Visa Requirements for Taiwan: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you prefer hiking mountains, exploring temples, or soaking in hot springs, Taiwan is an island of endless temptations.

Asia’s most vibrant democracy is relatively relaxed concerning immigration rules, offering a stark contrast to the stricter policies of neighboring countries. The visa requirements for entering Taiwan primarily depend on your nationality, making travel planning straightforward for many travelers.

Visa-free Entry to Taiwan

Tourists from most European countries, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, and Japan can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days. Additionally, tourists from countries like Singapore and Malaysia are granted 30 days of visa-free travel.

However, travelers from other nations must apply for a Visitor Visa. Notably, citizens of mainland China must secure a special travel permit to enter Taiwan.

All visa-exempt travelers need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Upon arrival, you must also present a confirmed travel ticket with your itinerary for departing Taiwan before the visa-free travel period concludes.

Can You Extend a Visa-free Stay?

In general, visa-free stays cannot be extended, with the exception of travelers from Canada and the UK, who are permitted to extend their stays up to 180 days. If you hold a visa approved for at least a 60-day stay, you are eligible to apply for an extension in Taiwan at the nearest National Immigration Agency Office. Notably, once a visa-free stay begins, it cannot be converted into a visa stay.

Study, Work, and Visitor Visas for Taiwan

Those planning to travel to Taiwan for work, study, or visiting relatives for an extended period should apply at an overseas mission of the ROC (Republic of China) for either a Visitor Visa (for short stays) or a Resident Visa for longer visits. It is important to note that Taiwan does not have a dedicated student visa category.

Visitor Visas typically cost around US$50, while Resident Visas usually cost around US$100.

Moreover, many citizens from countries eligible for visa-free travel may also apply for a visa under Taiwan’s Working Holiday Scheme, designed for individuals aged 18 to 30. This scheme allows holders to work while exploring Taiwan for up to 12 months, subject to certain restrictions.

A Useful Resource for All You Need to Know About Visas for Taiwan

Your first port of call when considering travel to Taiwan should be the Consular Affairs section of the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website for Taiwan. Here, you can find a comprehensive list of Taiwan’s embassies and missions abroad, along with a dedicated section on visas, showcasing the latest requirements and regulations.

This article was first published on July 23, 2022, and updated on October 19, 2023.