Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a free, mandatory digital immigration form that all foreign visitors must complete online before entering Taiwan. Since October 1, 2025, the TWAC has replaced the traditional paper arrival card, requiring travelers to submit their details through the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Taiwan Arrival Card – from application process to airport arrival procedures.
What Is the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)?
The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a digital immigration registration system managed by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA). Every foreign national entering Taiwan must complete this online form before arrival. The TWAC collects basic personal and travel information including your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address in Taiwan.
The TWAC system was introduced to modernize Taiwan’s immigration process and reduce paperwork at airports. Since its launch, millions of travelers have used the system to register their arrival in Taiwan.
Digital vs. Paper: What Changed in October 2025
Starting October 1, 2025, the Taiwan Arrival Card became exclusively digital. The traditional paper arrival cards previously distributed on flights and at immigration counters have been completely phased out. This change means:
- No more paper forms at airports or on planes
- Mandatory online submission before arrival
- QR code confirmation replaces paper receipts
- Faster immigration processing at all entry ports
If you traveled to Taiwan before October 2025 and remember filling out a paper form, that option no longer exists. All travelers must now use the TWAC online system.
TWAC vs. Visa: Key Differences
Many travelers confuse the Taiwan Arrival Card with a visa, but they are completely different documents:
| Feature | TWAC | Taiwan Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Arrival registration | Entry permission |
| Required for | All foreign nationals | Visa-required nationalities only |
| Cost | Free | Varies by type |
| Validity | Single entry | 30-90 days typically |
| Application | Online (self-service) | Embassy/consulate |
The TWAC is not a visa. It is a separate arrival registration form that even visa-exempt travelers must complete. If your nationality requires a visa for Taiwan, you need both a valid visa AND a completed TWAC.
Who Needs to Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals entering Taiwan must complete the TWAC, with a few specific exceptions. The requirement applies regardless of your visa status, purpose of visit, or length of stay.
Who must submit a TWAC:
- Tourists and vacationers
- Business travelers
- Visitors seeing friends or family
- Transit passengers entering Taiwan (landside)
- All nationalities, including visa-exempt countries
Who is exempt from the TWAC:
- Taiwan residents with valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Taiwan residents with valid Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC)
- ROC (Republic of China) nationals
- Airside transit passengers who do not pass through immigration
Visa-Exempt Travelers
Over 60 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan, but this exemption applies only to the visa requirement – not the TWAC. Even if you can enter Taiwan without a visa for 30, 60, or 90 days, you still need to complete the TWAC before arrival.
Major visa-exempt nationalities include:
- 90 days: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries
- 30 days: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and others
Transit Passengers
Transit rules depend on whether you pass through immigration:
- Airside transit (staying in the transit area, not clearing immigration): TWAC not required
- Landside transit (clearing immigration to enter Taiwan, even briefly): TWAC required
If your layover in Taiwan involves leaving the airport transit area, you must have a TWAC.
Children and Families
Every traveler, regardless of age, needs a separate TWAC submission. This includes:
- Infants and newborns
- Children of all ages
- Elderly travelers
Parents or guardians can complete the TWAC on behalf of their children. For family travel, each family member needs an individual submission with their own passport details.
How to Apply for the Taiwan Arrival Card Online
Applying for the Taiwan Arrival Card is straightforward and takes less than 5 minutes. The process is completely free and available 24/7 through the official TWAC portal.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Follow these steps to complete your TWAC:
- Visit the TWAC portal: Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw
- Select language: Choose English (or Chinese) from the language options
- Enter personal information:
- Full name (exactly as shown on your passport)
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Enter travel details:
- Flight number
- Arrival date
- Enter accommodation:
- Hotel name or accommodation type
- Full address in Taiwan (street, city, postal code)
- Review all information for accuracy
- Submit the form
- Receive confirmation email with QR code
Required Information and Documents
To complete the TWAC, you will need:
- Valid passport (must be valid for duration of stay)
- Flight details (airline and flight number)
- Accommodation address in Taiwan (hotel name and address)
- Email address (for confirmation and QR code)
You do not need to upload any documents or photos. The TWAC only collects text-based information.
Confirmation and QR Code
After submitting your TWAC, you will receive a confirmation email within minutes. This email contains:
- A QR code for immigration
- A summary of your submitted information
- Instructions for your arrival
Important tips:
- Take a screenshot of the QR code as a backup
- The QR code is valid for single entry only
- Show the QR code (on phone or printed) at immigration
- If you don’t receive the email, check your spam folder
Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements and Deadlines
The TWAC has specific timing requirements that travelers should be aware of to avoid issues at immigration.
