Taiwan entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and is confirmed through 2026. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has one blank page for the entry stamp.
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 be in Taiwan. Taiwan does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Taiwan | Immigration officers at Taoyuan Airport 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. Budget airlines are especially strict about this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host in Taiwan. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have access to at least NT$10,000 (roughly $300 USD) per day of your stay, either in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for US passport holders, but it's good to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
Use the eGate for faster entry
US passports are eligible for Taiwan's automated eGate system at all major airports. Register once on arrival (takes 30 seconds at the machine), and future visits become a breeze – no queue, no questions.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Even a day short of the 6-month requirement can get you turned away. Check your passport before booking flights. If in doubt, renew early – routine processing takes 2-3 months.
No visa extensions available
Once you've used your 90-day visa-free stay, you cannot extend. You must leave Taiwan by the stamp date. Overstays incur fines and may affect future visa-free access.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), a pen if you plan to fill a paper arrival card, and your return ticket ready. If using the Online Arrival Card, submit it up to 7 days before travel and save the QR code.
2
Arrival at Taiwan airport
At major Taiwan airports (Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Songshan), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. US citizens can use the automated eGate lanes – enroll at the kiosk on your first visit (takes about 30 seconds). Once enrolled, just scan your passport and you're through. Otherwise, queue at a manned booth.
3
Present your passport and get stamped
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly (tourism, business, visiting family). They'll stamp an entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Keep that stamp safe – you'll need it when leaving.
Download Taiwan Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 180 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostTWD 1,600 (approx. USD 50)
Requires application at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate. Allows longer stay and possible extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable up to 180 days total
Validity1 year from issue date
CostTWD 3,200 (approx. USD 100)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance; extension possible after arrival.
Resident visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostTWD 2,200 (approx. USD 70) plus processing fees
For purposes like work, study, or family reunion. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Employment Gold Card (Work Visa)
1–3 years, renewable
NT$3,200–10,000 (approx. $100–$310 USD) depending on duration
For highly skilled professionals; offers fast-track residence and work rights. Requires employer sponsorship or proof of specialized skills.
Apply student visa
Resident Visa (Study)
Valid for duration of study program, typically 1–4 years
NT$2,200 (approx. $70 USD) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a recognized Taiwanese educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
NT$2,200 (approx. $70 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient funds (approx. NT$1.5 million in savings or monthly pension). Requires health insurance and no criminal record.
investor visa
Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
NT$2,200 (approx. $70 USD) plus investment amount
For those investing at least NT$6 million in a Taiwanese business or government-approved project. Must maintain investment for visa renewal.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free entry is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines vary; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry bans. | TWD 1,000–5,000 (approx. USD 30–150) per day |
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
US passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Taiwan, even if leaving the airport for a short layover (up to 72 hours).
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for US citizens transiting through Taiwan for up to 72 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) · Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) · Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
Health & vaccines for Taiwan
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas during warmer months. Use repellent and avoid standing water.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked meat and unwashed produce.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Particulate matter can be high in cities; those with respiratory issues should monitor air quality.
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-related inquiries and extensions for those with visas. Bring passport, photos, and application forms.
Taichung
NIA Taichung Service Station
No. 2, Section 1, Minquan Road, West District, Taichung City 403
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits for central Taiwan visitors.
Practical information for US 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
You get up to 90 days per entry. The exact number of days is written on the entry stamp. Overstaying even a day can result in fines (NT$300-9,000) and a record that might affect future visits.
No. The visa-free program does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or resident permit before arriving, or leave and re-enter (but re-entry isn't guaranteed to reset the 90 days).
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, short-term business, or visiting family. You cannot work, teach, or enroll in a course (even short-term) without the proper visa or work permit.
You must have a valid passport for the entire stay. If your passport expires before you depart, you'll need to renew at the US embassy in Taipei and then update your immigration record.
No, it's not required for US citizens. But if asked, a credit card and a few hundred US dollars in cash are usually enough.
Yes, if you're a US passport holder you can register in seconds at the eGate kiosk (look for 'Foreigners'). Once enrolled, you skip the manned counter entirely. Works at Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, and Songshan.
Report to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) in person. They can reissue a stamp for a small fee (NT$100). Keep a photo of your passport and stamp just in case.
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.