government travel advice taiwan

The website uses Cookies and other relevant technologies to optimize services. To provide you with a better experience, if you continue to use our site, you are consenting with our use of Cookies. The website can also find scenic spots for users. To activate and utilize this AI-based service, please allow the site to acquire your location first.

Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)-Taiwan Tourism Administration's Taiwan Tourism Information Website

• Copyright Notice
• Tourism Administration
• Bahasa Melayu
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Travel Guide

Arrival & Departure

• Decrease font size
• Increase font size

Restrictions on Entering Taiwan:  National Immigration Agency - Restrictions on Entering Taiwan (Chinese)

For the latest Taiwan entry/exit and quarantine information, please refer to the website of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare:  Taiwan Center for Disease Control - Border Quarantine

Updated COVID-19 Response Actions

From August 15, 2023:

• If you have suspected symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive quick test, please follow the "0+n self-health management" approach. Under this system, no quarantine is required, but such individuals should avoid any unnecessary departures from their residence/hotel room and they should wear a mask at all times when they go out. These procedures should be followed until a negative quick test is received, or 5 days after the most recent positive test.
• Individuals with severe risk factors should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Foreign travelers may obtain tourist visas if they hold foreign passports or travel documents valid for more than six months in the Republic of China for purposes of sightseeing, business, family visits, study or training, medical treatments, or other legitimate activities. Visa requirements included one completed application form, incoming and outgoing travel tickets, one photo, documents verifying the purpose of the visits, and other relevant documents. The Visitor Visa Application Form can be downloaded from the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The completed form should be submitted to an Embassies and Mission Abroad of the Republic of China for visa issuances.

For any further information, please visit the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . For any further questions about visa application, please contact: e-mail: [email protected] , TEL: +886-2-2343-2888.

• Countries eligible for Visa-Exempt Entry
• Countries eligible for Landing Visas
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• ROC Embassies and Missions Abroad
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Custom hints for Passenger please check Directorate General of Customs' website at  Taipei Customs Office . 

Traveler Luggage Clearance

Foreign Currencies: value over US$10,000 should be declared. New Taiwan Currency: under NT$100,000. A traveler should apply for the permission to the Central Bank for amounts over such value. There is no restriction on the amount of gold that a traveler can bring out of Taiwan; however, a traveler should declare to the customs office. When carrying out gold valued over US$20,000 out of Taiwan, a traveler should apply for an export permit to the Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA (Tel : +886-2-2351-0271 ext. 352) and apply for customs clearance to the customs office.

NB: A traveler should register at the customs office counter when bringing out of Taiwan gold, foreign currencies or new taiwan currency in excess of the said amount. (Tel: +886-3-398-2308, +886-3-398-3222)

Inbound Travelers' Luggage Inspection Flow

Last update time：

"Your browser does not support JavaScript. If the webpage function is not working properly, please enable the browser JavaScript status."

• Acts and Regulations
• Publications
• Important Diseases
• Travelers’ Health
• Travel Health Notices
• Foreigners’ Health
• Infection Control and Biosafety
• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Control
• Research & Development
• End TB Special Project
• Preparedness and Response
• Field Epidemiology Training Program
• Research Reports
• Internship(training) Programs Guidelines
• Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System
• Statistics of HIV/AIDS
• Disease Surveillance Express
• Influenza Express
• National Notifiable Disease Surveillance Report
• Weekly Report of Enterovirus Infection
• School-based Surveillance Report
• Taiwan Healthcare-associated infection and Antimicrobial resistance Surveillance System
• Taiwan CDC Open Data Portal
• Taiwan IHR National Focal Point Contact Information
• International Cooperation
• International Conference
• APEC Related Events
• Foreign Visitors
• Relative Resources
• School Visits
• Press Releases

CECC lowers COVID-19 travel notice for all countries/regions to Level 2: Alert, effective October 13, 2022; travelers should practice enhanced precautions

• Back ( alt + ← Back)

Diseases & Conditions

Programs & campaigns, data & statistics.

• Current Topics

• Taiwan News
• Bilingual Pages

• All Front Page Taiwan News Business Editorials Sports World News Features Bilingual Pages

Fri, Sep 30, 2022 page2

What visitors should know about updated entry rules, taiwan from thursday is to reinstate visa exemptions for passport holders from 65 countries. mandatory quarantine for arriving travelers is to be lifted on oct. 13 , when restrictions on inbound and outbound tour groups are also to be lifted. the following is a list of answers to common questions regarding how the new regulations are to affect inbound international visitors.

• Staff writer, with CNA

Which passports will have visa-free entry privileges?

Eleven more countries on Thursday are to join 54 countries that were given visa-free privileges on Sept. 12. Passport holders from Japan, South Korea, Chile, Israel and Nicaragua can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa.

Taiwan is also to resume 30-day visa-free stays for citizens of the Dominican Republic, Singapore and Malaysia.

People wait in the arrivals hall of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport yesterday.

Passport holders from Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines are to be allowed to stay in Taiwan for 14 days visa-free.

Taiwan on Sept. 12 resumed 90-day visa-free entry for passport holders from the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Monaco, North Macedonia, Romania, San Marino and nine of Taiwan’s 14 diplomatic allies: Tuvalu, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Paraguay and the Holy See.

Thirty-day visa-free visits are allowed for citizens of five other diplomatic allies: Belize, Nauru, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

How long should a passport be valid for?

With the exception of passport holders from the US and Japan, people from visa-exempt countries must have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry. Passports of citizens from the US and Japan only need to be valid for the duration of the planned stay.

Are there any specific groups of people from visa-free countries that are not be eligible for visa-free entry?

People born in China with Honduran passports must still apply for a visa before entering Taiwan.

Additionally, those who hold passports from Belize, Eswatini, Nauru, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Tuvalu, but whose place of birth was China, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria or Yemen, must also apply for a visa.

One country that was previously part of Taiwan’s visa-waiver entry program that was not included in the updated list is Russia.

Russian nationals could previously visit Taiwan for 21 days visa-free, but that program expired on July 31.

The new “3+4” quarantine policy is to be in place from Thursday until Oct. 12. What does it entail?

Arrivals are no longer to be subjected to a saliva-based polymerase chain reaction test, but will be issued four rapid tests. The first test should be taken on the day of arrival, or the first day of quarantine, with the result to be reported to a case worker via telephone, the Central Epidemic Command Center said.

The second test is to be taken on the third and last day of quarantine, while the third test is to be taken during a self-monitoring period.

The last rapid test should be taken if COVID-19 symptoms appear during quarantine or the monitoring period.

What are the rules for the four-day self-monitoring period?

Travelers during this period are to advised remain at home as much as possible. Work, buying necessities and eating out should be limited at each person’s discretion.

Travelers in the self-monitoring period must show a negative result from a rapid test taken within two days of leaving quarantine before going outside. They must also wear masks at all times when they go out, but they can remove their mask when dining out as long as social distancing measures are observed and dividers separate the individual from others.

These travelers can use public transportation during the four days.

However, if a positive rapid test result is shown and medical attention is necessary, transportation to a hospital must be via a designated COVID-19 taxi or a private vehicle.

Do visitors need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to entry?

Tour group participants require three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Others can enter without being fully vaccinated, according to the British government’s foreign travel advice. Travelers should verify requirements with their local Taiwan representaive office before departure.

Will the “3+4” policy be applied in the same way to all arriving passengers?

No. There are separate rules for migrant workers and foreign students.

The policy is to be similar to the “7+0” policy for migrant workers. Arriving migrant workers must stay in a quarantine hotel or dormitory, with only one person per room, and are not to be allowed to go out for a seven-day period, except for an emergency situation such as seeking medical attention, the Workforce Development Agency said.