Submission Window: When to Fill Out
The Taiwan Arrival Card must be submitted within 3 days before your arrival date in Taiwan. For example:
- If you arrive on January 15, you can submit from January 12 onward
- Submitting earlier than 3 days before arrival is not accepted
- Last-minute airport submission is possible if you have internet access
Recommended timing: Submit your TWAC 1-2 days before departure to allow time for any corrections if needed.
Passport Validity Rules
Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your planned stay in Taiwan. Specific rules:
- US citizens: Can stay up to 90 days if passport is valid for 90+ days; shorter passport validity = shorter allowed stay
- Other nationalities: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months (general rule)
- No extensions: If your passport validity limits your stay, no extensions are permitted
Accommodation Information
The TWAC requires a specific accommodation address in Taiwan. Acceptable formats include:
- Hotel name and full address
- Airbnb or rental property address
- Private residence address (friend/family)
- Not accepted: Just a city name, “TBD,” or “hotel near airport”
If you haven’t booked accommodation yet, you can update your TWAC with the correct address before arrival.
Entry Requirements Beyond the Arrival Card
The TWAC is just one part of Taiwan’s entry requirements. Here’s what else you need:
Visa-Exempt Countries and Duration
Taiwan offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 60 countries. The duration varies by nationality:
| Region | Countries | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North America | USA, Canada | 90 days |
| Europe | UK, Germany, France, most EU | 90 days |
| Asia-Pacific | Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand | 90 days |
| Southeast Asia | Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines | 30 days |
| Others | Varies by country | 30-90 days |
For the complete list, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website at boca.gov.tw.
Landing Visa Option
Certain nationalities can obtain a landing visa upon arrival at Taiwan’s airports. This option:
- Requires additional documentation at the port of entry
- May involve a processing fee
- Is subject to approval by immigration officers
- Is separate from the TWAC (you need both)
Customs and Prohibited Items
Taiwan has strict customs regulations:
- Prohibited: Illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods
- Restricted: Certain agricultural products, medications
- Duty-free limits: Personal items within reasonable quantities
- Cash declaration: Amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared
Troubleshooting: Common TWAC Issues
If you encounter problems with your Taiwan Arrival Card, here are solutions for the most common issues.
Confirmation Email Not Received
If you don’t receive your TWAC confirmation email:
- Wait 30 minutes – processing can take time during peak periods
- Check spam/junk folder – TWAC emails sometimes get filtered
- Verify your email address – ensure it was entered correctly
- Try a different email – resubmit with an alternative email address
- Contact NIA helpline: +886-2-2388-9393
Errors in Submitted Information
If you made a mistake on your TWAC:
- Minor errors (small typos in name): Usually acceptable at immigration
- Major errors (wrong passport number): Submit a new TWAC form
- Overwriting: The latest submission automatically replaces previous ones
- No penalty: You can resubmit as many times as needed
Website Technical Issues
If the TWAC portal isn’t working:
- Try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Disable VPN or proxy connections
- Try accessing from a mobile device
- Contact NIA technical support if issues persist
Taiwan Airport Arrival Process: What to Expect
After landing in Taiwan, here’s what to expect during the arrival process.
At Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taiwan’s main international gateway, Taoyuan International Airport, has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Most international airlines
- Terminal 2: China Airlines, EVA Air, and partner airlines
Immigration counters are clearly signposted in both terminals. Follow the signs to “Immigration” after disembarking.
Immigration Queue and Inspection
The immigration process typically takes 15-30 minutes during normal hours:
- Join the queue for foreign passport holders
- Have ready: Passport and TWAC QR code (on phone or printed)
- Present to officer: Passport and QR code
- Officer checks: Reviews documents, may ask brief questions
- Receive entry stamp: Passport is stamped with entry date
- Proceed to baggage claim
Common questions officers may ask:
- Purpose of visit
- Length of stay
- Where you’re staying
Customs Declaration
After collecting your luggage, proceed to customs:
- Green lane: Nothing to declare (most travelers)
- Red lane: Items requiring declaration (excess goods, restricted items)
Most travelers pass through the green lane without issues. If in doubt, declare items to avoid penalties.
Taiwan Entry Requirements: Quick Reference
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| TWAC | Mandatory for all foreign nationals |
| Passport | Valid for duration of stay |
| Return ticket | Confirmed onward travel |
| Sufficient funds | Proof of financial means |
| Visa (if required) | Obtained before arrival |
| Landing visa | Available for some nationalities |
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: July 2025. Information sourced from Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA), Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), and official government travel advisories. Entry requirements are subject to change – always verify with official sources before travel.
Sources:
- TWAC Official Portal: twac.immigration.gov.tw
- National Immigration Agency: immigration.gov.tw
- Bureau of Consular Affairs: boca.gov.tw
- American Institute in Taiwan: ait.org.tw
- UK Foreign Travel Advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan
- US State Department: travel.state.gov
