Taiwan entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. No visa application is needed — just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Taiwan. Taiwan does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for Swiss nationals — as long as it covers your stay dates, you are fine. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Taiwan | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Taiwan. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed amount required for Swiss visitors, but around 500–1,000 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Taiwan. If it's even a day short, you will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Check your passport now.
No visa application needed
Swiss passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Taiwan. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. No fees, no forms.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Follow signs to 'Foreigners' immigration. Join the queue for visa-exempt travellers. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport, take a photo, and stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
2
Complete arrival card (if required)
Some airlines still hand out paper arrival cards on the plane. Fill it in with your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. If you don't get one, don't worry — immigration will ask if needed.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually green channel (nothing to declare). If you have items to declare, use the red channel.
Download Taiwan Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostNT$1,600 (~$50 USD)
Must apply at Taiwan embassy/consulate abroad. Extend at National Immigration Agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostNT$3,200 (~$100 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Same extension rules apply.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 180 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostNT$3,200 (~$100 USD)
For purposes like study, business, or family visit. Requires sponsor in Taiwan.
work visa
Employment Gold Card (Work Visa)
1–3 years, renewable
NT$3,200 (~$100 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Taiwan. Includes work and residence rights. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold.
Apply student visa
Resident Visa for Study
Up to 2 years, renewable
NT$2,200 (~$68 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Taiwanese educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission. Must maintain enrollment.
Apply investor visa
Investment Visa (Resident Visa for Investment)
1 year, renewable
NT$10,000 (~$310 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least NT$6 million (~$185,000 USD) in a Taiwanese business. Requires business plan and approval.
Apply retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (for retirees)
1 year, renewable
NT$5,000 (~$155 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial means (NT$1.5 million in savings or NT$20,000/month income). Must have health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 60 days, extendable once for 30 days. | NT$1,600 (~$50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max 60 days per visit. | NT$3,200 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine NT$10,000 (~$310 USD). | NT$1,000 (~$31 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Taiwan
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Taiwan airports. They can stay in the international transit area without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) · Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) · Taichung International Airport (RMQ)
Health & vaccines for Taiwan
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in southern Taiwan, especially summer. Use repellent and avoid standing water.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is good, but street food may cause mild issues. Drink bottled water in rural areas.
Air pollutionModerate risk
PM2.5 levels can be high in winter, especially in central/southern cities. Wear masks if sensitive.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Taipei
National Immigration Agency (NIA) Headquarters
No. 15, Guangzhou Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Taichung
NIA Taichung Service Station
No. 91, Section 2, Taiwan Boulevard, West District, Taichung City 403
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles extensions and residence matters. Less crowded than Taipei.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalTaipei
LanguageMandarin Chinese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 30 days. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyNew Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 31.6 TWD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is treated but most people boil it or use filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Taiwan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Taiwan before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban.
You need to apply for a visa before you travel. Options include a visitor visa (up to 180 days) or a resident visa. Contact the Taiwan Embassy in Bern or the Taipei Representative Office in Zurich for details.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements (valid passport, return ticket).
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to renew it at the Swiss embassy in Taipei. You may also need to leave Taiwan to get a new passport if renewal isn't possible.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work or study. You need a proper work or student visa for that.
No. Swiss citizens get visa-free entry, not a visa on arrival. You don't need to apply or pay anything — just show your passport.
If immigration denies you entry, you'll be placed on a flight back to Switzerland or your last departure point. You can ask for a reason, but the decision is final. Common reasons include insufficient passport validity, no return ticket, or suspicion of working illegally.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.