The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is valid for a single entry to Taiwan. Once you use it, it cannot be reused. Understanding the validity rules prevents confusion on return trips and avoids problems at immigration. Here is exactly how TWAC validity works and what you need to know about timing.
Taiwan Arrival Card Validity Period Explained
The TWAC is valid for the specific trip you submitted it for. It links to your arrival date, flight number, and passport. Once you enter Taiwan using that TWAC, it is consumed – even if you leave Taiwan and return on the same trip, you will need a new TWAC for each entry.
Key validity rules:
- Valid for one entry to Taiwan
- Must be submitted within 7 days before arrival
- Valid only for the arrival date and flight you specified
- Tied to the passport number used during submission
- Cannot be transferred to another person or passport
The TWAC is not a travel document with an expiration date like a visa. It is an electronic confirmation that exists in Taiwan’s immigration system for the duration of your specific trip.
How the 7-Day Submission Window Works
The TWAC system accepts submissions starting 7 calendar days before your arrival date. The window calculation uses Taiwan time (UTC+8):
| Your Flight Arrival Date | Earliest Submission Date | Latest Submission |
|---|---|---|
| August 10 | August 3 | August 10 (day of arrival) |
| December 25 | December 18 | December 25 |
| March 15 | March 8 | March 15 |
| July 1 | June 24 | July 1 |
The system automatically prevents submissions earlier than 7 days. If you try to submit before the window opens, you will receive an error or the date field will not accept your arrival date.
What Happens After You Arrive in Taiwan
When you go through immigration at a Taiwan airport:
- Immigration officers check your passport in the system
- Your TWAC is verified against your passport number
- Entry is recorded in Taiwan’s immigration database
- Your TWAC status changes to “used” or “consumed”
At this point, the TWAC serves no further purpose for this entry. Taiwan’s immigration system tracks your stay through your passport, not the TWAC.
Multiple Entries: Do You Need a New TWAC Each Time?
Yes. If you leave Taiwan and plan to return, you need a new TWAC submission before each entry. The TWAC is single-use.
Common scenarios that require a new TWAC:
- Day trip to Japan or Hong Kong, then back to Taiwan: Submit a new TWAC before your return flight to Taiwan
- Taiwan stopover on a multi-country trip: Submit a TWAC for each Taiwan entry
- Business trips with multiple Taiwan visits: Submit a TWAC before each trip
The submission process is the same each time. Since it takes only 5 minutes and is free, resubmitting for return trips is straightforward. You can submit the TWAC for your return leg while still abroad – you do not need to be in your home country to submit.
TWAC Validity vs. Visa Validity
These are different concepts that travelers sometimes confuse:
| Feature | TWAC | Visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Arrival declaration form | Entry authorization document |
| Cost | Free | Varies by type ($50-$200+) |
| Validity | Single entry, tied to one arrival | Multiple entries possible (6 months, 1 year, etc.) |
| Processing time | Instant (minutes) | Days to weeks |
| Who needs it | All foreign nationals | Only nationalities without visa-free arrangements |
| Expiration | No fixed expiration date; valid for the specific trip | Fixed expiration date on the visa |
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most EU citizens do not need a Taiwan visa for stays under 90 days. The TWAC is their only pre-arrival requirement. Citizens of countries that require a Taiwan visa need both the visa and the TWAC.
How Long Can You Stay in Taiwan?
Your TWAC validity is separate from your permitted stay duration. How long you can stay depends on:
| Category | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Visa-free entry (US, UK, etc.) | 90 days |
| Visa-free entry (Thailand, Philippines, etc.) | 30 days |
| Visitor visa | Duration specified on visa (30-90 days typically) |
| Business visa | Duration specified on visa |
| Transit | Up to 24-72 hours |
The TWAC does not affect how long you can stay. It only affects whether you can enter. Your immigration officer stamps your passport with your allowed stay length upon entry.
What If Your Travel Plans Change After Submitting?
Travel plans change. The TWAC system allows for this:
Flight change: Resubmit the TWAC with the new flight number. The latest submission replaces the previous one in the system.
Date change: Resubmit with the new arrival date. Make sure the new date is within 7 days of your new arrival.
Passport change: If you get a new passport (renewal, replacement), resubmit the TWAC with the new passport number.
Name change: Resubmit with the name exactly as shown on your updated passport.
Destination change (no longer going to Taiwan): No action needed. The TWAC simply expires unused in the system. There is no penalty for not using a submitted TWAC.
Can You Submit Multiple TWACs at Once?
You can only have one active TWAC per passport number. If you submit a second TWAC with the same passport number, the new submission replaces the previous one. This is useful when plans change – just resubmit with updated information.
If you have two trips to Taiwan planned within weeks of each other, submit the TWAC for the nearer trip first. When you return from the first trip, submit a new TWAC for the second trip within its 7-day window.
Emergency Situations and TWAC Validity
Last-minute flights: If you need to fly to Taiwan on short notice, the TWAC can be submitted at any point within the 7-day window, including on the day of arrival. Airport kiosks in Taiwan also allow submission after landing.
Medical emergencies: Taiwan immigration has expedited processes for emergency entry. The TWAC may be processed on arrival in emergency situations.
Passport lost or stolen while abroad: Obtain an emergency travel document from your country’s embassy. Resubmit the TWAC with the new travel document number. Note that entry with emergency documents is at immigration discretion.
Missed flight with a submitted TWAC: Your TWAC is linked to the flight you entered. If you miss that flight and rebook, resubmit the TWAC with the new flight details.
Frequently Asked Questions About TWAC Validity
Related Resources
For a complete overview of the TWAC, visit our Taiwan Arrival Card FAQ.
To understand what you need before applying, read our Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements guide.
For step-by-step submission instructions, see our How to Apply for Taiwan Arrival Card Online guide.
If your confirmation email has not arrived, check our Taiwan Arrival Card Not Received troubleshooting guide.
