Travel to Taiwan – Latest Entry Restrictions and Visa Info

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Taiwan Travel Guide

Taiwan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia
(Source: Vernon Raineil Cenzon/unsplash)

If you plan to travel to Taiwan, Trip.com is here to present all you need to know about what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get there. Taiwan is a Chinese island (with over 160 small islands), approximately 160 km or 100 miles from the southeast coast of China’s mainland. The main island of Taiwan is where all the large cities are located, e.g., Taipei (the provincial capital), Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung. The majority of highways and railways are located around the island near the coasts. There are 4 international airports and 5 international seaports in Taiwan.

Visa Information

Anyone who plans to travel to Taiwan must carry their original passport during the trip. Before traveling, ensure your passport is valid for at least the next 6 months and has a blank page per entry/exit stamp. Please refer to the official Bureau of Consular Affairs website for detailed information on the visa application process.
Taiwan's visa-exempt entry scheme has been fully reinstated (Source: Benjamin Wong/unsplash)

Taiwan's visa-exempt entry scheme has been fully reinstated
(Source: Benjamin Wong/unsplash)

Tourist Visa Application

Post-pandemic, Taiwan has announced the full reinstatement of the visa-exempt entry scheme from Sep 29, 2022. This means nationals of eligible countries can travel to Taiwan visa-free for purposes that do not require a permit, such as business, exhibition visits, international exchanges, visiting relatives, tourism, etc.

Currently, E-visa and Landing Visa are temporarily suspended. Requirements for anyone who needs a visitor visa to travel to Taiwan include a passport valid for at least 6 months; a completed application form with 2 photos taken in the past 6 months; an outbound airline ticket or steamship ticket; documents verifying the reason for the visit; and other relevant documents. To obtain the visa, applicants must submit the visa forms to the overseas mission of Taiwan. The consular office will then examine the application and request an interview if necessary.

Countries That Enjoy Visa-free Travel to Taiwan

While the visa-free period may differ between countries, below is a selection of countries that enjoy visa-free travel to Taiwan: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Travel to Taiwan Top Tips & Information

Time Zone

Taiwan observes China Standard Time (CST) which is used all year and is always 8 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). And there is no Daylight-saving Time clock change.

Currency and Monetary Exchange Rate

The official currency in Taiwan is Taiwan New Dollar(TWD). The most popular Taiwan New Dollar exchange rate is the TWD to USD rate, which currently stands at TWD1 to USD0.032. Other major currency conversions include TWD1 to 0.22 CNY, TWD1 to EUR0.032, TWD1 to GBP0.0.28, and TWD1 to JPY4.55.

The Best Time to Visit

 Climate in most parts of Taiwan is subtropical, except for the southernmost regions, which are tropical. Summers tend to be long and hot, while winters are short and mild. The best time to travel to Taiwan for comfortable temperatures is from Sep to Nov. There's a chance of typhoons from Jun to Oct. For people who want to travel to Taiwan on a budget, the low season is from Dec to Mar, when vacation packages, flights, and hotels are reasonably cheap.

Flight Status

Transfer options between the airport and downtown are taxi, bus, and metro (Source: Lisanto/unsplash)

Transfer options between the airport and downtown are taxi, bus, and metro
(Source: Lisanto/unsplash)

Airlines Operating Flights to Taiwan

The best way to travel to Taiwan is by air. A wide range of airlines from around the world offers direct or indirect flights to Taiwan. If you prefer to travel to Taiwan by direct flights from the US, consider flying with Air China, Air Canada, Cathy Pacific, China Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and United. Other airlines with flights to Taiwan include Turkish Airlines, Emirates, KLM, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand. If you are planning your travel , check out Trip.com's flight options to Taiwan and other vacation packages.

Airport Information and Transfers to Downtown

Visitors who travel to Taiwan's provincial capital Taipei by air will land at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), which is situated about 40 km or 25 miles west of Taipei. The TPE is the busiest airport in Taiwan and the 11th busiest airport globally for international passenger traffic. There are currently 2 terminals in operation. For ground transportation options to central Taipei, passengers can choose between taxis, buses (departing from both terminals), Taoyuan airport MRT, and Taiwan High-speed Rail from the Taoyuan HSR station.

For a private transfer between the airport and central Taipei, check out these Trip.com offers

Top 5 Most Popular Cities in Taiwan

Taiwan Travel Guide: Top 5 Most Popular Cities in Taiwan

Taipei skyline at night, including Taipei 101

(Source: Timo Volz/unsplash)

Taipei City

As the provincial capital, Taipei is Taiwan's cultural, political, and economic center. Located in the north of the island, nearly one-third of all citizens live in this metro area. Most visitors who travel to Taiwan will first land at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport, which is about 40 km or 25 miles west of the city. Transportation links include extensive Metro and bus systems as well as local and high-speed trains. Major attractions in Taipei and its surrounding areas include Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temples, Beitou Hot Springs, National Palace Museum, and various night markets. Anyone interested in a 1-day tour in Taipei with a local, clicks this link on Trip.com. For hotels in Taipei, check out this Trip.com suggestion: Best Five Star Hotels in Taipei.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Taipei City

