Taiwan entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism, business meetings, or transit, but you must meet standard entry requirements at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Taiwan. Taiwan does not require 6 months of remaining validity for UK passport holders, but your airline may ask for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Taiwan | Immigration officers at Taoyuan Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers rarely ask, but carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your stay. A few thousand New Taiwan Dollars in cash also helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying the visa-free period by even one day can result in a fine of NT$3,000–10,000 (about £75–£250) and possible re-entry restrictions. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
Online arrival card cuts queues
Taiwan's free online Arrival Card system lets you pre-fill details and get a QR code. Use it at Taoyuan, Songshan, Kaohsiung, or Taichung airports – the dedicated lane is usually faster. Fill in at https://nsc.immigration.gov.tw up to 7 days before travel.
Don't forget a return ticket
Immigration officers regularly ask for proof of onward or return travel. If you're on a one-way ticket or don't have an exit booking, you may be refused entry. Have a flexible ticket or book a refundable one before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Fill in online arrival card (recommended)
Taiwan has an online entry system (the 'Arrival Card') for faster clearance. Fill it out at https://nsc.immigration.gov.tw within 7 days before your flight. You'll get a QR code – have it ready on your phone or printed. Not mandatory, but skips the paper form queue.
2
Walk to immigration at any international airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' / 'Foreigners'. Queue in the 'All Passports' line or use an automated e-Gate if eligible. Have your passport and arrival card (paper or QR) ready. Expect questions like 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where will you go?'.
3
Present documents and receive stamp
Hand over your passport and any requested supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer will stamp your passport with a date until which you must leave. Keep the stamp visible – you'll need it when exiting.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if you had checked bags). Then go through Customs – nothing to declare unless you have restricted items or over NT$100,000 in cash.
Download Taiwan Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNT$1,600 (approx. USD 50)
Requires application at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year
CostNT$3,200 (approx. USD 100)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must be applied for in advance.
Resident visa (long-stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostNT$2,200 (approx. USD 70)
For purposes like work, study, or family reunion; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Employment Gold Card (Work Visa)
1–3 years, renewable
NT$5,000–NT$10,000 (~$155–$310 USD) application fee
For highly skilled professionals; allows multiple entries and family accompaniment. Requires a job offer and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Resident Visa (Study)
Valid for duration of study, renewable annually
NT$1,600 (~$50 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Taiwanese institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
NT$5,000 (~$155 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient funds (approx. NT$1.5 million in savings). Requires health insurance and no criminal record.
investor visa
Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
NT$10,000 (~$310 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least NT$6 million in Taiwan. Allows family members to accompany.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | N/A |
| Overstay finePenalty depends on duration; may include ban for serious overstays. | NT$1,000–5,000 per day (approx. USD 30–155), max NT$50,000 (approx. USD 1,550) |
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
UK passport holders can transit through Taiwan without a visa for up to 72 hours (airside) or up to 5 days (with a transit tour) if they have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 72 hours if you have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the airport.
- A 5-day transit tour is available for certain nationalities; UK holders may qualify with a pre-booked tour.
Transit hubsTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) · Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) · Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Health & vaccines for Taiwan
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during warmer months.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked food and tap water.
Air pollutionLow risk
Occasional poor air quality in cities; those with respiratory issues should monitor alerts.
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 (Headquarters)
No. 15, Guangzhou Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and application forms.
Taichung
NIA Taichung Service Center
No. 2, Section 1, Wenxin Road, Nantun District, Taichung City 408
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles extensions and permits for central Taiwan.
Practical information for GB 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 entry is not extendable for British passport holders. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Taiwan before the 90 days expire and re-enter (subject to immigration discretion). Overstaying results in a fine of NT$3,000–NT$10,000 and possible re-entry restrictions.
You cannot work or study on a visa-free entry. You need a proper visa (e.g., Resident Visa or Work Permit) applied for through a Taiwanese embassy or your sponsor before travel.
No – if you're transiting within 12 hours and stay airside (don't clear immigration), you don't need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, use the 90-day visa-free entry instead.
No, it's optional. You can still fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the airport. But using the online system (free) speeds up the queue substantially.
Yes, each entry resets the 90-day clock, as long as immigration allows it. However, frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions. It's safest to have a clear purpose (e.g., tourism) and proof of onward travel.
You'll need to get a new passport from the British Office in Taipei (at 26/F, President International Tower, 9-11 Song Gao Road). They issue emergency travel documents – but allow several days for processing.
No – the 90-day visa-free applies even for one-day visits. Just have your return ticket and passport ready.
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.