A Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan Visas: Types, Requirements, and More
If you’re considering a trip to Taiwan, you may find it necessary to obtain a Taiwan visa. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is an East Asian nation characterized by its island geography, covering an area of 35,808 square kilometers (13,826 square miles) and a population of over 23.7 million.
Who Requires a Taiwan Visa?
Most nationals from various countries are required to apply for a Taiwan visa. However, Taiwan has entered into visa-waiver agreements with several nations, enabling their citizens to enter Taiwan without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). This agreement includes citizens from EU and EFTA member states, the United States, Australia, Japan, and numerous other countries. However, it’s important to note that visa exemptions may not apply to those born in mainland China (PRC), Hong Kong, or Macau.
Types of Taiwan Visas
There are two primary types of visas for Taiwan:
- Taiwan Visitor Visa (for short stays): This visa is designed for visits of up to 90 days and is issued for tourism, social visits, business, conferences, and other approved purposes that don’t involve paid employment or additional permits. It can also be issued for single or multiple entries, with a validity of three to five years.
- Taiwan Resident Visa (for long stays): The Taiwan Resident Visa is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in Taiwan for more than 90 days for specific purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, entrepreneurship, working holidays, and digital nomadism. After entering Taiwan with a Resident visa, individuals must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and a Re-entry Permit within 15 days.
Is There an Online Taiwan Visa?
Yes, an eVisa for Taiwan is available, but it’s exclusive to nationals of specific countries. These countries include Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Kiribati, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, nationals from countries such as Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam can apply for an eVisa if traveling with a tourist group under the “Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries.” For business travelers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, an eVisa may also be an option if they have a recommendation from the local offices of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
Taiwan Visa Requirements
When applying for a Taiwan visa, applicants must provide several supporting documents, including a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended entry date, the completed Taiwan Visa Application Form, passport-sized photographs, proof of onward travel, evidence of sufficient funds, and payment of the visa fee. Additional documentation may be required based on the purpose of the visit, such as a letter from the employer for business travel or an invitation letter for social visits.
Specific Requirements for Various Taiwan Visas
In addition to the standard requirements, there may be specific requirements for different types of Taiwan visas:
- Taiwan Work Visa (For Paid Employment): In addition to the work visa, you’ll need a work permit issued by the Taiwanese authorities. Other requirements include an employment contract, a letter from the employer, and academic qualifications if relevant to your job.
- Taiwan Student Visa: You’ll need proof of acceptance from a recognized educational institution, financial statements, and possibly a medical examination certificate.
- Taiwan Family Reunification Visa: Documentation proving your relationship with the family member in Taiwan, an invitation letter, and proof of financial support may be required.
- Taiwan Entrepreneur Visa: A detailed business plan, evidence of financial investment, and proof of relevant business experience are essential.
- Taiwan Working Holidays Visa: Documents showing your eligibility, bank statements, and comprehensive health insurance are typically required.
- Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Documentation proving your ability to work remotely, financial stability, and comprehensive health insurance are often necessary.
- Taiwan Resident Visa Extensions: The possibility of extending your visa depends on the type, and specific requirements may apply based on the purpose of extension.
- Specialized Visas (e.g., Religious Work, Journalist Visa, etc.): Specific documentation may be required based on the nature of your visit, such as religious credentials or credentials for journalism assignments.
How to Obtain a Taiwan Visa
To secure a Taiwan visa, applicants need to visit a Taiwanese diplomatic mission in their region. If no such mission exists in their country, they should submit their documents to the nearest one. Before applying in person, it’s essential to complete the Taiwan visa application form online. The process entails form completion, document collection, in-person submission, potential interview, fee payment, and waiting for the visa to be processed. Once processed, applicants must collect their passports as instructed or request that they be sent via mail with a self-addressed envelope.
Taiwan Visa Fees
The fees for Taiwan visas vary depending on the visa type and where the application is submitted. If applying at a Taiwan Diplomatic Mission Overseas, the fees are as follows:
- Single-Entry Visitor Visa: US$50
- Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa: US$100
- Single-Entry Resident Visa: US$66
- Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: US$132
When applying within Taiwan, the fees are:
- Single-Entry Visitor Visa: NT$1,600
- Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa: NT$3,200
- Single-Entry Resident Visa: NT$2,200
- Multiple-Entry Resident Visa: NT$4,400
Processing Time and Visa Duration
The processing time for a Taiwan visa varies by the applicant’s location but generally takes 2-10 working days from the date of document submission. Resident visas may require more time.
A Taiwan Tourist Visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry, although some countries may have shorter permitted durations (e.g., 14, 30, or 60 days). The visa’s validity depends on the type, with single-entry visas being valid for up to three months and multiple-entry visas for up to five years. For Resident Visas, they are typically valid for a single entry and a duration of up to three months. To stay long-term in Taiwan, individuals must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and Re-entry Permit.
Extending a Taiwan Visa
The possibility of extending a Taiwan visa depends on the type of visa granted. If the visa explicitly states “No Extension Will Be Granted,” an extension may not be possible unless approved by the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs. For other visas, extension applications can be submitted at local offices of the Taiwan National Immigration Agency.
Taiwan Entry Requirements for People’s Republic of China, Macau, and Hong Kong
Citizens of the People’s Republic of China, Macau, and Hong Kong need an Exit & Entry Permit for travel to and from Taiwan. This includes single-entry and multiple-entry permits. Hong Kong and Macau citizens only require an Entry and Exit Permit if they hold an HKSAR, MSAR, or BN(O) passport, while other nationals or those residing in different countries are subject to the visa requirements of their second country of nationality. Additionally, visitors from the People’s Republic of China are subject to a daily quota when traveling to Taiwan.
Taiwan Visa for US Citizens
US citizens planning to stay in Taiwan for tourism, transit, social visits, or business purposes for up to 90 days do not require a Taiwan visa. They can enter with a valid passport, which should also have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. However, if their intended stay exceeds 90 days or is for purposes such as work or study, a Taiwan Resident Visa is necessary, and this must be obtained at a Taiwanese Diplomatic Mission in the US.
Taiwan Visa for Philippines Citizens
Philippine citizens can travel to Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 14 days until a specified date (e.g., July 31, 2020). They can enter Taiwan with just their passport and a ticket proving they intend to depart the country after 14 days. For longer stays or specific purposes, they must apply for the relevant Taiwan Resident Visa at a Taiwan Diplomatic Mission in the Philippines.
It’s essential to check with the Taiwan representative office in your country or the specific requirements associated with your visa category. Visa requirements can change, so always refer to the latest information provided by the Taiwanese authorities or the local consulate or embassy.
