What do you need to know about Taiwan visa before entering the country?

Courtesy of our partner; Wandra.io here’s a run down of everything you need to know before entering Taiwan.

There are three main ways for foreigners to enter Taiwan, depending on your citizenship and intended time of stay. 

Your options are:

1. Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC)
   
   This document can be applied for by nationals of certain Asian countries, such as Cambodia, India, Indonesia and Laos among others. 
   It allows you to stay in Taiwan for up to 14 consecutive days, with multiple entries within its validity.
   
   Its main benefit is the application process: it is quick, it can be carried out online and is free of charge. However, it comes with several additional eligibility requirements that you need to research.
   
   

2. eVisa
   
   An eVisa can be applied for by nationals of certain countries, such as Bahrain, Colombia, Ecuador, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia among others.
   
   It allows you to stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days and it is not extendable. Its main benefit is the quick online application process, which usually takes less than a working week. It costs around 50 USD. 
   
   

3. Visitor Visa
   
   Finally, we have the standard visitor visa, which can be applied for by all other citizens. This application requires an in-person visit to a Taiwanese overseas mission.

   
   The processing time is around 2 weeks. It allows you to stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days and can, in certain cases, be extended further. The fee ranges between 50-100 USD.

Taiwan also offers other visa options for long-term stays, but they have longer application times and many more requirements!

A quick mention of honor to the Taiwanese Arrival Card, which is mandatory for all travellers and must be applied for every time you enter Taiwan!

Other than the visa requirements, here are few more details to help you plan your trip to Tawian successfully. Please keep in mind that specific details can vary depending on your country of origin and purpose of travel.

1. Visa Application Process: Visa applications typically require submitting a completed application form, passport-sized photos, a valid passport, and other documents relevant to your visit's purpose (e.g., invitation letters for business visits or enrollment evidence for students).
   
   Some applications can be completed online, while others may require a visit to a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. Visit wandra.io to get support in the application process.
   
   

2. Health and Safety Regulations: Stay updated on health and safety regulations, especially those related to COVID-19, as they can affect entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination, negative test results, or quarantine upon arrival.
   
   Before traveling, always check the official website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan for the most current information.
   
   

3. Duration of Stay: Be clear about the duration of stay allowed under your visa or visa-exempt entry to avoid overstaying, which can lead to fines or other penalties.
   
   

4. Gold Card Visa: For professionals interested in longer-term opportunities in Taiwan, the Gold Card Visa offers an appealing option with its flexibility and benefits. Research the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify. Check out this post about Taiwan Employment Gold Card by our friends at AWW.
   
   

5. Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, including any restrictions or cultural practices that could affect your stay.
   
   

6. Proof of Onward Travel: Depending on your entry category, you may be required to show proof of onward or return travel upon arrival. It’s always good to have your return ticket booked as a show of proof at the airport.
   
   

7. Insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel and health insurance for your visit. Taiwan has excellent healthcare, but having insurance is crucial, especially in light of potential health emergencies. You can consider SafetyWing Nomad Insurance if you are looking for a flexible and safer option.

If you are looking for more information on Taiwan's entry requirements, or if you would like to apply for a free Arrival Card, you can visit wandra.io, they are here to help you go anywhere, and thrive everywhere!