
- Enter the same Taiwan accommodation address for all family members
- Keep all QR codes organized on one phone or printed on paper
Children under 14 traveling with a US passport must use the staffed immigration counters rather than e-Gate.
Frequently Asked Questions for US Citizens
Related Resources
For a complete overview of the TWAC, read our Taiwan Arrival Card FAQ.
To understand what documents you need for Taiwan entry beyond the TWAC, see our Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements guide.
For information about the submission process step by step, visit our How to Apply for Taiwan Arrival Card Online guide.
If you are arriving at Taoyuan Airport specifically, check our Taiwan Arrival Card at Taoyuan Airport arrival guide.
