Do you require a visa to visit Taiwan?

Whether you enjoy hiking up mountains, visiting temples, or relaxing in hot springs, Taiwan is an island brimming with enticing adventures.

Asia’s most dynamic democracy has relatively lenient immigration policies, especially when compared to the stricter visa regulations in China just across the strait. Generally, the visa requirements for entering Taiwan vary based on your nationality.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to Taiwan’s entry requirements, complete with essential information on visa types and application procedures.

Visa-free access to Taiwan

Tourists from most European nations, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, and Japan (along with a few other countries) can enjoy visa-free access to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors from countries like Singapore and Malaysia are allowed 30 days of visa-free travel.

Travelers from most other nations will need to obtain a Visitor Visa. Citizens from mainland China must apply for a specific type of travel permit.

All travelers exempt from visa requirements must possess a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Additionally, upon arrival, you will need to present a confirmed travel ticket with your itinerary showing departure from Taiwan before the end of your visa-free stay.

Is it possible to extend a visa-free stay?

In brief, no, unless you are a citizen of Canada or the UK; these travelers can extend their stays up to 180 days. Those holding visas approved for a minimum of 60 days can apply for an extension. Applications to extend visas can be submitted in Taiwan at the nearest National Immigration Agency Office. It's important to note that a visa-free stay cannot be converted into a visa stay once your trip has begun.

Visas for study, work, and visiting in Taiwan

If you intend to travel to Taiwan for work, study, or to visit family for an extended duration, you can apply at a ROC (Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name) overseas mission in your home country for either a Visitor Visa (for single entry and less than six months) or a Resident Visa for longer stays. Be aware that Taiwan does not have a specific student visa category.

Visitor Visas typically cost around US$50 (this can vary by country), while Resident Visas are approximately US$100.

Citizens from many of the same countries eligible for visa-free travel can apply for a visa under Taiwan’s Working Holidays Scheme, aimed at individuals aged 18 to 30. This program allows holders to work for up to 12 months during their stay, with certain restrictions, such as not working for the same employer for more than three months.

A valuable resource for all visa-related information for Taiwan

When planning any travel to Taiwan, your first stop should be the Consular Affairs section of the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website. Here, you’ll find a list of Taiwan’s embassies and missions abroad, along with a dedicated section on visas that provides the latest requirements and regulations (under “News and Events”). You can also access links to the online visa application forms you’ll need to complete and submit to your nearest Taiwan overseas mission or present in person, along with the list of required supporting documents based on your visa type.