For foreign students, schools are to arrange a three-day quarantine, either at a designated hotel or dormitory. A four-day self-monitoring period is to follow, although classes cannot be attended.

What is the “0+7” policy set to be introduced on Oct. 13?

On this day, Taiwan is to end the three-day quarantine for arriving travelers, to be replaced by a seven-day self-monitoring period. Public transportation can be used if no symptoms of illness are present.

Will the “0+7” policy also apply to arriving migrant workers and foreign students?

A decision has not been made. The Workforce Development Agency said it is studying the issue, while the Ministry of Education has not made an announcement.

What is the difference between the current self-monitoring protocols and the new scheme?

There are no noteable differences. Travelers should reside in private rooms with separated bathrooms from housemates. Going outside is permitted if wearing a mask and testing negative for COVID-19 prior to leaving the premises.

Most Popular

Chinese boat seized after colliding with coast guard, tropical storm to move closest from wednesday, three charged over sales of fake watches, vp lai warns of chinese attempts to ‘annex’ taiwan, us oversaw pac-3 missile drill: source.

You might also like

The coast guard on Friday took a Chinese fishing boat and the 17 people on board into custody, after it rammed into a patrol boat while attempting to flee. A 100-tonne coast guard vessel at about 8am discovered a Chinese fishing boat illegally operating in waters about 11 nautical miles (20.4km) northwest of Hsinchu, the Hsinchu offshore flotilla of the Coast Guard Administration said. The crew refused to allow law enforcement to board the ship and attempted to flee, it added. The coast guard vessel and another ship chased the fishing boat for about a half hour, during which time the Chinese boat

Vice President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday said that Beijing was trying to “annex” Taiwan, while China said its recent series of drills near Taiwan are aimed at combating the “arrogance” of separatist forces. The Ministry of National Defense earlier this month said that it had observed dozens of Chinese fighters, drones, bombers and other aircraft, as well as warships and the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, operating nearby. The increased frequency of China’s military activities has raised the risk of events “getting out of hand” and sparking an accidental clash, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said last week. Asked about the spurt

By Bernard Orr and Roger Tung

Japan’s plans have Taiwan focus

RUNWAY UPGRADES: Airports and ports mainly scattered around southwestern Japan are being given major overhauls, primarily serving as civilian-use facilities Japan has chosen 33 airports and ports as candidates for improvement to enhance military capabilities, with a particular focus on infrastructure that could be utilized in a Taiwan emergency, according to a recent report in Japan’s Nikkei Shimbun. Citing the Japanese government’s fiscal budget proposal for next year, the newspaper said Toyko is to name some facilities as essential bases and receive funding for upgrades in line with the revamped national security strategy published last year. According to an unofficial policy document drafted last month and reviewed by the Nikkei, the Japanese government designated 14 airports and 19 ports for improvement, including

By Lin Tsuei-yi and Jonathan Chin

Chinese student likely behind bomb threats

A series of bomb threats against the Presidential Office were likely sent by the same Chinese student who has since 2021 made hundreds of similar threats against transportation hubs and public offices in Taiwan, investigators said yesterday. Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said he had asked investigators to act on the case immediately, as “any threat to endanger our society will not be tolerated.” “We are calling for an investigation to identify and track down the perpetrator, to safeguard our national security, and protect our citizens and way of life,” he said. The e-mailed threats said that explosives had been placed at airports, railway

By Chien Li-chung, Chen Chia-yi and Jason Pan

• Measures of COVID-19

Travel Notice Alerts raised to level 3 (Warning) for all countries.

• Back ( alt + ← Back)

COVID-19 became a pandemic. Affected regions included Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. New cases continued to increase rapidly. To alert Taiwanese travelers about the potential risk, Taiwan issued Level 3 travel alerts for (besides Asia, Europe, North Africa, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, which were already declared Level 3 travel alerts (Warning)), the entire world starting midnight 21 March. Taiwanese should avoid all non-essential international travel. Those who return from abroad must undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

• Created： 2020-03-21
• Last Updated： 2020-06-05
• Count Views：

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Learn about your destination

Take 90 seconds for safer travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

Enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

We advise: 

Exercise normal safety precautions in Taiwan.

Taiwan (PDF 184.99 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

English language emergency line.

Call 0800 024 111.

Medical emergencies

Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precautions  in Taiwan.

• A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Taiwan on 3 April. There's damage to buildings and infrastructure, with disruptions to local transport. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities. 
• Crime rates are low, including for petty crime. Taxi drivers have sometimes assaulted passengers. However, taxis are usually safe. Use radio taxis or arrange taxis online or through your hotel.
• Extortion scams occur. These include minor car accidents and claims of sexual assault at nightclubs. Report suspicious behaviour.
• Protests happen sometimes. They're usually peaceful but can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.
• The typhoon season is from May to November. Flooding and mudslides are common. Businesses and government offices close on 'typhoon days'. Follow local advice to prepare for a disaster. Updates on typhoons and other severe weather are available from the  Taiwan Central Weather Administration .
• Earthquakes happen often and may disrupt  train services.  Confirm travel arrangements before travelling. Get advice on being in an earthquake-prone region. Tsunamis also happen. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground straight away. Don't wait for official alerts.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Some prescription medications are illegal in Taiwan. Authorities may jail or fine you if you have them. Before you travel, check  Taiwan Customs  for limits and documents you'll need.
• Insect-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika and Japanese encephalitis occur. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Get vaccinated if vaccines are available. If you’re pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you travel.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases, such as hand, foot and mouth disease, are common. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid ice cubes. Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• The standard of public hospitals in major cities is good. Wait times are often long. Some hospitals have English-speaking private clinics, but these can be expensive. You may have to pay up-front, even for emergency care. Ensure your travel insurance covers all medical costs.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs, including illegal prescription medication. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty, life in prison, long jail terms and heavy fines.
• Taiwan recognises dual nationality. Taiwanese males older than 18 years must do military service. Some exemptions are available to overseas residents. If you're not exempt, you may have to serve when you arrive. Check Taiwan's  Department of Conscription Administration  for details. Consular services may be limited for dual nationals who do not enter Taiwan on their Australian passport.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Taiwan has a visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of designated countries, including Australia. Refer to  Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs  website for requirements and restrictions. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest Taiwan representative office for the latest details.
• If you intend to engage in certain activities in Taiwan, for example, religious work, you'll need to obtain an approval/entry permit or visa. Contact your nearest  Taiwan representative office  for entry applications. See  T aiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs  for further information. 
• You'll be screened for high body temperature when you arrive in Taiwan. This is to guard against pandemics such as  COVID-19 ,  SARS  and bird flu ( avian influenza ). Depending on your results, you may need more medical tests.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Office in Taipei .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Office's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Demonstrations happen sometimes but are usually peaceful.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media for planned or possible action
• avoid rallies and protests
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Crime rates are low, including for petty crime.

Taxi drivers have assaulted some passengers. However, taxis are usually safe.

Some Australians have become victims of extortion  scams . Examples include minor car accidents and claims of sexual assault at nightclubs.

To keep yourself safe:

• take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places
• report suspicious behaviour
• use radio taxis, or taxis booked on the internet or through your hotel

Card skimming occurs. Keep an eye on your card when making purchases.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

• Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

Taiwan experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• earthquakes

Typhoons happen in the wet or typhoon season from May to November. Flooding and mudslides are common.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning. In some areas, shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to everyone.

If a typhoon is approaching, be aware that:

• flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• access to ports could be affected

If a typhoon is approaching, local authorities may declare a 'typhoon day' at very short notice. This means businesses may only open for a short time and government offices may close. 

The  Australian Office in Taipei  may close on typhoon days. See  Local contacts .

Authorities announce a 'typhoon day' on local radio and television stations. This includes  International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) , which broadcasts in English.

