Traveling to Taiwan is a dream for many people. From its bustling night markets to its stunning natural scenery, Taiwan has plenty to offer tourists. But before you can pack your bags and head off to this beautiful island nation, you need to know about the Taiwan visa waiver program.
What is the Taiwan Visa Waiver?
The Taiwan visa waiver program allows citizens of certain countries to enter Taiwan without a visa for a limited period of time. Essentially, it’s a way for travelers to skip the hassle of applying for a visa and still be able to visit Taiwan for a short period of time.
Who is Eligible for the Taiwan Visa Waiver?
As of 2021, citizens of the following countries are eligible for the Taiwan visa waiver program:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Austria
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
If you’re a citizen of one of these countries, you can enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
What are the Requirements for the Taiwan Visa Waiver?
While citizens of certain countries can enter Taiwan without a visa, there are still some requirements that must be met. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Taiwan. If your passport is set to expire soon, you may need to renew it before you can travel to Taiwan.
Proof of Return or Onward Travel
You’ll need to show proof of return or onward travel when you enter Taiwan. This means you’ll need to have a ticket leaving Taiwan or a ticket to another destination after Taiwan. If you don’t have proof of return or onward travel, you may be denied entry to Taiwan.
Sufficient Funds
You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re in Taiwan. There’s no set amount, but you should have enough money to cover your accommodations, transportation, and meals while you’re in the country.
How to Apply for the Taiwan Visa Waiver
The great thing about the Taiwan visa waiver program is that you don’t need to apply for it in advance. As long as you meet the requirements, you can simply show up in Taiwan and be granted entry.
However, you’ll still need to fill out an arrival card when you get to Taiwan. This card will ask for basic information about you and your travel plans, and you’ll need to present it to the immigration officer when you arrive in Taiwan.
What You Can and Cannot Do on the Taiwan Visa Waiver
If you’re granted entry into Taiwan on the visa waiver program, you’ll be allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days. During that time, you can do just about anything a regular tourist can do: visit popular tourist attractions, try local cuisine, and experience the culture.
However, there are a few things you cannot do while you’re in Taiwan on the visa waiver program:
- You cannot work or engage in any form of paid employment
- You cannot study or attend school
- You cannot stay in Taiwan for more than 90 days
If you want to work, study, or stay in Taiwan for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
Conclusion
The Taiwan visa waiver program is a great option for travelers who want to visit Taiwan for a short period of time without having to go through the hassle of applying for a visa. As long as you meet the requirements and understand the limitations of the program, you can enjoy all that Taiwan has to offer without any unnecessary stress.
