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Tainan Entry Requirements

Tainan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Government Travel Advisories
Verified 2026-09-26
Before you travel: official formalities

  • Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC), online

    Who
    Foreign visitors entering Taiwan
    When
    Within three days before arrival
    Cost
    Free

    Since 1 October 2025 the online Taiwan Arrival Card has replaced all paper arrival cards. Taiwan's National Immigration Agency warns that any website charging a fee is not an official government website.

    Official site
    Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Tainan sits in southwestern Taiwan. Entering the country follows the same immigration process regardless of which city is your final destination. Most international travelers arrive through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei or Kaohsiung International Airport, which is the closer way into Tainan. From there, continue onward by high-speed rail or bus. Tainan's own airport handles a limited number of international routes, mostly to and from destinations in East and Southeast Asia. Taiwan's immigration process is generally straightforward. Requirements vary by nationality. The main pre-arrival step for all foreign visitors is completing the online Taiwan Arrival Card. Submit this within three days before arrival. It is free of charge. Whether you need a visa or other authorization depends entirely on which passport you hold. Check Taiwan's National Immigration Agency website well before departure. Policies can shift with relatively little notice. Tainan itself does not impose separate entry requirements from the rest of Taiwan. Once you clear immigration and customs at your port of entry, you are free to travel anywhere on the island. Tainan included. Entry requirements do change over time. Always verify current rules with official government sources before finalizing your travel plans.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Taiwan's visa policy varies significantly by nationality. Some passport holders may enter without a visa. Others may need to apply through official channels. Some need a traditional visa from a Taiwanese representative office. The specifics, including permitted length of stay, shift periodically. Travelers should verify their eligibility through Taiwan's National Immigration Agency or the Bureau of Consular Affairs before booking travel to Tainan.

Visa-Free Entry
Varies by nationality. Check the official National Immigration Agency website for your specific permitted stay

Taiwan grants visa-free entry to passport holders from a number of countries. This allows short-term stays for tourism and business purposes. Eligibility and the permitted length of stay depend on your nationality.

Travelers entering visa-free typically need a passport valid for at least six months. They also need a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The online Taiwan Arrival Card must be completed within three days before arrival. Eligible nationalities and permitted durations are subject to change. Confirm your status through Taiwan's National Immigration Agency before you travel to Tainan.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
The Taiwan Arrival Card does not itself determine your permitted length of stay. That depends on your nationality and visa status.

The primary online pre-arrival requirement for all foreign visitors to Taiwan is the Taiwan Arrival Card, known as the TWAC. This mandatory form is free. Complete it through the official National Immigration Agency portal within three days before arrival. It replaced all paper arrival cards. Taiwan's National Immigration Agency has cautioned that any website charging a fee for this form is not an official government website. Check the official immigration website directly for any additional pre-arrival requirements that may apply to your specific nationality.

How to Apply: The Taiwan Arrival Card is completed online through the official National Immigration Agency portal. It typically takes only a few minutes. For any other pre-arrival requirements that might apply to your passport, consult the official immigration website. Avoid third-party services.
Cost: The Taiwan Arrival Card is free. Any site charging a fee for this form is not official.

Complete the TWAC within three days before your arrival date. Do not use third-party websites that charge for this free government service. If you are unsure whether your nationality requires additional authorization beyond the TWAC, the National Immigration Agency website is the definitive source.

Visa Required
Varies depending on the type of visa granted and the applicant's nationality

Travelers whose nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry will need to apply for a visa at a Taiwanese embassy, consulate, or representative office before departure. The specific requirements and permitted stay depend on your nationality and purpose of travel.

How to Apply: Applications are typically submitted to the nearest Taiwan representative office or embassy. Required documents generally include a completed application form, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel arrangements, and evidence of financial means. Processing times vary by location and season. Apply well in advance.

Taiwan's diplomatic presence operates differently from most countries. Many nations maintain representative offices rather than formal embassies. These offices provide full consular services including visa processing. Check Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs for current application requirements and the location of your nearest representative office.

Arrival Process

Arriving in Taiwan tends to be a fairly efficient process at most ports of entry. Whether you land at Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, or Tainan's own airport, the sequence of steps is essentially the same. Have your documents sorted out beforehand. This will speed things along considerably. The online Taiwan Arrival Card is important.