Updates on typhoons and other severe weather are available from the  Taiwan Central Weather Administration . You can also keep up to date by checking:

• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• Joint Typhoon Warning Centre
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

To prepare yourself in case of a typhoon:

• know your hotel's or cruise ship's evacuation plans
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities on preparing for a natural disaster

If there's a typhoon or other natural disaster approaching:

• tune your radio to FM100.7 for English-language updates
• monitor the media, other local information sources and the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• stay in touch with friends and family
• contact your airline for the latest flight information
• contact a tour operator to check if services at your planned destinations have been affected

Earthquakes and tsunamis

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Taiwan on 3 April. There's damage to buildings and infrastructure, with disruptions to local transport. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Earthquakes often occur and may disrupt  train services.  Confirm travel arrangements before travelling. Get advice on travelling to and living in an earthquake-prone region.

Tsunamis are a risk because of frequent earthquakes in the region.

For more information check out:

• Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration’s  Seismological Center
• Taiwan's Emergency Management Information Center  全民防災e點通 (emic.gov.tw)  APP for the latest information.
• the  US Tsunami Warning Center  for information on earthquakes and tsunamis. 

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some prescription medications are illegal in Taiwan. Authorities may jail or fine you for carrying these medications.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Taiwan. Take enough legal medicine with you for your trip.

Taiwan Customs  gives advice on limits and documents you'll need.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Dengue  occurs, especially in the tropical southern and central regions.

Cases of  Zika virus  were reported in 2016. There's no vaccine available against dengue or Zika virus.

You could also encounter  Japanese encephalitis  in Taiwan.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.

If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about possible Zika virus risks.

Other health risks

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)  is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur. Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, they can continue until October each year.

HFMD mostly affects children aged under 10 years. However, adult cases occur, especially in young adults.

HFMD spreads through contact with discharges of infected people.

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• practice good hygiene, including careful and frequent handwashing
• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

If you test positive for COVID-19 you're still advised to follow the Self-Health Management protocols. See  Epidemic Prevention Measures  for details.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities in public hospitals in major cities is good. However, there are often long waiting times.

The medical system can be confusing. Some hospitals have English-speaking private clinics.

Treatment at private clinics and priority care centres is expensive. You may have to pay up-front for medical and dental services, including for emergency care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include life imprisonment and the death penalty.

Carrying certain prescription drugs can result in heavy fines and long jail sentences. See  Health .

• Carrying or using drugs

If you're involved in a legal dispute, you won't be allowed to leave Taiwan until the dispute is settled. This includes minor offences.

You may be detained on arrival if you have an outstanding arrest warrant in Taiwan.

Legal processes can be long. Local authorities won't accept bonds or deposits to guarantee court appearances.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Taiwan recognises dual nationality. Taiwanese males aged over 18 must do military service. Some exemptions are available to overseas residents, but you should check this before travelling. If you're not exempt, you may have to serve when you arrive.

If you're a Taiwanese-Australian dual national and you're male, check before you travel.

• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
• National Conscription Agency  
• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Taiwan has restored the visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of designated countries, including Australia. Please see  T aiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs  website for the visa-exempt entry requirements and restrictions.

You won't need a visa for Taiwan if you meet all these conditions:

• you'll only stay for up to 90 days
• you're visiting for tourism or business
• you have a confirmed return or onward air ticket
• your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry
• you're not travelling on an emergency passport

In other situations, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Australians can use Taiwan's e-Gate service. To register for e-Gate, visit the e-Gate Enrolment Counters at the airport, located next to the e-Gate lanes at passport control. The registration is valid until 6 months before your passport's expiry date, until you renew your passport, or until you obtain an Alien Resident Card (ARC) in Taiwan. You'll need then to register each trip online to use the gates. More information is available at the  e-Gate Enrolment System website.

Working holiday-makers (WHM) must apply for the WHM visa before arriving. WHM visas are also valid as a work permit.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the  Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO)  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

• National Immigration Agency

Border measures

International transits are permitted at Taiwan's airports. Refer to  Taoyuan International Airport  or contact your airline or travel agent for more information on transiting Taiwan.

You'll be screened for high body temperature when you arrive. This is to guard against pandemics such as COVID-19 , SARS  and bird flu ( avian influenza ). Depending on your results, you may need more medical tests.

Other formalities

If you plan to take prescription or non-prescription medicines with you, check the  Taiwan Customs  website before you travel. See  Health .

If you're planning to work, you need to get a work permit before you start paid or unpaid work. Work permits are usually arranged in Taiwan through your employer.

If you work without a work permit or WHM visa, authorities could fine or deport you.

• Taiwan Workforce Development Agency
• Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).

Declare amounts over USD10,000 or equivalent. 

ATMs are widely available in cities and provincial centres.

International credit cards are usually accepted in hotels, restaurants and higher-end shops, especially in cities and larger towns.

Local travel

Local restrictions.

You're no longer required to wear a mask outdoors. However, you must wear a face mask in some public venues, including:

• healthcare facilities

Driving permit

If you plan to drive in Taiwan, you must get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive.

You can drive for up to 30 days with an IDP and a current Australian licence.

If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension at the nearest motor vehicle office in Taiwan.

Check Taiwan’s  Highway Bureau  for information on how to apply for a Taiwanese Driver's Licence.

Road travel

Roads and vehicles are well-maintained but scooters and motorcycles often weave in and out of traffic, and vehicles might not stop at pedestrian crossings. Look before stepping onto the road.

Heavy rain and typhoons can lead to landslides and road blockages.

Mountain roads are usually winding and narrow. Travellers have been injured in bus accidents on these roads.

To stay safe:

• don't expect traffic to stop at pedestrian crossings — look before stepping onto the road
• assess weather and road conditions before you drive, especially during typhoon season
• take particular care when driving on mountain roads
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence, either Taiwanese or international, to hire a motorbike.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis are usually safe. However, there have been instances of drivers assaulting passengers.

To minimise risk, use:

• radio taxis
• taxis booked on the internet
• taxis booked through your hotel

Mountain Hiking

Permits may be required for entering mountains in Taiwan. Ensure the phone location mode (GPS) on the mobile device is turned on. If you get lost in the mountains, dial 119 and follow the instructions to send your location. Alternatively, you can report the location number shown on a blue plate of the nearest electricity pole.

Public transport

Taiwan has well-developed rail and bus services.

Petty crime happens, so take care of your belongings.

• Transport and getting around safely

Some cruise lines stopover in Taiwan.

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Taiwan's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Medical emergencies (including mountain rescues)

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer may have a 24-hour emergency number.

Information for Foreigners

Consular contacts.

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Office in Taipei.

The Australian Office, Taipei

27th and 28th Floor, President International Tower  9-11 Song Gao Road  Taipei, 110  Phone: (+886 2) 8725 4100  Fax: (+886 2) 8789 9599  Website:  australia.org.tw Email:  [email protected]  Facebook:  facebook.com/australianofficetaipei X:  twitter.com/AusOfficeTPE

Check the Australian Office in Taipei website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Australian Office, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Taiwan?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Taiwan Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Taiwan.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Taiwan.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Taiwan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Taiwan is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Taiwan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Taiwan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Taiwan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Taiwan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Taiwan may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Taiwan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Taiwan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Taiwan travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 23, 2024 07:11 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, taiwan - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Taiwan

Back to top

The crime rate is low in Taiwan.

Violent crime is rare.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Telephone or email scams

Foreigners have received calls or emails from scammers claiming to be local authorities or financial institutions. The scammer may try to collect personal information or request a fund transfer to resolve alleged administrative or customs issues.

• Don’t send money to unknown individuals
• Don’t share personal information over the phone or via email

Overseas fraud

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout Taiwan.

Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season. Some roads can become impassable due to heavy rain and landslides.

Motorcycle and scooter drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They are extremely reckless.

• Avoid driving or riding motorcycles in Taiwan, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist
• Be particularly careful when walking or biking
• Always use elevated walkways or pedestrian bridges whenever possible

Latest news - Directorate General of Highways

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Taiwan. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Taiwan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Student visa: required Working visa: required

As a Canadian, you don’t require a tourist or business visa for stays up to 90 days. Once in Taiwan, you may extend your stay for an additional 90 days. You must place your request with the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs.

If you plan to stay in Taiwan for more than 180 days, you must obtain a visa before arrival.

Information on visas - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Health entry requirements

You may be subject to a non-invasive temperature screening upon arrival at international ports and airports.

If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, lethargy and sore throat, you may be sent to the hospital for further checks and treatment.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is very good. Service is available throughout Taiwan.

Medical staff may speak English at some clinics or hospitals. Up-front payment is often required before treatment.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Foreigners involved in legal proceedings are forbidden from leaving Taiwan until the dispute is settled.

Procedures can be lengthy and local authorities don’t accept bonds or deposits to guarantee court appearances.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, legally available in Canada, are classified as controlled substances in Taiwan. It’s illegal to bring them into the country, even in small quantities, without prior permission.

If you attempt to bring banned medications into Taiwan without prior approval and required documentation, authorities may confiscate them. You may also be subject to heavy fines and jail sentences.

Consult local authorities to determine if you must obtain a permission to import required medication.

• Customs regulations  - Customs administration of Taiwan
• Procedures to import controlled drugs  - Taiwan food and drug administration
• Categories of controlled drugs - Laws and regulations database of Taiwan

Restricted goods

There are strict regulations regarding the importation of:

• animal products

Consult the list of restricted goods before travelling.

Customs regulations - Customs administration of Taiwan

Public defamation laws are similar to those in Canada. However, they are strictly enforced. Be mindful of what you say and write publicly, especially on the internet.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Taiwan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Taiwan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service

You may be subject to mandatory military service if:

• you are a man between 18 and 36 born in Taiwan
• you hold or ever held a Taiwanese passport

This requirement may apply even if you enter Taiwan on your Canadian passport.

Confirm these regulations with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada before travelling

• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Taiwan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Taiwan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Taiwan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre
• Teaching English in Taiwan

English teachers are often recruited from abroad.

To work legally in Taiwan, you must have a work permit that specifically states you are permitted to accept employment.

Before accepting an offer:

• check the credibility of the prospective employer with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Canada
• ensure all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the written contract

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD).

Upon entering or leaving Taiwan, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with more than USD 10 000, 100 000 TWD or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets.

Earthquake in Hualien County

On April 2, 2024, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coastline near Hualien City, resulting in many casualties.

There is significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, including major roads, across Hualien County. You should check road conditions before travelling.

Powerful aftershocks caused landslides. Aftershocks continue to occur.

You can contact local emergency services at 119.

If you are in an affected area:

• exercise caution
• monitor local media for updates on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Typhoons and monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to June. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Typhoons usually occur between May and November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Taiwan during this period:

• know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Weather forecasts and alerts - Central weather Bureau of Taiwan

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Taiwan is in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis may occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. The risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

• Earthquakes latest reports - Seismological Centre of Taiwan
• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 119
• firefighters: 119

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Trade Office of Canada in Taiwan, in Taipei, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Tourists flock to Taiwan as COVID entry restrictions eased

First group of foreign travelers hold souvenirs after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

First group of foreign travelers arrive at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

First group of foreign travelers pose for photos after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

First group of foreign travelers applause after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

A tour guide commentary speaks to the first group of foreign travelers after their arrival at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

First group of foreign travelers take photos after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

A foreign traveler poses for photos after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

First group of foreign travelers pose for photos at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Taiwan announced that it will end mandatory COVID-19 quarantines for people arriving from overseas beginning Oct. 13. The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the previous weeklong requirement will be replaced with a seven-day self-monitoring period. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

• Copy Link copied

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan lifted all its COVID-19 entry restrictions on Thursday, allowing tourists unfettered access to the self-ruled island after over 2 1/2 years of border controls.

Hong Kong and Taiwan, together with mainland China, required most visitors to complete a mandatory quarantine period throughout the pandemic, even as most countries reopened their borders to tourists.

Visitors are no longer required to quarantine upon entry, or take any PCR tests. Instead, they will need to monitor their health for a week after arriving, and obtain a negative result on a rapid antigen test the day they arrive. If people want to go out during the weeklong monitoring period, they need a negative test from either that day or the day before.

There are also no longer any restrictions on certain nationalities being allowed to enter Taiwan.

Dozens of visitors from Thailand were among the first to arrive under the new rules at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport, which serves the capital Taipei, on a Tiger Air flight that landed shortly after midnight.

Tourists like 32-year-old Mac Chientachakul and his parents were excited to visit the island.

“Hot pot is my favorite dish in Taiwan,” Chientachakul said. “It’s my first thing to do ... I miss it so much.”

Sonia Chang, a travel agent, said the changes are good for both the the tourism industry and Taiwanese residents, who can now travel abroad without having to quarantine when they get home.

Valaisurang Bhaedhayajibh, a 53-year-old business development director of a design firm, called the new rules convenient.

“We don’t have to do the test before coming here, and also after arriving,” he said. “We are still required to do the self-test every two days, and everything has been provided” by Taiwanese authorities, including the rapid testing kits.

At a welcome ceremony in the Taoyuan airport’s arrival hall, the travelers from Thailand were met by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s director, Chang Shi-chung, who handed out gifts.

Taiwan’s tourism bureau estimated that a total of 244 tourists from some 20 tour groups will arrive Thursday.

With both Hong Kong and Taiwan getting rid of restrictions and welcoming back tourists, mainland China remains one of the few places in the world adamant in keeping borders closed and sticking to a “zero-COVID” strategy to stamp out the virus. Hong Kong ended its mandatory quarantine policy for inbound travelers late last month, requiring just a three-day self-monitoring period.

Associated Press writer Zen Soo contributed from Singapore.

• Travel Tips Taiwan for planning and on the go

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• travel-advice
• Travel guide
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

More travel information for Taiwan

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Taiwan

• Eating and drinking in Taiwan
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Taiwan
• Culture and Etiquette in Taiwan
• How to get to Taiwan
• Getting around Taiwan: Transportation Tips
• Best time to visit Taiwan

Taiwan is one of Asia’s most developed countries, and, as such, is a more expensive place to travel than say Thailand or Vietnam. Still, you’ll find it considerably cheaper than Hong Kong, Japan or South Korea, and there are plenty of ways for inventive travellers to keep their costs to a manageable level.

Crime and personal safety

Electricity, entry requirements, gay and lesbian travellers, living in taiwan, studying chinese, tourist information, travellers with disabilities, women travellers, tailor-made travel itineraries for taiwan, created by local experts.

11 days  / from 1950 USD

Nature's adventure in Taiwan

Taiwan was formerly known as Ilha Formosa - "beautiful island" and it's easy to see why: lush rivers, tropical forest, and imposing sea cliffs, this itinerary focuses on Taiwan's nature. Start in cosmopolitan Taipei before heading to Taroko National Park, coastal Hualien and finally Sun Moon Lake.

11 days  / from 2541 USD

Treasures of Taiwan

Explore Taiwan's diverse culture and fascinating landscapes in this itinerary covering the whole island. Starting in Taipei you will move on to Sun Moon Lake before heading to Alishan. Discover monasteries and national parks on the Southwest coast before heading back to Taipei.

