Are you planning to travel to Taiwan for a vacation? If so, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. Applying for a tourist visa in Taiwan can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, this step-by-step guide will help make the process smoother and more manageable.
What Is A Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a type of visa that allows you to visit a foreign country for a specific period of time for leisure, tourism, or to visit family and friends. In Taiwan, the tourist visa is known as the Visitor Visa (TR Visa).
The Visitor Visa is issued by Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) and allows foreigners to visit Taiwan for a maximum of 90 days.
Step 1: Determine If You Need A Visa
Before applying for a visitor visa, you need to determine if you need a visa to enter Taiwan. Some countries have a visa-exempt agreement with Taiwan, which means their citizens don’t need a visa to enter Taiwan for a short-term stay.
If you’re unsure if you need a visa, check Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website (https://www.boca.gov.tw/) for a list of countries that are visa-exempt. If your country is not on the list, then you need to apply for a visitor visa.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before starting the application process, make sure you have all the required documents. The following are the required documents you need to apply for a visitor visa:
- A completed visa application form
- A valid passport with at least six months validity
- Two passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial sufficiency
- Proof of accommodation and itinerary
- A return airline ticket or proof of onward travel
- Proof of purpose of visit
Make sure you have all the documents in hand before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Fill Out The Application Form
The next step is to fill out the visa application form. You can download the form from the Bureau of Consular Affairs website and fill it out electronically or by hand.
Make sure you fill out the form completely and accurately. Any incorrect or incomplete information can cause delays or even rejection of your visa application.
Step 4: Pay The Visa Fee
After filling out the visa application form, you need to pay the visa fee. The visa fee varies depending on your country of citizenship and the type of visa you’re applying for.
You can pay the visa fee online or in person at the nearest Taiwan embassy or consulate. Make sure you keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed all the previous steps and gathered all the required documents, it’s time to submit your application.
You can submit your application in person at the nearest Taiwan embassy or consulate or by mail. Make sure you include all the required documents and the visa fee payment receipt.
It’s important to note that the visa processing time can take up to two weeks, so make sure you apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Step 6: Wait For The Visa Approval
After submitting your application, all you can do is wait for the visa approval. The Bureau of Consular Affairs will process your application and notify you of the result via email or phone.
If your application is approved, you can pick up your visa at the Taiwan embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision or reapply.
Conclusion
Applying for a tourist visa in Taiwan can be a bit overwhelming, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to navigate the process with ease. Remember to gather all the required documents, fill out the application form accurately, pay the visa fee, and submit your application in advance of your planned travel dates.
By following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of getting a visa approval and be on your way to enjoying all that Taiwan has to offer.
