Taipei Visa Requirements 2026 : Taiwan Entry Rules

Taipei : Taiwan's vibrant capital of night markets, hot springs, temples and the soaring Taipei 101 : is one of Asia's easiest and safest cities to visit. There is no separate "Taipei visa": the city follows Taiwan's national entry rules. In 2026 most tourists, including citizens of the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Brazil, enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while other nationalities use a low-cost eVisa, a free Travel Authorization Certificate, or a visitor visa. This guide explains entry by nationality, the airport, the best time to visit, what to see and how to get around.

Why Taipei Visa Rules Are Taiwan's Rules

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, so visiting Taipei means entering Taiwan : the requirements are identical and there is no city-specific permit. Almost all visitors arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), about 40 km west of the city. Your right to enter is decided on arrival there: visa-free for most nationalities, or with an eVisa, Travel Authorization Certificate or visitor visa for others. The same entry also covers the rest of Taiwan, including the outlying islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu.

Visa-Free Entry to Taiwan (Most Tourists)

Around 65 jurisdictions enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. This includes citizens of:

• The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and all 27 EU/Schengen states
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia
• Brazil and a number of other partner countries

No eVisa or advance application is needed : just arrive with a valid passport and an onward ticket. Canadian and British citizens can apply to extend a visa-free stay from 90 to 180 days. Separately, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei have a 14-day visa-exempt scheme. Because the lists are reviewed periodically, confirm your own nationality on the official portal before booking.

Taiwan eVisa & Travel Authorization Certificate

If you are not visa-exempt, Taiwan offers two convenient online options before you fall back on a consular visa:

• Taiwan eVisa: around USD 31, single entry, up to 30 days, usually issued within about five business days at boca.gov.tw. Eligible nationalities include Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, plus designated group tours from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia.
• Travel Authorization Certificate (free): for citizens of India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos who hold a valid visa or permanent-residence card from the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, a Schengen country, Australia or New Zealand. It grants visa-free entry and is applied for online.

Travelers who fit neither scheme apply for a visitor visa at a Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Taiwan's representative office) before departure.

Arriving at Taoyuan Airport & Getting to Taipei

Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE) is the main gateway, about 40 km from central Taipei. The fastest link is the Taoyuan Airport MRT, reaching Taipei Main Station in roughly 35-40 minutes; airport buses and taxis also run around the clock. The smaller Songshan Airport (TSA), inside the city, handles domestic flights and a few regional routes (such as Tokyo Haneda and Seoul Gimpo). Your entry stamp or eVisa is checked at TPE on arrival.

Best Time to Visit Taipei

• October-November (autumn): the sweet spot : warm, drier and comfortable.
• March-April (spring): mild and pleasant, with occasional showers.
• June-September (summer): hot and humid, and within the typhoon season : check forecasts.
• December-February (winter): mild but often grey and rainy; a good time for Beitou's hot springs.

Top Things to See in Taipei

Once you are in, no extra permits are needed to explore. Highlights include the Taipei 101 observation deck, the National Palace Museum, the temples of Longshan and Dalongdong Baoan, and the city's legendary night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia). Easy escapes include the Beitou hot springs, Yangmingshan National Park and the mountain village of Jiufen : all reachable as day trips on public transport.

Getting Around Taipei

Taipei has one of Asia's best public-transport systems. Buy an EasyCard on arrival and use it on the clean, punctual MRT metro, city buses, some trains and at convenience stores. YouBike share bikes cover the city, taxis are plentiful and metered, and the high-speed rail (THSR) links Taipei to Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung in a couple of hours.

Documents for Entry into Taiwan

• Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay
• Return or onward flight ticket (checked at boarding and on arrival)
• Proof of accommodation in Taipei (hotel booking or host address)
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
• Arrival card (filled in on the plane or online)
• eVisa or Travel Authorization printout : only if your nationality requires one

Money, Currency & Costs

Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$ / TWD). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants, and ATMs are everywhere, but carry some cash for night markets, small eateries and temples. An EasyCard, topped up with cash or card, is the simplest way to pay for transport and convenience-store snacks. Taipei is mid-priced for Asia : good street food is inexpensive, while hotels and Taipei 101 add up.

Health, Safety & Practical Tips

Taipei is one of the safest major cities in the world, with very low crime and excellent healthcare. Tap water is generally treated but many visitors prefer bottled or boiled water. The main natural hazard is the typhoon season (roughly June-October), when a storm can briefly close attractions and transport : keep an eye on forecasts. English is less widespread than signage suggests, but the MRT, major sights and a translation app make getting around easy.

Frequently Asked Questions