5 days  / from 1100 USD

The Essentials of Taiwan

Looking for a compact Taiwan itinerary? Look no further. In just under a week, this itinerary allows you to explore Taipei and nearby national parks. Expect waterfalls, panoramic walking trails and thermal springs, all while enjoying the amazing food scene, a blend of Chinese & Japanese cuisines.

While staying in Taipei can be challenging for backpackers on a tight budget, once you get outside the capital you’ll find that prices typically run the gamut of budgets, from backpacker to mid-range to luxury traveller. Accommodation ranges from as little as NT$400 (US$12/£8/€10) for a hostel dorm bed to NT$8000 (US$250/£163/€190) for a double in a business hotel, while food can cost as little as NT$30 (US$0.90/£0.60/€0.70) for basic street food such as noodles to easily more than NT$1000 (US$30/£20/€24) for a meal in a semi-posh sit-down restaurant. By staying in basic doubles and keeping mostly to ordinary, working-class Chinese places to eat, most budget-conscious travellers should be able to keep their costs to around NT$1500 (US$45/£30/€36) per day, perhaps a bit more when undertaking long train, bus or boat journeys.

Admission prices to most museums and tourist sights are usually quite reasonable; government-run venues are typically very cheap, while the cost of privately operated attractions varies wildly. Though discounts for museums and public performances are usually given to senior citizens and students, most travellers are unlikely to fit in the second category as foreign student cards are generally not recognized. However, foreigners who are genuinely in Taiwan to study Mandarin on a full-time basis can qualify for student cards that will be honoured throughout the country.

For the vast majority of foreign travellers and residents, Taiwan is an exceptionally safe place, and foreigners are seldom witnesses to – much less victims of – crime. By far the biggest threat to personal safety in Taiwan is traffic accidents, especially those involving scooters and motorcycles, and foreigners should employ extreme caution while out on the roads.

All drugs including marijuana are strictly illegal, and simple possession can lead to jail time and almost certain expulsion from the country. Police raids on clubs are common, especially in Taipei and Taichung, and in a few cases the police have taken all revellers to the station for urine tests.

Police departments in most big cities have foreign affairs sections that are normally staffed with English-speaking officers.

You’re allowed to import into Taiwan up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, and a one-litre bottle of liquor. Adults can bring in goods valued up to NT$20,000, and the duty-free allowance is up to NT$6000. It’s prohibited to import gambling articles, fruits, live animals, non-canned meat products and toy pistols, and drug trafficking can be punishable by death.

Taiwan’s electric current is 110V AC, the same as the US and Canada, and the wall sockets are made for standard American two-pin flat plugs. Unless they’re dual voltage (most cellphones, cameras, MP3 players and laptops are), all Australian, British, European, Irish, New Zealand and South African appliances (as well as those from Hong Kong and mainland China) will need a voltage transformer as well as a plug adapter (hair-dryers are the most common problem for travellers).

Nationals of the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not require a visa for stays of up to thirty days. This visa-free period is for travel only – working is not permitted – and it cannot be extended under any circumstances. Citizens of these countries must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, a return or onward air ticket and no criminal record. For longer stays and other nationalities you can check information on various visa requirements at the Taiwanese legation in your home country, or on the BoCA website : w www.boca.gov.tw . The site also outlines the procedures for changes of visa status, such as from student to resident.

Embassies and consulates

Due to the pressures of the “ One China Policy ” only 23 states have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan under its official name Republic of China. These states have proper embassies in Taipei, and likewise Taiwan has full missions in their capitals under the ROC name. Most other countries are represented in Taipei by a “trade and cultural” or “commerce and industry” office. Despite such names, however, these offices provide the same services as all other embassies and consulates.

Similarly, Taiwan is represented in most countries by consular , information and trade offices , but adding to the confusion is the fact that most don’t have “Taiwan” or “Republic of China” in their names; caving in to pressure from the PRC, most countries insist that something such as “Taipei” is used instead.

Despite the traditional underpinnings of Taiwanese society, homosexuality is no longer considered taboo and the general public view of gays and lesbians is far more progressive than that of most of its Asian neighbours. Though pockets of prejudice remain, public acceptance of homosexuality has grown markedly since the lifting of martial law in 1987, and there are now thriving gay communities in big cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung. The country’s legal stance towards homosexuals is widely considered the most advanced in Asia, with gays and lesbians enjoying most of the same freedoms as heterosexuals: there is no law against sodomy, and homosexual behaviour between consenting adults over the age of 16 in private is legal. In 2003, the government proposed legislation that would legalize same-sex marriages and allow homosexual couples to adopt children (it’s since been stalled thanks to opposition in the legislature).

Much of this public enlightenment has been the result of a concerted drive by Taiwan’s homosexual community, which boasts more than thirty gay and lesbian organizations. The country’s first gay pride festival was held in 1997 at the 2-28 Peace Park, a popular night-time cruising spot for gay men, and what was hailed as the first gay rights parade in the Chinese-speaking world was held in Taipei in 2003. Around 25,000 people attended the Taiwan Pride parade in 2009, making it the largest LGBT event in Asia. It usually takes place in Taipei at the end of October ( w www.twpride.info ).

Indeed, Taipei has become a magnet for overseas gay tourists, elevating the city’s status from the gay capital of Taiwan to a top gay destination for all of Asia. While the capital undoubtedly has the most sophisticated gay scene , with numerous bars, clubs and saunas specifically catering to gays and lesbians, such venues are springing up in other major cities and same-sex couples are commonly seen in mainstream social establishments as well. Given this openness, gay and lesbian travellers should easily find places to hang out: some of the best-known venues in Taipei have information on gay clubs in other cities and often can provide you with their business cards. For current information on gay life in Taiwan check out w www.utopia-asia.com/tipstaiw.htm or w www.outintaiwan.com.

As one of Asia’s most highly developed destinations, Taiwan on the whole doesn’t present many significant health risks for foreign travellers and residents – most visitors will find that using the same precautions they exercise in their home countries will be more than enough to keep them healthy during their stays and the worst you’ll face is stomach upsets, dehydration and heat stroke. Medical facilities in the big cities are of a high standard, although English-language abilities vary so if you don’t speak Chinese you may need the help of someone who does.

There are pharmacies in all Taiwanese towns, and most of them are of a high standard and offer a similar range of products to those in Western countries. Near the prescription windows there are sometimes counters offering treatment advice for a variety of ailments, but usually little if any English is spoken at these. In emergencies, you may wind up having to play a slightly embarrassing game of charades, acting out your ailment and pointing to the affected area – in such cases, the Taiwanese are invariably earnest and will try to help you without showing the faintest trace of amusement. Most pharmacies have a wide range of antibiotics.

There are public health clinics in most towns, and they generally are of a reasonable standard and can offer diagnoses and provide medication for most non-emergency conditions. Seeing a doctor at public clinics or hospitals is not expensive (NT$300–400), but you’ll be expected to pay first and then make the claim to your insurance company later. Private clinics in Taipei, where most staff will speak English, can be much more expensive: expect to pay NT$1200 or more just to see a doctor.

For emergencies and serious illnesses, you should go to a hospital – all major towns have them, although if you have time, you should try to get to a major city as their hospitals are usually of a higher quality and there is a greater likelihood that English will be spoken. The best hospitals are in Taipei , but Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taitung, Chiayi and Hualien all have adequate hospitals. At these, you’ll also be expected to pay on the spot for treatment and make your own insurance claim later.

Dengue fever

There is no malaria in Taiwan, but dengue fever – a mosquito-borne viral disease whose symptoms are similar to malaria – has been a resurgent problem in recent years, in both rural areas and cities. There have been cases of dengue all over Taiwan, but over the past two decades it has been more common in the south, particularly in Kaohsiung and Pingdong counties. Outbreaks tend to occur after summer rains, when pools of standing water stagnate, creating breeding grounds for the aedes aegypti . The peak period is June to September, but increasingly cases are occurring earlier in the year as temperatures get warmer.

