Tainan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan (Republic of China), is accessible through Taiwan's national immigration system. While Tainan itself doesn't have an international airport, travelers typically enter Taiwan through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei or Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), which is approximately 45 minutes from Tainan. Entry requirements for Tainan are the same as those for entering Taiwan, as immigration procedures are handled at the point of entry into the country. Taiwan maintains a relatively open visa policy for tourists, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry or electronic travel authorization. The immigration process is generally efficient and straightforward, with clear signage in English and Chinese. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and have proof of onward travel. Before traveling to Tainan, visitors should verify current entry requirements with official Taiwan government sources, as policies can change. It's recommended to have accommodation details, return tickets, and sufficient funds for your stay readily available for immigration officials. Taiwan's immigration system is modern and digitized, making the entry process relatively quick for most travelers.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Taiwan offers visa-free entry, visa-exempt landing permits, and electronic travel authorization options for many nationalities. Requirements vary by citizenship and purpose of visit.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days for most countries; 30 days for UAE and Thailand

Citizens of these countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Ireland Australia New Zealand Most EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, etc.) Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia (30 days)

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Travelers must have confirmed return or onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds. No visa extension available for most visa-free entries.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

30 days

Citizens of select countries must obtain online authorization before travel

Includes

India Indonesia Philippines Vietnam Thailand (if arriving by air with confirmed return ticket) Brunei Myanmar Cambodia Laos

How to Apply: Apply online through the Taiwan National Immigration Agency website at least 3 days before departure. Approval is typically granted within 24-48 hours. Application requires passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information.
Cost: Free of charge for most nationalities

Valid for multiple entries within 3 months from approval date. Each stay cannot exceed 30 days. Must have return ticket and proof of accommodation.

Visa Required

Typically 60-90 days depending on visa type

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or ETA must obtain a visa from a Taiwan embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Taiwan embassy, consulate, or authorized representative office. Submit application form, passport photos, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and other supporting documents. Processing time is typically 4-7 business days.

Includes citizens of China (PRC), Russia, most African countries, and some Middle Eastern and South Asian countries. Tourist visas can often be extended once inside Taiwan for an additional 60-90 days.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Taiwan's international airports (Taoyuan or Kaohsiung), travelers will go through immigration and customs before continuing to Tainan. The process is well-organized with English-speaking staff available.

Arrival Card Completion

Complete the arrival card on the flight or at the airport. The card requests basic information including passport details, flight information, accommodation address in Taiwan, and purpose of visit. Keep the departure portion for when you leave Taiwan.

Immigration Counter

Proceed to the appropriate immigration counter (visa-free, visa-required, or ROC passport holders). Present your passport, arrival card, and return ticket. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit, accommodation, and length of stay. Fingerprints and photos are taken for most foreign visitors.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Verify your bags are undamaged and report any issues to airport staff immediately.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs. If you have items to declare, use the red channel. If you have nothing to declare and fall within duty-free allowances, use the green channel. Random inspections may occur.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, you'll enter the public arrivals area where you can access transportation to Tainan, including high-speed rail, buses, taxis, or rental cars.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Taiwan. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Taiwan within your permitted stay period. Airlines may check this before boarding, and immigration may request to see it.

Accommodation Details

Address of where you'll be staying in Taiwan (hotel booking confirmation or host's address). Required for the arrival card.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

While rarely requested, immigration officers may ask for evidence of financial means (credit cards, cash, bank statements) to support your stay.

Visa or ETA Approval

If required for your nationality, have your visa or printed ETA approval readily accessible.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in a travel folder before reaching immigration to speed up the process.

Download offline maps and transportation apps before arrival, or purchase a SIM card at the airport for navigation to Tainan.

Exchange some currency at the airport or withdraw from ATMs in the arrivals hall before traveling to Tainan, though ATMs are widely available.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) from Taoyuan or Kaohsiung to Tainan is the fastest option. Book tickets online in advance or at the airport station.

Be polite and patient with immigration officers. Answer questions honestly and directly. Avoid joking or making unnecessary comments.

If arriving at Kaohsiung Airport, you're only about 45 minutes from Tainan by train or bus, making it a convenient entry point for Tainan visitors.

Save the departure portion of your arrival card in your passport - you'll need it when leaving Taiwan.

Customs & Duty-Free

Taiwan customs regulations are clearly defined and strictly enforced. Most travelers will have no issues if they stay within duty-free allowances and avoid prohibited items. Declaration is mandatory for items exceeding allowances.

