Taiwan entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
If you hold a German passport, you can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page. Here's what you need to prepare.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Taiwan. Taiwan does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but your airline may enforce their own 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Taiwan | Immigration officers at Taoyuan Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. A flight reservation from a booking site works fine if you haven't bought the ticket yet. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids a 10-minute delay at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 20,000 TWD (~$650 USD). Immigration almost never checks this for German passport holders, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
90-day visa-free stay is not extendable
You cannot ask for an extension once in Taiwan. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a visitor visa (typically 180 days) at the Taiwanese embassy or representative office in Germany before you travel. Overstaying even by a day can lead to fines and a re-entry ban.
Biometrics are mandatory at immigration
All foreign arrivals must provide fingerprints (both thumbs) and a photo. Immigration officers are efficient but strict – have your passport, arrival card, and return ticket ready. Answer any questions clearly; the process usually takes under 2 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or save your return/onward ticket, and have your accommodation address ready. Pack a pen for the arrival card.
2
Board your flight to Taiwan
At check-in, the airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket. Without these, they may deny boarding. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time.
3
Fill in the arrival card
On the plane or at a counter before immigration, complete the white arrival card. You'll need your flight number, passport details, and the address where you're staying in Taiwan.
4
Go through immigration at Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (or other airports)
Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport and arrival card. Be ready to show your return ticket if asked. The officer will take fingerprints (both thumbs) and a photo. They may ask simple questions about your itinerary – answer honestly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in. The process usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage if you have checked bags, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). That's it — you're free to leave the airport.
Download Taiwan Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostNT$1,600 (~USD 50)
Apply at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate before travel. Extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostNT$3,200 (~USD 100)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visitor visa (residence)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostNT$2,000 (~USD 62)
For purposes like study, work, or family reunion. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Employment Gold Card (Work Visa)
1–3 years, renewable
TWD 1,000–5,000 (~$31–$155 USD) depending on duration
For highly skilled professionals. Requires a job offer in Taiwan and minimum salary threshold. Includes residency and multiple re-entry.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Resident Visa for Study)
Duration of study program, renewable annually
TWD 2,200 (~$68 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Taiwanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa (Resident Visa for Investment)
1 year, renewable
TWD 5,000 (~$155 USD)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of TWD 15 million (~$465,000 USD) in a Taiwanese business. Includes residency.
Apply retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
TWD 2,200 (~$68 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial means (e.g., TWD 1.5 million in savings or monthly pension). Requires health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is NT$10,000 (~USD 310). Overstay can also lead to deportation and future entry bans. | NT$1,000 (~USD 31) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate. | NT$1,600 (~USD 50) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period; conditions apply. | NT$3,200 (~USD 100) |
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
German passport holders can transit through Taiwan without a visa for up to 72 hours (airside) or up to 5 days (landside) under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
- Landside transit (entering Taiwan) is allowed for up to 5 days with a confirmed onward ticket and valid passport.
Transit hubsTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) · Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) · Taichung International Airport (RMQ)
Health & vaccines for Taiwan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially summer. Use repellent.
Japanese encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in rural areas. Consider vaccine if long stay or rural travel.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from street food; practice good hygiene.
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 residence permits. Bring passport, photo, and application form.
Taichung
NIA Taichung Service Station
No. 2, Section 1, Minquan Road, West District, Taichung City 403
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for central Taiwan visitors.
Practical information for DE 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 = 31.55 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
Getting to Taiwan
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Taiwan — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay for German citizens is generally not extendable. Except in cases of medical emergency or force majeure, you cannot get an extension. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a visitor visa (typically 180 days) at the Taiwanese embassy in Germany before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban on re-entry.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before booking. Taiwan strictly requires 6 months of validity from the date of entry – no exceptions.
If you're transiting (not leaving the airport) and have an onward flight within 24 hours, you usually don't need a return ticket. But if you plan to enter Taiwan even for a short time, the 90-day visa-free rules apply and you'll need the return/onward ticket. For layovers longer than 24 hours where you want to leave the airport, you can use visa-free entry.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business (short meetings, conferences), transit, and family visits. Any paid work, study, or long-term activities require a proper visa. You cannot switch status while in Taiwan; you must leave and apply from abroad.
No. There's no advance online registration for German passport holders entering visa-free. Just fill in the paper arrival card. However, during the COVID era there were health declarations; as of 2025, these are no longer required. Check the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website if you arrive with symptoms.
You'll be fined NT$10,000–NT$20,000 (approx. €280–€560) for overstays up to 30 days, and possibly banned from re-entry for a period. Longer overstays can lead to detention and deportation. It's strictly enforced.
If you remain in the international transit area and have an onward flight within 24 hours, you generally don't need a visa. For longer layovers or if you want to leave the airport, you can use the visa-free entry (up to 90 days) as long as you meet the requirements.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.