There is no vaccine, nor are there any prophylactics against the disease, so the only way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmit dengue bite day and night, so you should use insect-avoidance measures at all times. Also known as “break bone fever”, the onset of the disease is characterized by severe joint pain that gives way to high fever, sweating and pounding headaches. Some people may also develop a rash over their torso and limbs. There’s no cure, but bed rest is recommended while the symptoms run their course, and paracetamol can help the headache. The symptoms usually subside after several days of rest, but they can return intermittently over the following few weeks. Although dengue is not life-threatening to adults, a more virulent strain called dengue haemorrhagic fever primarily affects young children and can be dangerous for infants.

SARS and “bird flu”

In 2003, Taiwan had the world’s third-highest number of confirmed cases (346) of the potentially lethal SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus. It also had the fourth-highest number of deaths, at 37, according to World Health Organisation figures (many of the infected were hospital workers). There have been no confirmed cases of SARS in Taiwan since June 2003.

Outbreaks of avian influenza , an infectious disease of birds caused by type A flu strains, have continued however. Although the so-called “bird flu” usually only infects birds and pigs, the number of humans being infected with a mutated form of the virus has been rising, especially in countries such as China and Vietnam, and there also have been cases in Taiwan. Most travellers aren’t at much risk of bird flu, unless they visit commercial or backyard poultry farms or markets selling live birds such as chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons and wild waterfowl.

The H1N1 Virus (so-called “swine flu”) pandemic in 2009 also affected Taiwan, with around forty people dying of the illness by mid-2010, but far fewer than in many Western countries.

Since the SARS outbreak, the practice of wearing surgical masks when suffering from colds and flu has become much more common in Taiwan.

It’s essential to take out an insurance policy before travelling to Taiwan, as much to cover against theft and loss or damage to property as for illness and accidental injury. A typical travel insurance policy usually provides cover for the loss of baggage, tickets and – up to a certain limit – cash or cheques, as well as cancellation or curtailment of your journey. Most of them exclude injuries caused by so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid, and it’s crucial to ensure that any borderline activities you’re likely to engage in are covered. In Taiwan, this can mean cycling, mountain biking (trail riding), paragliding, river tracing, rock climbing, scuba diving, surfing (especially during storms), white-water rafting, windsurfing and even trekking. Given the likelihood that you’ll find yourself driving or riding on the back of a motorcycle or scooter while travelling round Taiwan – especially if you plan to visit any offshore islands – you should make sure this activity is covered as well. If you need to make a claim , you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment, including copies of signed medical reports clearly stating the diagnosis and prescribed treatment, in English if possible. In the event you have anything stolen, you’ll need to visit the nearest police station and file a report for stolen property . Although this can be complicated in small towns where little English is spoken, police stations in the biggest cities usually have somebody on hand who can speak some English.

Finally, if your trip to Taiwan is part of a longer, multi-country journey, make sure that your policy covers Taiwan in the first place: some insurers will not provide coverage for Taiwan owing to perceptions of military-political risk.

Taiwan is one of the world’s biggest users of the internet , although most surfing is done via home computers and laptops, so internet cafés are not as common as might be expected. If you’re travelling with your laptop and have cash to splash out on mid-range to business-class hotels, then getting a high-speed connection in your room shouldn’t be a problem, although five-star hotels often charge formidable amounts for this service.

In the more touristy bits of Taiwan, there are usually internet cafés . However, in most places – even in the big cities – you may be forced to enter the grisly world of the Taiwanese computer game centre . At these, you are likely to find a high-speed internet connection but you’ll have to endure the background noises of automatic gunfire and enough secondhand cigarette smoke to make the Marlboro Man suffocate. Prices vary among computer game centres, but in general most charge about NT$25–30 per hour (double this in Taipei) and usually offer discounts for multiple-hour use.

Another option, though one that takes some planning, is to visit a local library . Internet access at these is usually free for a specified period of time (typically about an hour), but you might have to queue up for a terminal so it’s best to turn up early in the day to put your name on the waiting list.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Taiwan, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

Taiwan has long attracted foreigners to work or study. Teaching English is by far the most common form of employment, though in recent years the trend seems to be reversing, apparently owing to a decrease in demand for English lessons. Though it’s certainly harder to make a decent living teaching in Taiwan these days, there are still plenty of jobs for the determined. Unlike places such as Hong Kong and Singapore, where teachers with English accents are preferred, in Taiwan it is the North American accent that is almost universally desired, so Americans and Canadians comprise the majority of teachers. However, there are plenty of teachers from countries such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and if English is your first language it shouldn’t be too hard to land a job.

Although it’s possible to source jobs from your home country before you leave, it can be difficult to determine the legitimacy of the company from overseas and most teachers recommend that you simply pick the place where you most want to live and turn up to look for work – most towns and cities have English-language schools. In general, the best times to look are towards the end of summer and just after the Lunar New Year.

It’s possible to teach a wide variety of age groups in Taiwan, from kindergarteners singing English songs to businessmen looking to refine their formal English skills. However, probably the most plentiful job opportunities are with the ubiquitous bushiban (after-hours cram schools, mostly for teenagers). While these night-time language centres are a major employer of English teachers, many foreigners have found teaching overworked and exhausted high-school kids to be depressing.

Qualifications, work visas and pay

To teach legally, you must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited university in an English-speaking country. It’s not imperative to have TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, but it will bolster your credentials and make your job easier and more rewarding – in some cases it might also put you into a higher pay bracket.

Once you’ve found work and signed a contract, your school will apply for your work visa , which will qualify you for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and basic health insurance. However, Australians and New Zealanders aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply for a working holiday visa that allows them to engage in part-time work while they travel for up to one year. Canadians aged 18 to 35 can also apply for one-year visas (US$100) through the aegis of the Youth Mobility Program. Contact the Taiwan representative offices in your country for more details.

Many schools pay on a monthly basis, so you may have to wait for your first payment and should come with enough money to live on for at least one month (at least NT$40,000). How much you get paid will depend on the number of hours you work per week and the hourly rate. Most jobs pay NT$600–700 per hour, with the amount of hours worked anywhere from fourteen to thirty; figure on earning NT$40,000 to NT$60,000 per month. Many teachers supplement their incomes – and try to dodge taxes – by taking side jobs that pay cash under the table, such as private tutoring . However, in the unlikely event that you are caught doing this, you are almost certain to be kicked out of the country.

The cost of a room in a pre-furnished shared flat varies widely, but in general they range from NT$5000–12,000 per month in the big cities; one-bedroom apartments will be N$8000–15,000, and over NT$20,000 per month in Taipei.

Useful websites

The following websites have job listings, flats for rent and regularly updated information on issues affecting English teachers in Taiwan: w www.tealit.com ; w www.forumosa.com . Another useful site with information for English teachers around the world, including Taiwan job postings, is w www.daveseslcafe.com .

Taiwan’s postal service , the state-owned Chunghwa Post , is speedy and reliable, offering a range of services that are user-friendly even if you don’t speak Chinese. Post offices are located in all cities, towns and most villages, though opening hours vary in accordance with their size – expect most to be open from about 8am until 5pm Monday to Friday and about 8.30am to 12pm on Saturday. In small villages, offices are usually open from about 8am to 3.30pm on weekdays, and closed at weekends, while main branches in the biggest cities have much longer hours, often from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday. Stamps can be bought at post offices, convenience stores and even on line at w www.post.gov.tw , where you also can find a list of prices, branch addresses and opening hours.

