United States entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. The most common option is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which requires an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy in Taipei. Plan ahead — interview wait times can be several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | You need a valid US visa before you travel. Apply at the US Department of State website — the B-1/B-2 tourist visa is the standard option. Expect an in-person interview at the US embassy in Taipei and processing can take several weeks.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. US immigration does not enforce a 6-month validity rule for Taiwanese passports — just make sure it doesn't expire while you're there. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or credit card | Officers can ask how you'll support yourself during your trip. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Interview wait times can be long
During peak seasons (summer, holidays), AIT Taipei interview slots can fill up weeks in advance. Check the current wait time on the AIT website and apply early — ideally 3 months before your planned travel.
Taiwan is not in the Visa Waiver Program
Unlike citizens of Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, Taiwan passport holders cannot use ESTA for visa-free travel. You must go through the full visa application process. There are no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov, select 'Taipei' as the location, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport-style photo, and submit. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 fee (about NT$5,700) at a designated bank in Taiwan or online via the AIT payment system. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
3
Schedule your interview at AIT Taipei
Log into the AIT appointment system, choose a date and time. Wait times vary — check current availability. You'll need your DS-160 barcode and payment receipt.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at AIT Taipei (No. 100, Jinhu Road, Neihu District) with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, payment receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to Taiwan, and travel history. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker within a few days to a week. You can track the status online or opt for courier delivery.
6
Travel to the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry, present your passport with visa. The CBP officer may ask about your stay and return plans. They'll stamp your passport with an admission period (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years for Taiwanese passport holders
Cost$160 USD (approx. NT$5,120)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years for Taiwanese passport holders
Cost$160 USD (approx. NT$5,120)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace period
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (approx. NT$5,120) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time study at accredited US institutions. Requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
Validity3 years initially
Cost$190 USD (approx. NT$6,080) + employer fees
For specialty occupations. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
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 |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. NT$5,120) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Taiwanese passport holders. | $160 USD (approx. NT$5,120) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (approx. NT$11,840) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may also lead to future inadmissibility. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
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
Transit visa required
Taiwan passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, unless they have a valid US visa or are from a visa waiver country (Taiwan is not in the Visa Waiver Program).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a transit visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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 not). You need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. Even if you don't leave the airport, you must clear U.S. immigration and customs.
The entire process — from filling out the DS-160 to receiving your passport — typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. Interview wait times at AIT Taipei vary by season; check the current estimated wait time on the AIT website before planning.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with Form I-539 to USCIS before your authorized stay expires. The fee is $370 plus a biometrics fee. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted on a case-by-case basis.
The officer will give you a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, usually for insufficient ties to Taiwan. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial. There's no appeal process.
It's not mandatory, but it helps. Bring recent bank statements, pay slips, or tax returns to demonstrate you can cover your expenses during the trip. The officer may ask how you'll fund your stay.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa 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, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, a recent passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and any previous U.S. visas. Organize them in a clear folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.