Kaohsiung is the third most populous city in Taiwan
(Source: Dave Weatherall/unsplash)

Kaohsiung City

Located in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a special municipality and the third most populous city on the island. Dating back to the 17th Century, the city transformed itself from a fishing village to the powerhouse of southern Taiwan. In addition, Kaohsiung is also home to the largest harbor on the island (Port of Kaohsiung) and Taiwan's second busiest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. Major attractions in and around Kaohsiung include 85 Sky Tower, Cijin Island, Lotus Lake, Liuhe Night Market, and Love River. Anyone interested in a 1-day tour around Kaohsiung, clicks this link on Trip.com. For hotels in Kaohsiung, check out this Trip.com suggestion: Best Four Star Hotels in Kaohsiung.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Kaohsiung City

Tainan is home to several temples and historical sites
(Source: Eagan Hsu/unsplash)

Tainan City

Located in southern Taiwan, facing the western coast of the Taiwan Strait, Tainan City is also a special municipality and a former provincial capital city. As the oldest urban area on the island, Tainan is a historical city rich in folk culture and traditional architecture. In addition, Tainan is also known for its local delicacies like Dan-tsu noodles, coffin bread, and eel noodles. Major attractions in and around Tainan include Anping Fort, Beiji Temple, Chihkan Tower, Confucius Temple, and Taijiang National Park. For the ultimate Tainan travel guide and 2-day itinerary, click this link on Trip.com. For hotels in Tainan, check out this Trip.com suggestion: Best Hotels in Tainan.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Tainan City

Taichung is the second most populous city in Taiwan
(Source: Yeh Che Wei/unsplash)

Taichung City

Meaning "central Taiwan" in Chinese, Taichung City is a special municipality in, as you guessed, central Taiwan. As the second most populous city on the island, Taichung was initially developed from several hamlets of indigenous peoples. Today the city is home to many industries and is well-known for The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and suncakes. Major attractions in and around Taichung include Rainbow Village, Feng Chia Night Market, Hakka Culture Center, and Slow Village. Anyone interested in a 1-day vacation package in Taichung, clicks this link on Trip.com. For hotels in Taichung, check out this Trip.com suggestion: Best Four Star Hotels in Taichung.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Taichung City

Many tours to nearby parks and attractions leave from Hualien City
(Source: Jia Wei Ng/unsplash)

Hualien City

Situated on the east coast of Taiwan, Hualien City is the county seat of Hualien County. Surrounded by mountains, hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and beaches, Hualien City is an excellent base for visits to nearby national parks like the famous Taroko National Park. In addition, Hualien has many unique local good eats like fried egg scallion pancake, bamboo rice, pulled sweet potato and taro, and Hualien mochi. Major attractions in and around Taichung include Qixing Lake, Nanbin Park, Hualien railway Culture Park, and Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park. For the ultimate Hualien travel guide and 1-day itinerary, click this link on Trip.com.

For hotels in Hualien, check out this Trip.com suggestion

Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Taiwan

Taiwan Travel Guide: Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Taiwan

National Palace Museum has an entrance fee of NT$350 (US$11.09)

Taipei National Palace Museum

Address

No. 221, Section 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Price

NT$350 (US$11.09)

Located in Taipei's Shilin District, the Taipei National Palace Museum is home to one of the world's most extensive collections of its kind. There are nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artifacts and artworks spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history. Considered the treasure house of Chinese culture, visitors can admire priceless works such as bronzes, paintings, ceramics, books, and handicrafts. Check this Trip.com’s One-day Taipei Tour Package, which includes a visit to the National Palace Museum.

Taiwan Travel Guide: The best views are from floors

The best views are from floors 88, 89, 91, and 101
(Source: Thomas Tucker/unsplash)

Taipei 101

Address

No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110\

Price

General Ticket NT$600 (US$19.01); Skyline 460 NT$3,000 (US$95.07)

While Taipei 101 is no longer the tallest building in the world, it is still one of the most impressive buildings and most prominent attractions. Weighing 728 tons and standing at 509.2 meters (approx. 1,670 feet), this massive skyscraper is an engineering marvel built to survive the island's many earthquakes. There are 2 ticket types: The general ticket grants access to floors 5, 88, 89, and 91, and the Skyline 460 ticket allows access to floors 88, 89, 91, and 101.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall


Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall sits in a 250,000-sq m park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Address

No. 21, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 10048, Taiwan

Price

Free

Visitors can stroll through an extensive library and museum, admire a giant statue of Chiang Kai-shek, and be moved by a guard-mounting ceremony. Check this Trip.com’s 6-Hour Layover Ultimate Taipei City Private Tour, which includes a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Shilin Night Market opens nightly

Shilin Night Market opens nightly

Shilin Night Market

Address

No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Price

Free to enter

Taiwan is world famous for its night market, and Shilin Night Market is the biggest and most famous of them all. The central market is a covered space but be sure to also wander the surrounding streets for more shops and over 500 food vendors. The night market opens Monday–Friday from 16:00 to midnight, and Saturday–Sunday from 15:00 to 01:00. Check out Trip.com’s Ultimate Taipei Sightseeing Tour, including the Shilin Night Market.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Sun Moon Lake is 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Taichung