Mailboxes come in two colours: the red box is where you post overseas mail (in the left-hand slot) and Taiwan express mail (in the right-hand slot). Green boxes are for domestic surface mail and local city mail.

Poste restante services are available at the main post offices of the large cities. Letters should be addressed to GPO Poste Restante, together with the city name – be sure to use the romanization for city names that is used in this book. They’ll keep mail for fifteen days for free before they start adding daily charges.

Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) or xīntáibì , although it’s usually referred to by the generic Mandarin terms yuán or kuài . Notes come in denominations of NT$100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000, while coins come in units of NT$0.5 (rare), 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50. You may also come across old cent coins ( fēn ), but these have become outmoded and prices are always quoted in dollar amounts. The exchange rate has been fairly steady at around NT$32–34 to the US dollar for a number of years now; at the time of writing it was NT$50 to the pound and NT$41 to the euro. You can check current exchange rates at w www.xe.com . Note that foreign currencies will almost never be accepted in Taiwan.

Almost all cities and towns have ATMs from which travellers can withdraw funds using bank debit or credit cards – this is by far the most convenient and safe method of obtaining cash for daily expenses. Though some ATMs are only for domestic bank account holders, many of them support international systems such as Accel, Cirrus, Interlink, Plus and Star (always check for the correct logo). The most common ATMs – and the most useful to foreigners – are those of Chinatrust Commercial Bank , which allow cash advances from major credit cards and can be found in 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout the country. Other banks with ATMs that recognize international debit or credit cards are Bank of Taiwan and International Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). Citibank and HSBC also have branches in Taiwan’s five biggest cities. Most hotels accept credit card payment, with Visa and MasterCard the most widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club also are fairly commonly recognized, though this is more the case in the big cities. Stores in most cities will accept credit card payment, although in many rural areas this is not possible.

Private moneychangers are rare in Taiwan, and if you need to exchange foreign currency you’ll probably have to do so in a bank – in most towns, Bank of Taiwan will have a foreign exchange counter , and branches are usually centrally located. The most widely accepted currency for exchange in Taiwan is US dollars , followed by Japanese yen, British pounds and Hong Kong dollars .

Travellers’ cheques are becoming increasingly outmoded in Taiwan and are probably more trouble than they’re worth if the island is your only destination. Those cut in US dollars are the easiest to cash.

Domestic calls are easily made from private and public telephones; the latter come in two types: coin and card. Though there are still a few coin booths around, most of them only take NT$1, NT$5 and NT$10 coins, and with local calls costing NT$2 for up to two minutes (NT$6 for two-minute calls to mobile phones) you need a stack of coins to make it worth your while. Far more common these days are card phones (prepaid phone cards can be bought in convenience stores), and the ones marked with yellow can be used for both domestic and international calls. You also can make an overseas direct-dial call by first keying in t 002, followed by the country code, area code and number. It’s possible to call via an international operator on t 100, but this is very expensive. English directory assistance is on t 106 and costs NT$10 per call. For domestic calls, there is no need to dial the area code when making calls within the same area code.

Mobile phones

Your mobile phone may already be compatible with the Taiwanese network, which is GSM 900MHz/1800MHz (visitors from North America should ensure their phones are GSM/Triband and have the appropriate MHz capabilities).

Buying a SIM card

Assuming you bring your GSM phone with you to Taiwan, you’ll save on roaming charges by purchasing a local GSM-standard SIM card , which gives you a new number for use within Taiwan, and allows you to pay-as-you-go (for longer stays it’s even cheaper to sign a contract and pay monthly). Regulations seem to change frequently, so the best strategy is to visit a mobile service provider store on arrival. Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone and Taiwan Cellular are the biggest service providers, and all have desks at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (most close by 9pm). These stores can also rent you a handset . If you miss the airport desks and can’t find one of their stores elsewhere (usually located in most cities), 7-Eleven and hypermarket chain Carrefour also sell SIM cards through their MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) agreements with FarEasTone and Chunghwa respectively. However, not all 7-Elevens seem to offer this service (especially outside Taipei); find a branch of Carrefour, or look for a 7-Eleven where one of the clerks speaks English – as long as it’s not busy, they’ll usually be happy to walk you through the process.

Getting a SIM card can be tough for non-residents, as mobile providers usually insist on an ARC card number, work permit or local driver’s licence; if you have an international driver’s licence or at least two pieces of photo ID (some will accept your regular driving licence), that should suffice. You could also ask a local friend to provide these details for you (though they will be called by the phone company to verify). In addition to the ID, the application involves filling out a form and providing a photocopy of your passport. SIM cards (with air-time) can be bought for as little as NT$600, and your new Taiwan number is usually activated within 24 hours. Taiwanese SIM cards allow you to receive incoming calls for free; you’re only charged for the calls you make.

Lung cancer has long been a leading cause of death in Taiwan, and in 2009 the government implemented some of the most stringent anti-smoking laws in Asia. Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, including transport systems, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and bars, though the latter can get round this if they have open-air areas or smoking rooms with independent ventilation, completely separated from the non-smoking sections (bars that open after 9pm are also exempt). Plans have been slated to ban smoking while driving and even walking on the street.

Foreigners have been coming to Taiwan to learn Chinese for decades, with many claiming that Taipei is the best place in the world to study Mandarin , as the version spoken here is far more intelligible than the heavily accented drawls of the Beijing dialect, for example. Be aware, however, that if you study in central or southern Taiwan – places where the Taiwanese dialect is commonly spoken – you are likely to hear highly corrupted forms of Mandarin in your daily activities, and this can seriously complicate the learning process.

Taiwan is eight hours ahead of GMT throughout the year, the same as Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. Daylight-saving time is not observed.

On the whole, tipping at restaurants, bars and in taxis is not expected, although this is changing slowly in big-city districts. When you’re travelling round the country you’ll rarely be expected to tip, except perhaps in the occasional Western-oriented establishment, particularly those run by North American expats. Even then, many of these will levy a ten-percent service charge on your bill, obviating the need for any further gratuity. In some areas, such as Taipei’s university district, you may receive a bill pointing out that a ten-percent service charge is not included, indicating that some sort of tip is expected.

Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau ( w www.go2taiwan.net ) operates a number of overseas branches , with offices in Australia and the US offering basic leaflets on Taiwan’s best-known attractions. There also are tourism offices scattered across Asia, with those in Hong Kong and Singapore offering the best range of English-language materials.

In Taiwan itself, reliable English information is a pretty mixed bag, especially considering the formidable number of tourist information centres around the island. Most of the material is simply translated directly from the original Chinese version, with literal interpretations that are more likely to leave tourists revelling in their literary merit than their usefulness. The most useful information sources are the visitor centres of the national parks and scenic areas, which often have educational overviews with English labelling and free pamphlets. Published under the auspices of the tourism bureau, the glossy bi-monthly Travel in Taiwan ( w issuu.com/travelintaiwan ) contains features on a variety of travel destinations and is worth seeking out. The free publication, which has calendars of events throughout the country, is available in many tourist information centres.

Taiwan is making progress when it comes to accessible tourism, though overall the country remains woefully unequipped to accommodate travellers with disabilities . A good place to start is the Eden Social Welfare Foundation ( t 02/2578-4515, w engweb.eden.org.tw), which specializes in helping people with disabilities in Taiwan. Eden operates a network of wheelchair-accessible buses – if you don’t speak Chinese, someone at the foundation should be able to help you hook up with these. You should also get in touch with the Taiwan Access for All Association ( t 02/2620-9944, w twaccess4all.wordpress.com ), which has a special focus on accessible tourism; they can arrange hotels, transport, wheelchair rentals, assistants and organize excellent nature tours and day-trips all over the island, with English-speakers on hand as guides.