Alcohol

1 liter of alcoholic beverages

Must be 18 years or older. Beverages must be in unopened containers.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 1 pound (454g) of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are prohibited in Taiwan.

Currency

NT$100,000 (approximately US$3,200) or equivalent in foreign currency up to US$10,000

Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared to customs. Failure to declare may result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and goods with a total value not exceeding NT$20,000 (approximately US$650)

Items for commercial purposes or exceeding this value are subject to customs duties. Keep receipts for expensive items.

Prohibited Items

E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products (IQOS, etc.) - strictly prohibited with heavy fines
Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits
Fresh fruits and vegetables - to prevent agricultural pests
Meat products - including jerky, sausages, and canned meat from most countries due to animal disease concerns
Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal skins, protected plants
Obscene materials and publications - subject to Taiwan's content regulations
Gambling devices and lottery tickets

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring only personal quantities with original packaging and prescription. Certain medications require prior approval from Taiwan FDA
Live animals and plants - require health certificates and import permits from relevant authorities
Radio transmitting devices - may require NCC (National Communications Commission) approval
Large amounts of currency - amounts exceeding limits must be declared
Professional equipment - cameras, drones, and professional gear may require documentation proving temporary import for personal use
Dairy products and eggs - require inspection certificates from country of origin
Seeds and plant materials - require phytosanitary certificates and plant quarantine approval

Health Requirements

Taiwan maintains high health and safety standards. While there are minimal mandatory health requirements for most travelers, staying informed about current health advisories is essential.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination certificate - only required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (valid if received at least 10 days before arrival)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A and B - recommended for most travelers
Japanese Encephalitis - for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, particularly during summer months
Typhoid - for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Taiwan's healthcare is excellent but can be expensive for foreigners without insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Some travel insurance providers offer Taiwan-specific plans.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health entry requirements on the Taiwan CDC website and your home country's travel advisory before departure. Requirements may include vaccination certificates, negative test results, or health declarations depending on current global health situations. Taiwan may implement health screening (temperature checks) at airports during disease outbreaks. Travelers showing symptoms may be subject to additional screening or quarantine measures.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Emergency Services

Police, Fire, and Ambulance

Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. English assistance available.

Immigration Authority

National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior

Website: www.immigration.gov.tw - For visa inquiries, extensions, and official information. Service hotline: 0800-024-111 (toll-free within Taiwan)

Foreign Affairs Assistance

Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

24-hour emergency hotline: +886-800-085-095 (from Taiwan) or +886-3-398-2629 (from abroad). Website: www.boca.gov.tw

Tourist Information

Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Visitor information hotline: 0800-011-765 (English service available). Tainan City Tourism Office can assist with local inquiries.

Your Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's diplomatic mission in Taiwan

Most embassies and consulates are located in Taipei. Register with your embassy for travel alerts and emergency assistance.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing travel. This may be requested by airlines or immigration. If traveling with only one parent, bring the child's birth certificate and consent letter. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific procedures and age requirements - check with your carrier in advance.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit from Taiwan's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ), obtained before arrival. Dogs and cats must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (at least 30 days but not more than 1 year before entry), and have a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Pets from rabies-free countries may be cleared immediately; others require 7-21 days quarantine. Apply for permits at least 20 days before travel. Certain breeds may be restricted. Check BAPHIQ website for complete requirements and approved entry points.

Extended Stays

Tourist visa-free entries typically cannot be extended. Visitors needing to stay longer should apply for a visitor visa before arrival, which can be extended once for an additional 60-90 days at the National Immigration Agency in Taiwan. For stays exceeding 6 months, consider applying for a resident visa based on work, study, family, or investment. Working holiday visas are available for citizens of participating countries aged 18-30. Business travelers requiring frequent or extended visits should apply for a multiple-entry visa. Overstaying your permitted time can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers not leaving the airport do not need a visa for stays up to 24 hours. For transit stays requiring leaving the airport, eligible nationalities can use the visa-free transit program for up to 7 days if holding onward tickets to a third country (not country of origin). Must have valid visa for final destination if required. Some nationalities are not eligible for visa-free transit and must obtain a transit visa in advance.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering under visa-free or visa-exempt programs cannot engage in paid employment. For business meetings, conferences, or trade shows, visa-free entry is acceptable. If conducting business requiring work permits or extended stays, apply for appropriate business visa. Bring invitation letters from Taiwan companies, conference registration, or trade show documentation. Multiple-entry business visas are available for frequent travelers.