1
Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card online before departure
All foreign visitors entering Taiwan must submit the Taiwan Arrival Card, or TWAC, through the official National Immigration Agency portal within three days before arriving. This free online form replaced all paper arrival cards. Use only the official government website. The National Immigration Agency has warned that third-party sites charging fees are not legitimate. Save or screenshot the confirmation for your records.
2
Proceed to immigration control
After disembarking, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, TWAC confirmation, and any visa documentation ready to present. Some airports offer automated e-gates for eligible passport holders. First-time visitors to Taiwan will generally need to use the staffed counters.
3
Immigration review
An immigration officer will check your travel documents, may ask a few questions about the purpose and duration of your visit, and will stamp your passport. Processing is typically quick and courteous, though wait times can stretch during peak arrival windows when several long-haul flights land in sequence.
4
Collect checked baggage
After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area. Monitors display which carousel corresponds to your flight. Luggage carts are usually available nearby.
5
Clear customs
Taiwan uses a red and green channel system. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you are carrying goods above the duty-free allowance, restricted items, or amounts of currency above the declaration threshold, use the red channel. Random inspections may occur in either channel, and agricultural items are scrutinized with particular care.
6
Onward travel to Tainan
If you arrived at Taoyuan or Kaohsiung, you will need onward transport to reach Tainan. The Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Taipei and Kaohsiung with a stop at Tainan's HSR station, with the full journey from Taoyuan taking roughly ninety minutes to two hours. From Kaohsiung, conventional rail and bus options reach central Tainan in about an hour. Tainan's HSR station is located outside the city center, so you will likely need a local bus, taxi, or a short train connection to reach your accommodation.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid passport
Most nationalities need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Check with Taiwan's immigration authority if you are unsure about validity requirements for your specific passport.
Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
Mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Taiwan. Must be completed online through the official National Immigration Agency portal within three days before arrival. It is free of charge. Any website requesting payment for this form is not a government site.
Visa or authorization (if required)
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or other pre-arrival authorization. Check Taiwan's National Immigration Agency website to determine what applies to your passport.
Return or onward ticket
Immigration officers may ask for proof that you plan to leave Taiwan within the permitted period of stay. Having a confirmed return or onward flight is advisable, for visa-free entries.
Proof of accommodation
You may be asked to show a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Taiwan. This is not always requested. But having it accessible avoids unnecessary delays.
Proof of sufficient funds
Immigration may occasionally ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card usually suffices.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card a day or two before your flight rather than at the last minute. Save or screenshot the confirmation so you can pull it up quickly at the immigration counter.
Keep a printout or digital copy of your accommodation booking and return ticket easily accessible. Immigration officers in Taiwan ask for these with some regularity, and fumbling through your bag at the counter slows everyone down.
If you are transiting through another airport before arriving in Taiwan, confirm with your airline whether your checked luggage will transfer automatically. On separate tickets, it often will not.
Tainan's own airport has limited international service. If you are flying into Taoyuan or Kaohsiung, factor in the overland travel time to Tainan when planning your first day, if you are arriving on an evening flight.
Taiwan's immigration lines tend to move efficiently. But if your airport offers automated e-gates and you qualify, those can save meaningful time during peak arrival periods.
Exchanging a small amount of currency at the airport is convenient for immediate transport costs when heading to Tainan, though rates at city banks tend to be more favorable for larger amounts.

Customs & Duty-Free

Taiwan's customs regulations are enforced consistently, and while the process is usually smooth for travelers carrying personal effects, it is worth knowing the limits before you pack. Agricultural products, in particular, are subject to strict controls and fines for undeclared items in this category can be steep. Tainan is famous for its food culture. But bringing your own ingredients into Taiwan is a different matter entirely.

Alcohol
Up to 1 liter per adult traveler aged 18 or over
Amounts above the allowance must be declared and are subject to duty. Wine, beer, and spirits all fall under the same limit.
Tobacco
Up to 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 1 pound of loose tobacco per adult traveler aged 18 or over
These are alternative limits, not cumulative. You may bring one category at the full allowance, not all three.
Currency
Both local and foreign currency above certain thresholds must be declared upon entry
Taiwan enforces limits on the amount of New Taiwan dollars and foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out without a declaration. Current thresholds are available from Taiwan Customs. Failing to declare currency above the limit can result in confiscation of the excess.
Gifts and personal goods
Personal items for your own use during the trip are generally admitted duty-free; goods intended as gifts or for resale above a set value threshold must be declared
Check Taiwan Customs for the current duty-free value limit on non-personal goods. Items clearly intended for commercial purposes will attract duty regardless of value.

Prohibited Items

  • Illegal narcotics and controlled substances, which carry extremely severe penalties in Taiwan including lengthy prison sentences
  • Counterfeit currency, counterfeit goods, and items infringing on intellectual property rights
  • Firearms, ammunition, and weapons without explicit prior authorization from Taiwan's government
  • Certain categories of publications and media that violate Taiwan's laws
  • Products from embargoed origins, where applicable under Taiwan's trade regulations

Restricted Items

  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and other unprocessed agricultural products require inspection and are often confiscated. Fines for undeclared agricultural items are enforced actively and can be substantial even for small quantities
  • Prescription medications should be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or medical certificate. Quantities should be consistent with personal use for the duration of your stay
  • Traditional Chinese medicines and herbal products face quantity limits and inspection. Declare them. Expect scrutiny.
  • Products from protected wildlife, including items made from endangered species, need CITES permits. Without them, they are prohibited. Do not risk it.
  • Soil, live plants, and seeds generally need phytosanitary certificates and advance permission from Taiwan's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine. Start early.

