Taiwan entry rules for US citizens
US citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days by air or sea. Complete the free online arrival card within 3 days before arrival at twac.immigration.gov.tw.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 90 days |
| Entry methods | Air and sea (no land borders) |
| Visa required | No |
| Arrival card | Required online before arrival |
| Passport validity | Duration of stay (minimum 6 months recommended) |
| Return ticket | Recommended |
Note: Taiwan has no land borders. The free online arrival card at twac.immigration.gov.tw must be completed within 3 days before arrival — it is not a visa, just a mandatory declaration.
Taiwan arrival card — required before entry
All visitors to Taiwan must submit a free online immigration arrival card at twac.immigration.gov.tw within 3 days before arriving. This is not a visa — it is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration covering your flight details, passport information, and intended stay. Complete it on the National Immigration Agency website before departure. You will be asked for your flight or vessel number and expected arrival and departure dates.
Entry ports for US citizens
International airports
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) — primary hub, most international flights
- Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) — some regional routes
- Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) — southern Taiwan hub
- Taichung International Airport (RMQ) — central Taiwan, growing routes
International seaports
- Keelung Port — major cruise and ferry arrivals
- Kaohsiung Port — southern Taiwan ferry routes
- Taichung Port — some international ferry services
Special situations for US citizens
Dual US-Taiwan nationals
US citizens who also hold ROC (Taiwan) nationality can generally enter Taiwan on their US passport. However, Taiwan-born males who have household registration in Taiwan are required to enter and exit on their ROC passport and may face military service obligations. If you hold or may hold ROC nationality and are male, verify your status with the National Immigration Agency (immigration.gov.tw) before travel.
Visiting Taiwan after mainland China
Visiting mainland China does not affect Taiwan entry. The two destinations have completely separate immigration systems with no shared records for entry purposes. A Chinese visa in your passport is not an issue at Taiwan immigration.
Extension of stay beyond 90 days
Extensions can be applied for at a National Immigration Agency service center in Taiwan before your authorised stay expires. Valid reasons include employment, study, and family visits. Tourism extensions are not routinely granted and a qualifying reason is required.
Travelling with children
Minor US citizens travelling with only one parent or without parents should carry a notarised parental consent letter. Taiwan immigration may request evidence that the child has permission to travel.
What Taiwan immigration checks at the border
For US citizens arriving at Taiwan airports and seaports, immigration officers typically check:
- Completed arrival card (twac.immigration.gov.tw) — have it accessible on your phone or printed
- Passport validity — minimum 6 months beyond intended stay strongly recommended
- Onward or return ticket — have your flight confirmation accessible
- Proof of accommodation — hotel booking or host address may be requested
- Purpose of visit — be prepared to state tourism, business, family visit, etc.
- Sufficient funds — not always checked but be prepared
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Information compiled from official government sources and verified data: