United Kingdom entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Taiwan passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or transit. The ETA is a digital permit linked to your passport, and you must apply online before you travel. Approval is not instant, so plan ahead.
Apply for United Kingdom eVisaRequired for most visa-exempt visitors since 2024-2025. Not a visa — approval is linked electronically to your passport. Apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)You need to get this online approval before you fly to the UK. evisa | Taiwan passport holders must obtain an approved UK ETA before departure. Apply online via the official UK government ETA system. The ETA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years, or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. 6 months | Your Taiwan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the UK. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers may ask to see that you plan to leave the UK. Proof of departure | Carry proof of a return or onward travel ticket to leave the UK before your ETA or visa-free period ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have bank statements or cash available in case they ask. Financial evidence | Be ready to show you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and return travel, if asked by a border officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Taiwan passport holders entering the UK. | Not required |
ETA is mandatory for transit
Even if you're just changing planes at Heathrow and staying in the international transit area, you must have an approved ETA. Airlines won't let you board without it.
Apply early — no rush service
There's no expedited ETA service. The standard processing time is up to 3 working days, but it can occasionally take longer. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official UK government ETA website or download the 'UK ETA' app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and answer a few questions. Pay the £10 fee with a credit/debit card. You'll get a confirmation email.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETAs are approved within a few hours to 3 working days. Check your email (including spam) for the decision. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport, so you don't need to print anything.
3
Fly to the UK
At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA status. If it's not approved, you won't be allowed to board. On arrival at a UK airport (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester), go to the 'ePassport' gates if you have a biometric passport — just scan your passport and look at the camera. If not, join the 'All Other Passports' queue and present your passport to an officer.
4
Answer questions at border control
If you're in the manual queue, the officer will ask about your trip: purpose, where you're staying, how long, and your return plans. Answer clearly and have your accommodation and return ticket ready. You'll get a stamp in your passport (unless using ePassport gates, which don't stamp).
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost£115 (6 months), £400 (2 years), £771 (5 years), £1,021 (10 years)
For tourism, business, study up to 6 months, or medical treatment.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months (single entry)
Cost£115
For registering a marriage or civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months (single entry)
Cost£115
For specific paid engagements like lecturing or performing.
Skilled Worker visa
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityUp to 5 years (extendable)
Cost£719–£1,420 depending on circumstances
Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor; includes health surcharge.
student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Duration of course + up to 4 months
£490 (~$620 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed UK institution. Requires Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and proof of funds. Allows part-time work during term.
Apply work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
£719–£1,423 (~$910–$1,800 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For those with a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence. Requires meeting salary threshold and English language requirement. Path to settlement.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, renewable
£1,277 (~$1,615 USD) plus IHS
For those with a viable, innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds. Path to settlement.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, renewable
£1,538 (~$1,945 USD) plus IHS
For partners of British citizens or settled persons. Requires meeting financial and English language requirements. Path to settlement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Required for visa-free travel; valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. | £10 |
| Visa extension (standard visitor)Apply before current leave expires; decision usually within 8 weeks. | £1,000 |
| Visa extension (premium service)Priority processing; fees subject to change. | £1,500 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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 United Kingdom
No transit visa needed
Taiwan passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit through UK airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through UK border control.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or pass through border control, you must obtain a Visitor in Transit visa (unless you qualify for visa-free entry).
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; avoid tick bites.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate pollution; generally not a major concern.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – Premium Service Centre
70 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3BQ
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For in-person appointments for visa applications and enquiries. Book online in advance.
Birmingham
UKVI Premium Service Centre – Birmingham
The Axis, 10 Holliday Street, Birmingham B1 1TF
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Offers priority visa services. Check eligibility before visiting.
Practical information for TW travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa for short stays (up to 6 months) for tourism, business, or transit. You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is a digital pre-travel check. Apply online before you go.
The ETA costs £10 (about NT$400). Processing usually takes up to 3 working days, but it can be faster — sometimes within a few hours. Apply well ahead of your flight, especially during peak travel times.
No, the ETA is not extendable. You must leave the UK before your 6-month stay expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa from outside the UK.
If your ETA application is refused, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply, but if the issue is serious (e.g., criminal record), you may need to apply for a standard visitor visa instead. Contact the UK Visas and Immigration helpline for guidance.
Yes, the ETA is valid for multiple entries within 2 years, but you must reapply after it expires. Each application is tied to your passport number, so if you get a new passport, you'll need a new ETA.
Yes, if your Taiwan passport is biometric (has the chip symbol), you can use the ePassport gates at major airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. Just scan your passport and follow the prompts — no stamp is given, but it's faster.
You still need an ETA if you're transiting through the UK, even if you don't pass through border control. The ETA covers transit. If you're staying airside and not entering the UK, you still need the ETA — there's no exemption for Taiwan passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.