Health Requirements

Taiwan does not impose extensive health-related entry requirements for most travelers, though a few situations call for specific documentation. Tainan, like the rest of Taiwan, has well-developed healthcare infrastructure. The city's hospitals and clinics are well-equipped by regional standards. You are in good hands.

Required Vaccinations

  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a country where yellow fever is endemic. This is standard international health regulation. It is not specific to Taiwan.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine vaccinations including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and seasonal influenza should be current before any international travel. Check your records. Update if needed.
  • Hepatitis An and hepatitis B vaccinations are commonly recommended for travelers to East and Southeast Asia. Consider them. They are worth the peace of mind.
  • Japanese encephalitis vaccination may be worth discussing with a travel health provider, if you plan to spend time in rural areas around Tainan or elsewhere in southern Taiwan during the warmer months when mosquito activity is higher. Ask your doctor. Assess your risk.

Health Insurance

Taiwan does not require proof of health insurance for entry. But carrying complete travel health insurance is strongly advisable. While Taiwan's healthcare system is well-regarded and generally more affordable than in many Western countries, visitors who are not enrolled in Taiwan's National Health Insurance program will pay standard rates. Emergency treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation costs can accumulate quickly without coverage. Your domestic health insurance likely does not extend to Taiwan. Buy coverage. Do not skip this.

Current Health Requirements: Travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk may need to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. Beyond this, Taiwan does not typically require health documentation upon entry. For the most current health-related entry requirements, check Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control before departure, as policies can change in response to international health developments. If you take prescription medication, carry it in its original packaging with documentation from your physician to avoid any issues at customs. Be prepared. Be thorough.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy or representative office
Locate your country's representative office in Taiwan through your government's foreign affairs or consular services website. Save the address. Save the number.
Taiwan's diplomatic relationships are structured differently from most countries. Many nations maintain unofficial representative offices rather than formal embassies. These offices provide the same core consular services, including emergency assistance, passport replacement, and document notarization. Confirm your nearest office before traveling to Tainan. Do this early.
Taiwan National Immigration Agency
The official authority for all visa, entry, and residency matters in Taiwan
Their website is the definitive source for current visa policies, permitted stays, eligible nationalities, and the official Taiwan Arrival Card portal. Check here before relying on any third-party information about entry requirements. Trust official sources. Avoid guesswork.
Emergency services
Dial 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance services anywhere in Taiwan, including Tainan. Memorize these. They are simple.
Operators may have limited English proficiency. If you are in a non-urgent situation and need language assistance, your accommodation staff or your country's representative office in Taiwan can often help bridge the communication gap. Ask for help. Do not struggle alone.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with children

Children need their own valid passport to enter Taiwan, and each child's Taiwan Arrival Card must be completed separately. If a child is traveling with only one parent, or with someone other than their parents, it is advisable to carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent or legal guardian. While Taiwan does not always enforce this at the border, airlines and immigration officials in your departure country may require it, and having the document avoids potential complications. Some countries also have their own exit requirements for minors traveling without both parents. Prepare the paperwork. Avoid surprises.

Traveling with pets

Importing pets into Taiwan requires considerable advance planning. Dogs and cats generally need a microchip, a current rabies vaccination certificate, a veterinary health certificate, and an import permit from Taiwan's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine. Depending on the rabies status of your country of origin, a quarantine period may apply upon arrival. The paperwork requirements and timelines are specific and strictly enforced, so begin the process months before your travel date. Not all airlines serving Tainan's nearest airports accept pets in the cabin or cargo, so confirm with your carrier early. Start now. Do not delay.

Extended stays

If you plan to stay in Taiwan beyond the period allowed by your visa-free entry or tourist visa, you will generally need to apply for an extension through the National Immigration Agency while in Taiwan, or depart and re-enter. Options for longer-term stays include student visas, work permits, and resident visas, each with their own application process and eligibility criteria. Working in Taiwan without proper authorization carries serious legal consequences. Tainan has a growing community of longer-term foreign residents, and the local immigration office can advise on options that fit your circumstances. Follow the rules. Plan ahead.

Dual nationality considerations

Taiwan recognizes dual nationality under certain conditions, though the rules get complicated fast. Which passport you flash at immigration shapes your entire trip. Taiwanese nationals should enter on their Taiwanese passport. Period. If you have Taiwanese heritage and citizenship status feels murky, call Taiwan's immigration authority before you fly. This determines your permitted length of stay and whether you need a visa at all.

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