United States entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Taiwan passport holders need an approved ESTA to enter the United States for tourism or business. The application is online, usually approved within minutes, and costs US$40.27. Plan ahead — while most approvals are instant, the official processing time allows up to 72 hours.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationESTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. You must have it approved before you fly. Required for visa-free entry | Taiwan passport holders must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). The fee is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. Valid for at least 6 months beyond stay | Your Taiwan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps prove you're a genuine visitor and avoids issues at check-in. Recommended to show at check-in | While not strictly required by U.S. regulations, airlines may ask to see a return or onward ticket to confirm you intend to leave within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry a credit card or bank statement just in case. Recommended to show if asked | Not required by U.S. law, but be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by a border officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Taiwan passport holders entering the United States. | Not required |
| Maximum stayYou must leave the U.S. before your 90 days are up; extensions are not possible. 90 days | ESTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. This stay cannot be extended. | Required |
ESTA approval is not guaranteed
While most applications are approved instantly, some require additional review. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. If denied, you'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, which takes weeks.
Taiwan is in the Visa Waiver Program
Unlike citizens of Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, Taiwan passport holders can use ESTA for visa-free travel. You don't need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the ESTA application online
Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/, fill in your personal and passport details, answer eligibility questions, and pay the US$40.27 fee. Most applications are approved instantly; allow up to 72 hours for processing.
2
Receive your ESTA approval
You'll get an email with your ESTA status. Approval is linked electronically to your passport — no paperwork needed. Check that all details match your passport exactly.
3
Book your travel
Once approved, book your flights and accommodation. Ensure your return or onward ticket is booked before you depart.
4
Travel to the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry, present your passport. The CBP officer may ask about your stay and return plans. They'll stamp your passport with an admission period (usually up to 90 days).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (at discretion of CBP officer)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entries)
Cost$185 (application fee)
For longer stays or if ESTA is denied. Requires an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader/Investor Visa
Max stay2 years initially, extendable
ValidityIndefinite as long as status maintained
Cost$205 (application fee)
For Taiwan nationals engaged in substantial trade or investment in the U.S. Requires a treaty country relationship.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Max stay3 years, extendable to 6 years
ValidityUp to 6 years
Cost$190 (base fee) + additional fees
For employment in a specialty occupation. Requires a U.S. employer sponsor and an approved petition.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + optional practical training (up to 12 months)
$160 USD application fee + $350 USD SEVIS fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190 USD application fee + employer fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years, extendable)
$220 USD application fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, study, research, or work-and-travel programs. Requires sponsorship by a designated US organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeRequired for all Taiwan passport holders traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. | $21 |
| ESTA authorization feeCharged only if the application is approved. | $19.27 |
| Total ESTA costPaid online via the official ESTA website. | $40.27 |
| Visa extension (I-539)For stays beyond 90 days; must be filed before the current period expires. | $455 |
| Biometric services fee (if applicable)May be required for certain visa applications or extensions. | $85 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Taiwan30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 States
No transit visa needed
Taiwan passport holders transiting through the U.S. are generally eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) if they meet all requirements, including having an approved ESTA before travel. For airside transit (not entering the U.S.), ESTA is still required because the U.S. does not have a formal airside transit exemption.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of Taiwan with a valid U.S. visa do not need ESTA.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsLos Angeles International (LAX) · San Francisco International (SFO) · John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially in Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus present nationwide; dengue rare but reported in southern states.
Foodborne illnesses (E. coli, Salmonella)Low risk
Risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy; practice food safety.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for TW travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Taiwan does). You need an approved ESTA for transit, even if you don't leave the airport. You must clear U.S. immigration and customs.
Most applications are approved instantly. The official processing time is up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe.
No. The Visa Waiver Program does not allow extensions. You must leave the US by the date stamped in your passport. Overstaying can result in future inadmissibility.
You'll receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply, but if denied, you'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Taipei, which requires an interview.
It's not mandatory, but it helps. Carry recent bank statements or a credit card to demonstrate you can cover your expenses during the trip. The officer may ask how you'll fund your stay.
No. ESTA is for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment only. Any form of paid work, including remote work for a foreign employer, is technically not allowed. If you plan to work, you need a different visa category.
Bring your passport, ESTA approval confirmation, return ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds. Organize them in a clear folder for quick access.
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.