Tainan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city and cultural capital, welcomes international travelers through its main international gateway, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), with domestic connections to Tainan. Entry requirements for Taiwan (including Tainan) are standard across the island. All foreign nationals must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, and depending on nationality, may need a visa or travel authorization. The immigration process at major airports is generally efficient, with separate lines for Taiwanese nationals, foreign passport holders, and automated gates for eligible e-Gate users. Upon arrival, travelers will have their passports and travel documents inspected, may be asked about the purpose and duration of their visit, and must complete an arrival/departure card (if not using the automated system). Before traveling, it's important to verify your specific visa eligibility, ensure your passport meets validity requirements, and have proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds for your stay, as immigration officers may request these documents.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Taiwan's visa policy is administered by the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA). Requirements depend entirely on the traveler's nationality and intended length of stay. Many countries enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges for short-term tourism or business.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days (for most listed countries). Some are granted 30 or 14 days.

Nationals of eligible countries can enter Taiwan for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Member states of the European Union (Schengen Area) Singapore Malaysia

Strictly for tourism or business (non-remunerative activities). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. You must hold a confirmed onward/return ticket. The 90-day period is not extendable. Always confirm your specific country's allowance on the official BOCA website.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days, single entry.

Nationals from specific countries require an online Travel Authorization Certificate, which is not a visa but a pre-clearance for entry.

Includes

Philippines Thailand Brunei Russia India Vietnam Indonesia Cambodia Laos Myanmar

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Taiwan ETA website. Requires passport details, travel itinerary, and a digital photo. Typical processing is 3-5 working days, but apply at least 7 days before travel.
Cost: Approximately USD $15-20 (NTD 500).

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You must still present your passport (valid 6+ months) and onward ticket upon arrival. Not for employment or long-term study.

Visa Required

Determined by the visa issued, typically up to 90 days.

Nationals from countries not listed in the visa-free or ETA programs must apply for a visitor visa at a Taiwanese diplomatic mission (e.g., Taipei Economic and Cultural Office - TECO) before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) or Embassy/Consulate representing Taiwan's interests. Requires completed application form, passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and possibly an invitation letter. Processing times vary (5-10 working days).

Applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau follow separate regulations (Exit & Entry Permit). Always check with the specific TECO office for the latest application requirements and fees.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (or another port of entry), you will proceed through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. The process is straightforward if you have the correct documents ready.

1. Arrival and Document Check

Proceed to the immigration hall for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, completed arrival/departure card (if applicable), and any required visas/ETAs ready.

2. Immigration Inspection

An immigration officer will stamp your passport with an entry permit, noting your allowed duration of stay. They may ask simple questions about your visit (purpose, length, accommodation).

3. Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed to the customs declaration channel (Green/Nothing to Declare or Red/Goods to Declare).

4. Final Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, you exit to the public arrivals hall where you can find transportation (High-Speed Rail, domestic flights, buses, taxis) to Tainan.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Required at immigration.

Visa/ETA (if applicable)

Must be obtained prior to travel if your nationality requires it. The ETA must be printed or available electronically.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

A confirmed flight, bus, or ferry ticket departing Taiwan. May be requested by immigration or airline at check-in.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be requested (though not common for short-term tourists from visa-free countries). Can be cash, credit cards, or bank statements.

Accommodation Details

Address of your hotel or host in Tainan. You may be asked to provide this on the arrival card or to the officer.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Fill out the Arrival/Departure Card on the plane if provided (some nationalities use automated gates which bypass this). Keep the departure portion safe for exit.

Use the automated immigration gates (e-Gates) if you are from a visa-free country, are 14+ years old, and have an e-Passport. This speeds up entry significantly.

Have all your documents (passport, printed ETA/visa, flight itinerary) organized and easily accessible in your carry-on.

Be polite and answer immigration questions clearly and concisely.

Customs & Duty-Free

Taiwan has standard customs regulations. Travelers are responsible for declaring dutiable, prohibited, or restricted items. Duty-free allowances are generous for personal use.

Alcohol

1 liter of alcoholic beverages (over 22% alcohol by volume).

Traveler must be 20 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 1 pound (approx. 454 grams) of tobacco.

Traveler must be 20 years or older.

Currency

No limit on import/export of foreign or local currency.

Amounts exceeding NTD 100,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) or gold worth over USD $20,000 MUST be declared upon both arrival and departure.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts with a total value not exceeding NTD 20,000 (approx. USD $650).

Commercial goods or items exceeding this value are subject to duty and taxes. Perfumes up to 1 liter are duty-free.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including life imprisonment.
Counterfeit currency, goods, or copyrighted materials.
Obscene articles, publications, or items detrimental to public morals.
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without special permit.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and soil - to prevent pests and diseases.

Restricted Items

Medications ( prescription drugs) - Bring only a reasonable quantity for personal use, carry original prescription or doctor's note.
Animal products, dairy, and meat products - Strict regulations; often prohibited from certain countries due to disease risk.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - Require an export certificate from the country of origin and may need an import permit.
Radio communication equipment - Requires approval from the National Communications Commission (NCC).

Health Requirements

Taiwan has no mandatory vaccination requirements for general travelers. However, recommendations and requirements can change based on global or regional health situations.

Required Vaccinations

None for general entry from most countries.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid (for longer stays or rural travel)
Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas, in summer)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for short-term tourists, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Medical care in Taiwan is excellent but can be expensive for foreigners without insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 related entry requirements (no testing, vaccination proof, or quarantine). However, this is subject to change. Always check the latest updates from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and your airline before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Taiwan is represented abroad by Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (TECOs). Find your nearest office for visa and consular assistance.

Many countries do not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; their interests may be handled by a 'Taipei Representative Office' or similar. Check your government's travel advisory website for the correct contact.

Immigration Authority

National Immigration Agency (NIA) of Taiwan.

For official immigration information, visa extensions, and residence permits. Website: https://www.immigration.gov.tw

Emergency

110 for Police, 119 for Ambulance & Fire.

These numbers work nationwide, including Tainan. English-speaking operators may be available, but it's helpful to have a local contact or use a translation app.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own valid passport. If traveling with only one parent/guardian or alone, it is advisable (though not always required for entry) to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). This can prevent delays during immigration checks aimed at preventing child abduction.

Traveling with Pets

Strict regulations apply. Pets (dogs and cats) require an import permit from the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ), a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a rabies neutralizing antibody titer test from an approved lab, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Pets may be quarantined for 7-21 days upon arrival. Start the process months in advance.

Extended Stays

If you wish to stay longer than your visa-free or visitor visa period, you must apply for a visa extension at a local National Immigration Agency (NIA) service center BEFORE your current permit expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are typically granted for specific reasons (e.g., family visit, medical treatment). For work, study, or residency, you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) from a TECO office abroad before entering Taiwan.

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