If you’re traveling to Taiwan and aren’t visa-exempt, you may be eligible to apply for an eVisa. The Taiwan eVisa is an alternative to the regular tourist visa, which will save you from making a trip to a Taiwanese embassy.
In this detailed guide, find out if you’re eligible, what the Taiwan eVisa provisions are, and what the application process is like.
Quick summary:
- Eligibility: 19 countries (see below for a full list)
- Validity: 3 months, single-entry only
- Allowed stay: 30 days
- Processing time: 3-7 days
- Fee: 1,646 TWD (free of cost for some nationalities)
- Extensions: Not allowed
If you haven’t already, read the Taiwan Visa Guide for general information on various visa options for tourists, their eligibility and requirements.
Table of Contents
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Understanding Taiwan eVisa
eVisa validity
Taiwan eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You can enter on any date within this period – it doesn’t have to be the intended date of entry you stated in the application.
Duration of stay
The maximum allowed stay inside Taiwan is 30 days.
Allowed number of entries
Taiwan eVisa is single-entry only. It is void the moment you enter the country.
There is no multiple-entry eVisa variant.
Allowed ports of entry
You can enter Taiwan from any international airport or seaport using an eVisa. You may not need an eVisa if you enter Taiwan on a cruise ship.
When to apply
In most cases, Taiwan eVisas are processed quite quickly. However, you may be requested to submit more documents in which case it might take longer.
- Latest: 7 days before traveling
- Earliest: 3 months before traveling
eVisa extension
Extending the eVisa is not allowed. Converting it into any other type of visa is also not allowed.
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Taiwan eVisa Requirements
eVisa eligibility
Independent tourists from the following countries are eligible for the Taiwan eVisa:
- Bahrain
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Burkina Faso
- Colombia *
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Mauritius
- Montenegro
- Oman
- Panama
- Peru
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Solomon Islands
- Turkey #
- United Arab Emirates
*Colombia
To be eligible to apply for eVisa, Colombians must hold a valid residence permit in a member state of the Schengen Area, a United States green card, or a Schengen visa or United States visa with a minimum validity of 180 days.
#Turkey
Turkey nationals are also eligible for Taiwan Visa on Arrival, which is also free of cost. They must fill out the online application before arrival in Taiwan.
The following nationalities can also get an eVisa but only as part of an approved tour group. This is formally called “Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries” or Project Kuan-Hong”.
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Vietnam
Independent travelers from the above 6 countries are eligible to obtain Travel Authorization Certificate online if holding a visa from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, etc. If not eligible for either, nationals from these countries must obtain a Taiwan tourist visa from the embassy.
Documents required
The following documents are required for Taiwan eVisa.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of arrival in Taiwan
- Passport data page scan
- One digital photograph
- A credit or debit card for visa fee
The passport data page scan must be in JPG/JPEG format with a maximum size of 600KB.
You may be requested to submit additional documents later (this includes the compulsory residence permit/visa required for Colombian nationals).
Photo requirements
You need to upload one digital photo to your online application. Your photo must meet the following requirements:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Must be in color on a white background
- Front facing with your face filling in between 70 to 80% of the frame
- No hat or sunglasses
The digital photo must be in JPG/JPEG format with a maximum size of 350KB.
eVisa fee
The Taiwan eVisa costs 1600 TWD plus 46 TWD processing fees, so 1646 TWD in total. You will pay this fee online at the end of the application using a credit or debit card.
The fee is free of cost for the following nationalities:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Colombia
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Mauritius
- Montenegro
- Panama
- Peru
- Solomon Islands
- Turkey
Processing time
In most cases, Taiwan issues eVisas within 7 days of submission.
You may be requested to submit more documents in which case it may take longer.
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eVisa Application Process
How to apply for eVisa
The Taiwan eVisa application is one of the easiest online applications out there. Start your application by navigating to the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Step 1: Click “New” under the “eVisa Applications” box.
Step 2: Read through the requirements and confirm.
Step 3: Enter your nationality, passport number, and email address.
Step 4: Confirm your email address via the link in the email you received. It will then automatically take you to the online form.
Step 5: Fill out the application form. You will also have to upload a picture of the bio page of your passport and a face picture. Take note of the Application Number (the 16-digit code).
Step 6: Pay (only if your country is not exempt from the visa fee). If you don’t see that option, it means you are fee-exempt.
Step 7: You can confirm that your application has been submitted by going to the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs home page and clicking the “Edit | Status” button under “eVisa Applications”, then entering your details. It should say “You have completed the visa application form” in blue letters.
Step 8: Keep checking your email in the next few days for updates. If more documents are requested, you will be informed via email.
How to track eVisa status
You can check the status of the eVisa from the Home Page of the online portal by clicking “Edit | Status” and entering your Application number and passport number.
How to download approved eVisa
Go to the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and click on “Edit | Status” under “eVisa Applications”.
Enter your Application No. and Passport No. to log into your eVisa application.
Scroll down to “Download eVisa”. It will say “Not Available” until your eVisa is issued. Once issued, you can download the eVisa from there.
How to contact eVisa customer service
Unfortunately, there is no option to contact eVisa customer service. You can check the eVisa FAQ for some commonly asked questions.
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Entry Procedure at the Border
Before your travel, make sure to download and print your Taiwan eVisa.
And, make sure to complete the online Taiwan Arrival Card before heading to the immigration.
At immigration present your passport and printed eVisa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eVisa if I am on a cruise ship?
You don’t need to apply for an eVisa if you arrive in Taiwan on a cruise ship.
If you would otherwise need a visa for Taiwan but arrive on a cruise ship, you will receive a special temporary entry permit after approval by the immigration authorities.
Let your cruise company know and they should be able to coordinate it.
Do I have to obtain an eVisa if I do not leave the international transit area at the airport in Taiwan?
No, you do not need to apply for an eVisa if you do not leave the airport’s international transit area.
Can I get a Visa on Arrival instead of an eVisa?
Visa on arrival (VoA) for Taiwan is only possible for Turkish passport holders. It is free of charge.
Turkish nationals can decide which one to apply for – the eVisa or the VoA. They are equivalent.
