This guide will show you all the Taiwan requirements for tourists who want to visit the island. Keep reading to ensure you prepare for your trip.
When I first visited Taiwan more than 6 years ago, I had no idea what to consider before visiting. This guide is to help you understand everything that I didn’t.
Let’s see whether you need anything special.
Key Takeaways
- Folks from some countries don’t need a visa to enter Taiwan.
- You can use international credit cards at malls, some restaurants, and other places.
- There are no vaccine requirements.
- Marijuana is highly illegal in Taiwan.
- There’s no nation-wide dress code.
Important Information for Travelers
| Currency | New Taiwan Dollars (NT$, TWD, $) |
| Can I Use USD? | No |
| Power Outlets | 110V / 60 Hz |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
| Can I Use International Credit Cards? | Yes, in some places |
| How Much Pocket Money to Carry | NT$3,000 |
| Travel Insurance Required? | No; but recommended |
| Can I Drink Tap Water? | Not recommended |
| Do I Need to Tip? | No |
Required Documents When Entering Taiwan
You’ll need the following when entering Taiwan:
- Arrival card.
- Passport that’s valid for at least 6 months.
- Confirmed onward or return air ticket.
- One blank passport page.
What I mean by the passport validity is that it won’t expire for another 6 months.
Regarding the arrival card, Taiwan offers an online version that you can fill out before you leave. I recommend doing this. Then, you won’t need to fill one out, as the card will be in the government’s system.
Which Countries Do Not Need a Visa for Taiwan?
More than 60 countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism and business. The number of days you can stay will depend on where you’re from.
If your country is not on the list below, you will need a tourist/visitor visa.
Refer to the government’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Here’s a flow chart of what the application process will look like:
Visa-Free Entry for 90 Days
People from these countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for 90 days (in 2024):
| United States | Australia |
| United Kingdom | Canada |
| New Zealand | Sweden |
| Andorra | Eswatini |
| Belgium | Finland |
| Bulgaria | France |
| Chile | Germany |
| Croatia | Greece |
| Cyprus | Guatemala |
| Czech Republic | Haiti |
| Denmark | Hungary |
| Estonia | Iceland |
| Israel | Ireland |
| Italy | Netherlands |
| Japan | North Macedonia |
| South Korea | Norway |
| Latvia | Palau |
| Liechtenstein | Paraguay |
| Lithuania | Poland |
| Luxembourg | Portugal |
| Malta | Romania |
| Marshall Island | San Marino |
| Monaco | Slovakia |
| Switzerland | Slovenia |
| Tuvalu | Spain |
| Vatican City |
Visa-Free Entry for 30 Days
Anyone from countries can stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days:
- Singapore
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saint Lucia
- Malaysia
- Belize
- Nauru
- St. Kitts
- Nevis
Visa-Free Entry for 14 Days
And folks from these countries can stay for up to 14 days:
- The Philippines
- Brunei
- Thailand
Required Vaccinations for Entering Taiwan
You do not need any vaccinations before entering Taiwan. You also don’t need a COVID-19 test.
However.
Some governments recommend that most travelers get tetanus shots [1].
They also recommend getting these vaccines for some travelers:
- Tuberculosis
- Rabies
- Japanese encephalitis
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
This information is from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre. The American Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends adding Chikungunya to the list.
What Can You Not Bring into Taiwan?
According to Taiwan’s customs, you cannot bring the following into the country:
| Drugs | Marijuana with over 10 ppm of THC | Any type of gun |
| Ammunition | Edged weapons | Brass knuckles |
| Knockoff goods | Fake currencies or means to create them | Anything according to the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act |
| E-cigarettes | Fruits and vegetables | Any product containing meat |
They also have these limits on physical assets/items:
- Foreign currencies: Equivalent to 10,000 USD
- New Taiwan Dollars: NT$100,000
- Chinese Yuan: CNY 20,000
- Securities: Valued at 10,000 USD
- Gold: Worth 20,000 USD
- Precious stones: Equivalent to NT$500,000
- 200 cigarettes
- 25 cigars
- 1 pound of tobacco
- 1 liter of alcohol
Check the customs website for updated information and specifics on these items.
Taiwan takes bringing meat into the country seriously.
Yet, a woman brought meat into Taiwan a few months ago [2]. Then, the government slapped her with an NT$200,000 fine.
Driving Requirements for Taiwan for Tourists
You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Taiwan. The same goes for renting motorbikes or motorcycles with a 50 cubic capacity (CC) or less.
From my experience, along with that of other foreigners, the reality differs regarding scooter rentals.
Many motorbike rental shops will not accept an IDP to rent any motorbike. They’ll require you to have the corresponding license to ride whatever CC that vehicle has.
That would be information for an expat. Since this guide focuses on tourists, I won’t emphasize it.
What to Pack for Taiwan
Items that I recommend bringing to Taiwan include:
- Sunglasses
- Broad spectrum SPF sunscreen
- Hiking hat (or wide-brimmed hat)
- Bug spray
- Plug adapter (if you don’t have 110V plugs)
- Deodorant
- Medication for food poisoning
Food poisoning is rare in Taiwan. However. If you eat street food, your stomach may not be able to handle it. As many street food vendors aren’t the most sanitary folks.
Bring medication if you’re one of the rare few who gets food poisoning.
You should check out my specific guide on what to pack for Taiwan. It’ll provide more information.
What to Wear When Visiting
There are no dress codes in Taiwan, so shorts, tank tops, etc., are fine. However, if you’re visiting clubs, hotels, and other high-end locations, you should look into their specific dress codes.
Most of the time, Taiwan is hot.
I recommend wearing clothing that’ll keep you cool and block the sun from hitting your skin. Taiwan’s UV index can reach 12 in July and August — an extremely high level.
I typically wear basketball shorts, tank tops, hiking hats, and sunglasses.
I will discuss what I recommend wearing in Taiwan in a separate piece.
Sources
- Taiwan. Travel Health Pro.
- Travelers should not bring meat products into Taiwan. Taipei Times. 2/8/2024.
