Travelers from certain countries who plan to visit Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), may need a Taiwan visa depending on their travel purpose and the length of stay. Taiwan offers two main types of visas:

1. Taiwan Visitor Visa (commonly known as the Taiwan Tourist Visa) for stays of up to 90 days.

2. Taiwan Resident Visa for stays exceeding 90 days, including work, study, and family reunion visas.

This guide provides detailed information on the Taiwan Visitor Visa, including types, application procedures, requirements, and frequently asked questions.

Who Needs a Taiwan Tourist Visa?

A visa is required to enter Taiwan unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Taiwan has agreements with several countries allowing their nationals to visit Taiwan visa-free for short stays (ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on the country). For instance, nationals of all EU and EFTA countries can enter Taiwan without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. For longer stays, a Taiwan Resident Visa is required.

Types of Taiwan Visitor Visas

Taiwan Visitor Visas are categorized based on the purpose of the visit:

- Taiwan Tourist Visa:

For tourists visiting Taiwan for leisure.

- Taiwan Business Visa:

For business-related travel, such as attending meetings.

- Taiwan Visit Visa:

For those visiting family, friends, or organizations.

- Taiwan Medical Treatment Visa:

For individuals seeking medical treatment in Taiwan.

- Taiwan Tourist Visa for Employment-Seeking:

For those looking for employment opportunities.

- Taiwan Tourist Visa for Attending Events:

For attending academic, social, or cultural events.

Taiwan Visitor Visa Requirements

To apply for a Taiwan Visitor Visa, you will need the following documents:

- A completed and signed Taiwan Visa Application Form.

- A valid passport with at least six months of validity and three blank pages.

- Passport-sized photos (35mm by 45mm) with a white background.

- A travel itinerary or return ticket as proof of your intention to leave Taiwan.

- Proof of accommodation in Taiwan, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter.

- Financial proof to cover your stay.

- Employment or student status documents.

Additional documents may be required based on your visa type, such as:

For Business Visa:

- A company letter confirming your employment and the purpose of your visit.

- An invitation letter from the Taiwanese company.

- Proof of business relations between the companies.

- Contact details in Taiwan.

- A Letter of Guarantee from your guarantor’s company.

For Visit Visa:

- Proof of your host’s residence in Taiwan.

- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate).

- An invitation letter from your host.

For Medical Treatment Visa:

- A letter from your current healthcare provider detailing your diagnosis.

- A letter from the Taiwanese medical institution confirming your treatment plan.

For Employment-Seeking Visa:

- A completed and signed Employment-Seeking VISA Application Checklist.

- Health insurance proof for your stay in Taiwan.

- Proof of previous employment, recent graduation from a top university, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval.

For Attending Events:

- A letter of invitation or proof of participation in the event.

- A Letter of Approval for training courses or performance events.

How to Apply for a Taiwan Tourist Visa

The application process for a Taiwan Tourist Visa involves two steps:

1. Complete the Taiwan Visa Application Form online, print it, and sign it.

2. Submit the signed application form along with the required documents to a Taiwanese diplomatic mission.

Processing Time for a Taiwan Tourist Visa

Processing times for a Taiwan Tourist Visa vary depending on the diplomatic mission where you apply. Typically, it takes between 2 to 5 working days from the time your completed application is received. Delays may occur if additional documents are needed or if the application requires approval from the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Duration of Stay with a Taiwan Tourist Visa

A Taiwan Tourist Visa allows you to stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days. Depending on your country of origin, shorter stays of 14, 30, or 60 days may apply. The visa is valid for:

- Up to three months for a single-entry visa.

- Up to five years for a multiple-entry visa.

Extending a Taiwan Tourist Visa

You can extend your Taiwan Tourist Visa at a local office of the Taiwan National Immigration Agency if you have a valid reason. However, if your visa is stamped with "No Extension Will Be Granted," you must first apply to change it to an extendable visa through the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA).

Taiwan Tourist Visa Fees

Taiwan Tourist Visa fees vary depending on where you apply:

- Single-Entry Visitor Visa: US$50 if applying at a Taiwan Diplomatic Mission, NT$1,600 if applying in Taiwan.

- Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa: US$100 if applying at a Taiwan Diplomatic Mission, NT$3,200 if applying in Taiwan.

Fees may vary slightly depending on the diplomatic mission, and payment methods can differ by location.

Taiwan eVisa

The Taiwan eVisa is a type of Visitor Visa available to nationals of specific countries. The application is entirely online, and you receive the eVisa via email. Print it out and present it to immigration officers upon arrival.

Countries eligible for the Taiwan eVisa 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. Additional conditions apply for nationals of Southeast Asian countries and those conducting business in Taiwan.

Taiwan Landing Visa (Visa On Arrival)

A Taiwan Landing Visa is available for Turkish citizens and holders of emergency or temporary passports from visa-exempt countries. You can obtain this visa upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport or other designated points of entry. If entering through Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, or Taichung Airport, you will receive an entry permit and must apply for a visa at a local office.

Taiwan Visitor Visa Requirements for Specific Countries

Nationals from certain countries have additional requirements for obtaining a Taiwan Visitor Visa, such as an invitation from a Taiwanese government agency, participation in international events, family visits, business activities, crew duty, or medical treatment. These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria.

Application Locations for Specific Countries

If you are from Nepal, India, Nigeria, or Ghana, you can apply for a Taiwan Visitor Visa at specific locations, such as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi or the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria. Exceptions apply to Bhutan and Sri Lanka, where a Letter of Guarantee is not required for business visas.

Entry Requirements for Citizens of the PRC, Hong Kong, and Macau

Residents of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Macau, and Hong Kong need an Exit and Entry Permit to visit Taiwan instead of a Taiwan Tourist Visa. Depending on your travel document, you may need a single-entry or multiple-entry permit. Specific requirements also apply based on your residency and nationality status, especially if you were born in China.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully apply for a Taiwan Visitor Visa and ensure a smooth travel experience to this vibrant and culturally rich destination.