Taiwan Entry Requirements 2025: Complete Checklist

Entering Taiwan in 2025 requires a valid passport, a submitted Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC), and depending on your nationality, possibly a visa. This checklist covers every requirement you must meet before and at the point of entry, so you arrive prepared and avoid surprises at immigration.

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

The Complete Taiwan Entry Requirements Checklist for 2025

Here is every requirement you need to satisfy before entering Taiwan:

Requirement	Mandatory?	Notes
Valid passport	Yes	At least 6 months remaining validity
Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)	Yes	Submit online at twac.immigration.gov.tw
Visa	Depends on nationality	65+ countries enjoy visa-free entry
Return/onward ticket	Yes	Proof of onward travel required
Accommodation proof	Recommended	Hotel booking or host address
Sufficient funds	Recommended	Cash or bank cards to support your stay
COVID vaccination proof	No (as of 2025)	Not required for most travelers

Let us break down each requirement in detail.

Passport Requirements

Your passport is the foundational document for Taiwan entry:

Validity: At least 6 months from your arrival date in Taiwan
Condition: Not damaged, defaced, or water-stained
Pages: At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp (recommended)
Type: Regular passport (diplomatic and official passports have separate protocols)

Taiwan does not accept temporary or emergency travel documents for visa-free entry. If you are traveling on an emergency passport, contact a Taiwan representative office before departure to confirm entry eligibility.

Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) – Mandatory for All

Every foreign national entering Taiwan must submit a TWAC through the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. This requirement applies to:

All nationalities including visa-exempt countries
All ages including children and infants (parents submit for minors)
All purposes of travel including tourism, business, and transit
Both first-time and returning visitors

TWAC submission details:

Submit within 7 days before arrival
Process takes about 5 minutes
Confirmation with QR code delivered by email
The TWAC is free – avoid third-party sites that charge fees

The TWAC is separate from any visa requirement. Even if you do not need a visa, you still need the TWAC.

Visa Requirements by Nationality

Taiwan grants visa-free entry to citizens of many countries. The length of stay depends on your nationality:

90-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of these countries can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa:

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Japan, South Korea
Most European Union nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.)
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of these countries can stay up to 30 days without a visa:

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei
Some Latin American and Caribbean nations
Select Pacific Island nations

Visa Required

Citizens of these countries must obtain a visa before entering Taiwan:

China (mainland) – requires a Taiwan Entry Permit
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos
Russia, Ukraine
Most African nations
Several Middle Eastern nations

Always verify your specific country’s requirements on Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website, as policies change.

Return or Onward Ticket

Taiwan immigration requires proof of onward or return travel. This means:

A confirmed booking departing Taiwan within your allowed stay period
A printed or digital copy of the booking confirmation
The booking must show your name and a specific date/route

Airlines check this too. Most airlines flying to Taiwan will verify your return/onward ticket before issuing a boarding pass. Without proof of onward travel, you may be denied boarding.

One-way tickets without a visa are not accepted. If you do not have a return date, book a flexible or refundable ticket.

Accommodation Proof

While not always checked at immigration, having proof of accommodation is recommended:

Hotel booking confirmation (printed or on your phone)
Airbnb confirmation with the address
If staying with friends or family, their address and contact information
If your TWAC has been submitted, the accommodation field in the TWAC matches

Business travelers staying at corporate housing should have the address and a contact name available.

Sufficient Funds

Immigration officers may ask about your financial means to support your stay. While there is no fixed minimum amount published, be prepared to show:

Cash (Taiwan dollars or convertible currency)
Bank cards or credit cards
A recent bank statement if asked

Tourists typically should have access to at least NT$1,000-2,000 per day of stay (roughly $30-60 USD). Business travelers with corporate arrangements may need to show company invitation letters.

COVID-19 and Health Requirements (2025 Status)

As of 2025, Taiwan has removed most COVID-19 entry restrictions:

No COVID vaccination proof required
No pre-departure COVID test required
No quarantine upon arrival
No health declaration QR code separate from the TWAC

However, health requirements can change. Monitor Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announcements if traveling during a period of disease outbreak.

What Happens at Taiwan Immigration

When you arrive at a Taiwan airport (typically Taoyuan International Airport for international flights), the immigration process works as follows:

Deplane and follow signs to the Immigration hall
Have ready: Passport and TWAC QR code (on phone or printed)
Choose your line: e-Gate (automated) or staffed counter
e-Gate users: Scan your passport, look at the camera, and proceed (US, UK, and many other citizens eligible)
Counter users: Present your passport to the officer; they verify your TWAC in the system
Receive your entry stamp with allowed stay duration
Collect baggage from the carousel
Pass through customs (green channel for nothing to declare, red for items to declare)

The entire process from deplaning to leaving the airport typically takes 30-60 minutes at Taoyuan, depending on queue lengths.

Entry Requirements for Specific Travel Purposes

Tourism

Passport (6+ months validity)
TWAC
Visa-free entry (if eligible) or tourist visa
Return ticket
Hotel booking

Business

Passport (6+ months validity)
TWAC
Visa-free entry (if eligible) or business visa
Return ticket
Company invitation letter recommended

Transit (Leaving the Airport)

Passport
TWAC (required even for transit that exits the airport)
Transit visa (if required for your nationality)

Transit (Staying in the Airport)

Passport only (TWAC not required if you remain in the transit area)
Confirm with your airline that you do not need to pass through immigration

Study (Short-term)

Passport
TWAC
Visa-free entry (if eligible) for courses under 90 days
Enrollment letter from the institution

Work

Passport
TWAC
Work visa (required before arrival)
Work permit (arranged by employer)

Entry Denials: Why Taiwan Can Refuse Entry

Having a TWAC and meeting basic requirements does not guarantee entry. Taiwan immigration can refuse entry for:

Passport expiring within 6 months
Prior overstays in Taiwan
Criminal record or immigration violations
Insufficient funds to support your stay
No return/onward ticket
Suspicion of intent to work without a work visa
Mismatch between stated travel purpose and evidence

If refused entry, you are placed on the next available flight out of Taiwan at your expense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taiwan Entry Requirements

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

To understand what you need before applying, read our Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements guide.

For US citizens with specific questions, see our Taiwan Arrival Card for US Citizens guide.

For a comparison with other Asian destinations, read our Taiwan Arrival Card for Tourism guide.

What are the minimum requirements to enter Taiwan in 2025?

Every traveler needs a valid passport (at least 6 months remaining validity) and a submitted Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa. A return or onward ticket is required for all travelers. These are the non-negotiable minimum requirements.

Do US citizens need a visa to enter Taiwan in 2025?

No. US citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, and family visits. They still need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a submitted TWAC, and a return or onward ticket. No visa application is necessary for stays under 90 days.

Is the Taiwan Arrival Card the same as a visa?

No. The TWAC is a mandatory arrival declaration form that collects your travel information before arrival. It does not authorize or deny entry. A visa is a separate document that permits entry for specific purposes and durations. They are completely different requirements.

Can I enter Taiwan with an expired passport?

No. Taiwan requires at least 6 months of passport validity from your arrival date. An expired passport or one with less than 6 months remaining will result in denied boarding by your airline and/or refused entry at Taiwan immigration.

Do I need a COVID test or vaccination to enter Taiwan in 2025?

No. As of 2025, Taiwan does not require COVID-19 testing or vaccination proof for entry. This could change during disease outbreaks, so check current requirements before traveling.

What happens if I arrive in Taiwan without the TWAC?

You will not be turned away but will need to submit the TWAC at airport kiosks in the arrival hall before proceeding to immigration. This adds 10-15 minutes to your arrival process. Taiwan airports have kiosks and QR codes available for last-minute submissions.

Do I need travel insurance to enter Taiwan?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry to Taiwan. However, it is strongly recommended. Taiwan’s national health insurance does not cover foreign visitors, and hospital stays can be expensive without insurance. Purchase a travel medical policy before your trip.

Can I be denied entry even if I have all the required documents?

Yes. Meeting document requirements does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers have discretion to refuse entry based on factors like prior overstays, insufficient funds, suspicious travel patterns, or concerns about the stated purpose of your visit. Be honest and prepared with supporting documents.