All stations and trains on the Taipei MRT (subway) are handicap-accessible, with special restrooms, ramps, elevators, extra-wide ticket gates and designated wheelchair areas on the trains. The Kaohsiung MRT has similar facilities. Most of the bigger hotels in Taipei can comfortably accommodate disabled travellers – Sherwood , Fullerton and Grand Hyatt among them. Major sights in Taipei shouldn’t provide too many hassles: the National Palace Museum has handicapped-accessible restrooms and elevators, and getting around Taipei 101 and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial is relatively straightforward.

However, most city streets and sidewalks pose formidable challenges, with consistently uneven pavements, steep inclines, steps and few access ramps to be found. Most of the older buildings remain frustratingly inaccessible for those with walking disabilities, and beyond Taipei, travelling will be tough going without the help of the above organizations.

Taiwan is an extremely safe country, and most women travellers here are unlikely to attract any special attention other than that usually paid to most foreign visitors. Still, it’s always a good idea to be cautious when walking at night or through unlit areas such as underground tunnels, and, if possible, to take a friend with you. Late-night assaults on women by their taxi drivers are very rare but occasionally happen, and you should be attentive if you take a taxi at night by yourself. You’ll minimize the possibility of being harassed if the driver knows he is accountable – calling for a cab and taking down the vehicle number is good practice, or if you hail one on the street you might visibly jot down the driver’s name and vehicle number. Also, if you are carrying a mobile phone, make sure it’s visible to the driver.

Travel advice for Taiwan

Find even more inspiration here.

Ready to travel and discover Taiwan?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas
• Visas to visit Australia

Taiwan is an important trading partner for Australia. Our relationship generates business and investment for Australian and Taiwanese companies and jobs for people of both economies. Australia and Taiwan also encourage people-to-people contacts in areas such as the arts, culture, education, science, tourism and sport.

Economic, trade and political information

• Australia-Taiwan relationship brief
• Taiwan trade/economic fact sheet [PDF]
• Austrade: Taiwan page

Travel information

• Read the travel advice for Taiwan
• Subscribe to updates
• Get the right travel insurance
• For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
• Australian Passports Office
• Visa information

Australian representation in Taiwan

In the absence of formal representation in Taiwan, the Australian Office in Taipei unofficially represents Australia's interests. The Australian Office's business arm, the Commercial Section, promotes Australian exports to Taiwan and two-way investment between Australia and Taiwan, and is the first contact point for Australian firms wanting to do business in Taiwan. The media and culture unit supports cultural, scientific and other exchanges. The Australian Office also provides passport and consular services to Australian citizens. Grants supporting educational, cultural and business links with Taiwan are offered by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations .

• Australian Office in Taipei on Twitter
• Australian Office in Taipei on Facebook

Contact details

For travel advice and visa information, please visit the links above. For all other enquiries, contact us on +61 (02) 6261 1111.

Consular support for Taiwanese visitors in Australia

For  Taiwan passport holders  requiring consular assistance in Australia, please contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office’s consular line on +61-2-6120 1030 or email  [email protected]

For emergencies contact +61- 418 284 531

Travel Advice for Taiwan

Going to Taiwan and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Taiwan? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Taiwan from governments around the world, here.

General Travel Advice and Warnings for Taiwan

The decision to take a trip to Taiwan is your decision and you are responsible for your individual welfare whilst in Taiwan.

The content on this web page is offered information only and compiled from travel advice and warnings for Taiwan by governments around the globe to their citizens.

While we make every effort to offer you correct travel advice details, it is offered on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

This owners of this web site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information offered.

General Cautions Travellers Need to Keep in Mind Whilst Travelling in Taiwan

Crime – Petty criminal offenses such as pick pocketing in a jampacked environment to sexual assault and muggings do take place in bigger cities of Taiwan. Make sure that all your personal possessions, including passports and other traveling documents, are safe at all times.

Terrorism – Constantly be aware of your surroundings whenever in public areas. Be particularly watchful if going to sporting occasions and during religious holidays and various other public occasions, as terrorists often make use of such celebrations to mount attacks.

Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations might take place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any moment. They can also result in disruptions to traffic and public transport. It is in your interest of safety to avoid areas where demonstrations and big gatherings are happening and adhere to the guidelines of local authorities. Monitor local media in Taiwan for information on ongoing demonstrations in Taiwan.

Scams – Exercise care in popular tourist locations in Taiwan, where scammers target tourists. If you have actually been scammed in Taiwan, reach a safe location right away; take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; inform the cops in Taiwan and obtain a record and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card provider to report the fraud; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the financial transaction.

Spiked Food and Drinks – Never leave food or beverages unattended or in the care of strangers whilst taking a trip in Taiwan or anywhere else. Be wary of accepting snacks, drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may have drugs that might put you at risk of sexual assault and mugging.

What is the entry/exit requirements for Taiwan?

Every country or territory chooses who can get in or leave through its borders, in the same manner Taiwan determines exactly who enter its borders. The Government of your home country can not step in on your behalf if you do not fulfill your Taiwan’s entry or exit requirements.

To read more concerning the entry/exit requirement for Taiwan see visa requirements for Taiwan or obtain the latest info with the visa office at the Taiwanese consulate in your home country.

Travel insurance policy for Taiwan

Travel health cover is one of the main factors visitors get travel insurance. It will not stop you getting ill or injured, though it can avoid you suffering financially. Medical assistance overseas can be extremely expensive.

You have to shell out for all healthcare you get overseas. You can’t expect to get free or subsidised treatment through your Taiwan’s public health system, like you would in your home country.

If you can not pay, local authorities can arrest you. The government from your home country can’t pay you medical bill for you, loan you money or get you out of jail.

You require travel insurance for travelling to Taiwan . You also need to make certain you choose a policy that is right for you.

Read the fine print of your travel insurance policy.

Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurance company upfront. If you do not, you may invalidate your travel insurance plan.

Tell your travel insurer the activities you plan to do, prior to you go. Many common activities like snowboarding are left out in standard plans. You might need to pay extra.

Check if you have complimentary credit card travel insurance. Some cards include travel insurance coverage cover. Nevertheless, they commonly have different conditions than paid policies. Be aware of the differences.

If you’re travelling to Taiwan from a country that has a reciprocal health care arrangement, you still require travel medical insurance. Agreements are limited in what they’ll will cover.

If you have an incurable illness, you may not be able to get standard travel insurance policy. However you may be able to find a specialised insurance company that covers you for health, accidents or property issues unconnected to your illness. Speak with your insurer to find out.

Find out more about getting worldwide travel insurance for Taiwan prior to you go.

© 2021 Government Travel Advice

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

beta This is a test version of the layout of this page. Take the survey to help us improve it

• Help and services around the world
• UK help and services in Taiwan

Travelling to Taiwan

Includes travel advice and how to get married abroad.

Subscriptions

• Get emails for this topic Travelling to Taiwan

Getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad

Requirements, paperwork and processes for weddings and civil partnerships overseas - registration, restrictions, fees

Reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad

How to minimise your risk, and what to do if there's a terrorist attack.

Taiwan travel advice

FCDO travel advice for Taiwan. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Kyrgyzstan tells citizens to temporarily avoid travel to Russia

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Ukrainian drone attacks on two buses taking people to work killed six people and injured another 35 in the Belgorod region of Russia, the governor said on Monday.

World Chevron

Sea drone warfare has arrived. The U.S. is floundering.

The U.S. Navy's efforts to build a fleet of unmanned vessels are faltering because the Pentagon remains wedded to big shipbuilding projects, according to some officials and company executives, exposing a weakness as sea drones reshape naval warfare.

The German ambassador to Russia has been recalled for consultations after Berlin accused Moscow of launching cyberattacks on its defence and aerospace firms and ruling party, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said on Monday.