Sun Moon Lake is 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Taichung

Sun Moon Lake

Address

Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

Price

Free

Sun Moon Lake doesn't just have a charming name, it is also the largest body of water and one of the top tourist destinations in Taiwan. With so many sightseeing, boating, hiking, and cycling activities on offer, no wonder plenty of hotels, resorts, shops, and bars are found around the lake. Besides the stunning natural sceneries, there are many notable attractions like Wenwu temple, Xuanguang temple, Ci'en Pagoda, and Shuishe Pier. Trip.com regularly offers full-day tours to Sun Moon Lake.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Entrance to Taroko National Park is free


Entrance to Taroko National Park is free

Taroko National Park

Address

No. 291, Fushi, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 972003


Price

Free to enter

Established in 1986, Taroko National Park is full of incredible natural landscapes of cliffs, canyons, caves, streams, and waterfalls. Situated in Hualien County, visitors flock to the park to marvel at its dramatic gorges, drive through its windy roads, and enjoy the great outdoor activities. While entrance to the park is free, getting on the Zhuilu Old Road requires a fee of NT$200 (US$6.34). It is advisable to check the road condition before heading out as road closures happen regularly due to rock falls.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Alishan National Scenic Area is home to the Tsou people


Alishan National Scenic Area is home to the Tsou people

Alishan National Scenic Area

Address

605, Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan


Price

NT$150 (US$4.75) for locals and NT$300 (US$9.51) for foreigners

Located in central Taiwan, Alishan National Scenic Area is about a 2-hr drive from Chiayi. This mountainous range consists of 18 mountains that tower to a height of over 2,000 meters (approx. 6,562 feet). Visitors can easily spend a weekend and more exploring the area's pristine and wild hills, valleys, waterfalls, and forests. The site is also the original home of the Tsou aboriginal tribe and has many tea-growing zones. Chiayi City is the main gateway to Alishan. From there, you can find buses, taxis, and the Alishan Forest Railway to transport you to the Scenic Area.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum has been open to the public since 2001


Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum has been open to the public since 2001

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Address

No. 153, Xingtian Rd., Dashu Dist., Kaohsiung City 840, Taiwan


Price

Free

No visit to Kaohsiung is complete without a stopover at the magnificent Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. Founded by Master Hsing Yun, the size and scale of the museum complex are breathtaking and awe-inspiring to most visitors. This large property has numerous pagodas and temples, such as the Great Buddha Standing Statue, Fo Guang Shan Big Buddha, the Main Shrine, and the Way to Buddhahood Path. Entrance to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is free. For anyone who wishes to make a donation, there are many donation boxes located throughout the complex. A visit to the buddha museum is included in this Trip.com’s offer: Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour.
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Taiwan Travel Guide: Kenting National Park is the first park of its kind in Taiwan

Kenting National Park is the first park of its kind in Taiwan

Kenting National Park

Address

No. 596, Kending Rd., Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan, 946009


Price

Free or small entrance fee depending on which site you visit

Located in the south of Taiwan on the Hengchun Peninsula, Kenting National Park is the oldest national park in Taiwan. This top-rated tourist destination is also the only tropical botanical garden in Taiwan. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, visitors can relax and explore the impressive flora and fauna, white sand beach, blue sea, and rocky terrain in the area. You can also surf, snorkel, dive, swim, or sunbathe. Top attractions in the national park include Bai Sha Beach, Baobitou Park, Nam Wan Beach, Jialeshuei Scenic Area, and Eluanbi Lighthouse and Park.
Taiwan Travel Guide: Jiufen is 40 km (25 miles) east of Taipei city


Jiufen is 40 km (25 miles) east of Taipei city
(Source: Y K/unsplash)

Jiufen

Address

Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 22448


Price

Free

Jiufen is a charming old town on the hills, about 40 km (25 miles) east of Taipei City. A perfect destination for a day trip from Taipei, visitors are transported to a fairytale-like world of fascinating architecture, narrow lanes, red lanterns, food stalls, and cute tea houses. Things to do include strolling the busy Jiufen old street filled with cafes and local shops, visiting the golden waterfall, and hiking on teapot mountain. Check out this Trip.com’s link for a day of hiking and traditional tea in Jiufen.
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FAQ

  • Will I need to undergo a quarantine when I travel to Taiwan?

    From Oct 13, 2022, all inbound travelers will no longer need to undergo a 3-day quarantine upon arrival. Instead, the self-initiated epidemic prevention will last for 7 days.


  • Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?

    Many countries are part of Taiwan's visa-exempt entry scheme. To check if you need a visa to Taiwan, refer to the official Bureau of Consular Affairs website.


  • What currency can I use when I travel to Taiwan?

    The official currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar(TWD).


  • How to travel to Taipei city center from the airport?

    Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to central Taipei transfer options include taxis, buses, and metro. Trip.com also offers private transfer between the airport and the city center.


  • What's the best way to travel around Taiwan?

    You can travel around Taiwan by car or rail as all major cities in Taiwan are connected by the Taiwan Railway Administration network of local and express trains.


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