Taiwan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Taiwan in 2026. Apply online through the Bureau of Consular Affairs website before you travel. Processing can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | South African passport holders need a visa to enter Taiwan. Apply at the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs website or at your nearest Taiwanese embassy or consulate. Processing times vary, so apply at least 2–4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Taiwan. Taiwan does not require 6 months beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Taiwan | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Taiwan within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Taiwan. Officers may ask for it at entry, especially if you don't have a return ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements, a credit card, or cash equivalent to at least NT$10,000 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for visa holders, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
Visa processing can take 2–3 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your visa approval in hand.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa approval, flight booking, and hotel confirmation as PDFs on your phone. You may not have internet access at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to visawebapp.boca.gov.tw, create an account, fill in the application, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can be longer during peak periods.
2
Wait for approval
You'll receive an email once your visa is approved. Print the approval letter or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at immigration.
3
Arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport, visa approval letter, return ticket, and first night accommodation ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Taiwan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
CostTWD 1,600 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Taiwan embassy/consulate. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostTWD 3,200 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must meet criteria.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 180 days
Validity6 months
CostTWD 3,200 (~$110 USD)
For purposes like visiting family or long-term tourism. Requires strong ties.
work visa
Employment Gold Card
1–3 years, renewable
TWD 1,000–10,000 (~$35–345 USD) depending on duration
For highly skilled professionals. Requires a job offer and meeting salary/qualification criteria. Includes work and residence rights.
Apply student visa
Resident Visa (Study)
Duration of study program, renewable
TWD 2,200 (~$75 USD) for visa, plus extension fees
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
TWD 2,200 (~$75 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial means. Requires proof of pension/savings and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
TWD 10,000 (~$345 USD) plus investment amount
For those investing at least TWD 6 million (~$207,000 USD) in a Taiwanese business. Includes residence rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For South Africa passport holders requiring a visa. | TWD 1,600 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | TWD 3,200 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if overstaying visa-free or visa period. | TWD 100 (~$3.50 USD) per day, max TWD 10,000 (~$345 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Taiwan do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
- Transit without visa applies only to major international airports.
Transit hubsTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) · Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) · Taichung International Airport (RMQ)
Health & vaccines for Taiwan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid untreated water and undercooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Seasonal air quality issues, especially in Taipei and Kaohsiung; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
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 extensions and re-entry permits. Bring application form, passport, photo, and fee.
Taichung
NIA Taichung Service Station
No. 2, Section 1, Minquan Road, West District, Taichung City 403
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles extensions and visa-related services for central Taiwan.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 31.92 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
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days after you submit your online application. It can take longer during busy periods, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
The visa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For South Africans, a single-entry visa typically costs around 1,600 TWD (about 800 ZAR). Check the exact fee on the application portal.
No, the visa for South African passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Taiwan before your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to enter Taiwan (even for a few hours), you need the visa. Check with your airline for transit rules.
You'll receive a rejection notice with the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or a passport that's too close to expiry. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but there's no guarantee of approval.
No. South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved visa before you fly.
It's not a formal requirement for the visa application, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a bank statement handy is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.