Taiwan Visa: Can I Get It At Taoyuan Airport?

can i get a taiwan visa in tpe airport

If you are transiting at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you do not need to apply for a visa as long as you do not pass through immigration. However, if you plan to enter Taiwan, you will need to check if you require a visa. This depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. US citizens, for example, can enter Taiwan as tourists or short-term visitors for up to 90 days without a visa. Indian citizens, on the other hand, are not eligible for visa-free entry or the e-visa and must apply for a regular visitor visa in advance.

Characteristics Values
Visa requirement for US citizens with a layover at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) No visa required for stays of less than 90 days
Visa requirement for Indian citizens with a layover at TPE Visa required if exiting the international transit area; not eligible for visa on arrival
Visa requirement for Vietnamese citizens with a layover at TPE No visa required if not leaving the transit area
Visa requirement for citizens of 65 countries No visa required for stays of less than 90 days
Passport validity requirement Valid for at least six months

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US citizens don't need a visa for a short-term visit

US citizens do not need a visa for a short-term visit to Taiwan. US passport holders are eligible for the visa exemption program, which permits a duration of stay of up to 90 days. This applies to those seeking entry as tourists or short-term visitors. To be eligible, your passport must be valid for more than 90 days, and you must also possess a confirmed return or onward ticket.

If you are transiting through Taiwan, you do not need a visa as long as you do not exit the security area. However, if you need to stay overnight at the airport or are changing airports, you will need a visa.

It is important to note that if you enter Taiwan visa-free for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, or conducting business, and then intend to engage in activities that require a permit, you must obtain one. For example, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days or work or reside in Taiwan, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling.

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Indian citizens need a visa in advance

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Taiwan. This can be obtained in advance from a Taiwan embassy or consulate, or through an online application. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least three weeks to one month before travelling.

Indian citizens can apply for a Taiwan eVisa online, which is the fastest and easiest way to obtain a visa for Taiwan. Applicants can submit their applications and supporting documents online and will receive their eVisa electronically once approved. The eVisa is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries within this period.

If Indian citizens are not eligible for an eVisa, they must submit a General Visa Application on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website and send it to the nearest Taiwan embassy. The application form can be found on the website https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/. A completed and signed application form, a valid passport, proof of finances, and other supporting documents are required for the visa application. The visa fee starts at Rs.4800.

Indian citizens who are transiting through Taiwan and do not plan to exit the international transit area do not need a visa. However, if they wish to exit the transit area, such as to stay overnight at a hotel, they will need to obtain a visa in advance.

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No visa needed for under 90 days with a US passport

If you are a US passport holder, you do not need to obtain a visa for Taiwan if you intend to stay for fewer than 90 days. This is because Taiwan has a visa exemption program for US passport holders, which permits a duration of stay of up to 90 days. This also applies to citizens of other countries, such as Canada and the UK, who can stay for up to 180 days.

However, it is important to note that this exemption only applies if you are entering Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor. If you plan to work or reside in Taiwan, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling. Additionally, your US passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

If you are transiting through Taiwan and will not be exiting the security area, you do not need a visa, regardless of your nationality. However, if you need to pass through immigration, for example, if you plan to stay overnight at a hotel outside of the airport, you will need to obtain a visa unless you are from a visa-exempt country.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is one of the ports of entry that offer visa exemptions. However, if you are arriving at a different airport, such as Taipei Songshan Airport or Kaohsiung International Airport, you will need to be issued a temporary entry permit and apply for a visa at the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) headquarters in Taipei or another designated office.

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No visa needed if not leaving the transit area

If you are transiting at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and do not plan to leave the transit area, you do not need to apply for a visa. This is because TPE is one of the ports of entry to enjoy visa exemption in Taiwan.

Upon arrival at TPE, you will arrive at one of the 2F Arrival Concourses. You will then need to find your new gate at one of the 3F Concourses. If you need to travel between terminals, you can take the skytrain.

If you are a US passport holder, you do not need a visa to enter Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor (less than 90 days). Your passport must be valid throughout your intended length of stay, and you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

However, if you wish to exit the international transit area, you will need to pass through immigration and will likely need a visa in advance. This may depend on your nationality, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your country.

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Visa exemption countries don't need a visa

Visitors to Taiwan must obtain a visa or authorisation in advance unless they come from a country that is visa-exempt or one whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival. Nationals of certain countries must follow different requirements for visitor visa applications.

Visa Exemption

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Taiwan for visits of up to 90 days:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Taiwan for visits of up to 14 days:

  • Brunei
  • Turkey

Nationals of the Philippines were exempt from Taiwanese visa requirements on 1 November 2017, but this exemption has since been revoked.

Visa on Arrival

Nationals of Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival to Taiwan without charge for a stay of up to 30 days.

Special Entry Requirements

Chinese nationals with residency in mainland China, including those who are non-permanent residents of Hong Kong or Macau, require prior approval from the Taiwanese government and must hold an Exit & Entry Permit (a de facto e-visa) before travelling to Taiwan. As of October 2024, citizens of mainland China cannot visit Taiwan for tourism unless they qualify for one of the following exemptions:

  • They reside outside mainland China and hold temporary or permanent residence status in Hong Kong, Macau, or a third country.
  • They are residents of Fujian and are only visiting Kinmen and Matsu (an endorsement on the Taiwan Travel Permit is obtainable).

Transit Visas

Transit visas are not required for passengers transiting through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) as long as they do not exit the international transit area. However, Indian citizens are not eligible for a transit visa or e-visa unless they are travelling with a group.

Frequently asked questions

If you are not leaving the transit area, you do not need a visa. However, if you are exiting the international transit area, you will need a visa in advance.

Tourists or short-term visitors can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work or reside in Taiwan, you will need to obtain a visa prior to your travel.

Yes, citizens of 65 countries do not need a visa to enter Taiwan. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European countries.

You can check the official website of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) or refer to the Taiwan government website for the most up-to-date information.

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