Applying for a Taiwan visa differs from country to country and on travel intent. For some people, it may take as little as holding a valid passport, while for others, it will require they come bearing numerous documents to support their application.
Then again, most travelers require they sit in the comfort of their homes and obtain their Taiwan visa through the internet.
Others need to queue up at the port of entry in Taiwan to secure a visa.
You must obtain your travel visa, regardless of the application route, so long as you’re qualified.
So, applicants for a Taiwan visa can get all the information on their visa requirements here and how to apply without breaking a sweat.
In this article
- About Taiwan
- Who should get a Taiwan visa?
- Different Taiwan visa-free travel duration
- Countries with 14 days stay in Taiwan
- Countries with 21 days stay in Taiwan
- Countries with 30 days stay in Taiwan
- Countries with a 90-day visit to Taiwan
- When can a visa-free national apply for a visa to Taiwan?
- Documents required from a Taiwan visa-free traveler
- Application requirement for a Taiwan visa for selected countries
- How to apply for a Taiwan visa
- Extra documentation for employed travelers
- Taiwan eVisa requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
About Taiwan
Taiwan proudly sits between the east and the south China seas. A country set in the Eastern part of Asia.
This country is known for its natural creativity and has given them several international awards and recognition in film festivals.
Amazingly, Taiwan has produced great movie directors more than some other countries.
Also, the national palace museum, with about 650,000 pieces of art, is considered the greatest in the world.
Taiwan has a cultural heritage with its roots sprouting from many sources and backgrounds like; Japan, China, and some more.
In essence, this country qualifies in all ramifications as a beautiful place to visit and live.
Who should get a Taiwan visa?
Travelers from non-visa countries must obtain a visa before visiting Taiwan.
Also, anyone going to stay for a year and above in Taiwan should get a Taiwan visa.
This is irrespective of the fact that you are from a visa-free country; so long you want to stay in Taiwan for more than a year, you must get an appropriate Taiwan visa.
The country only approves short visits for nationals of visa-free countries.
Different Taiwan visa-free travel duration
Though all are visa-free policies, Taiwan has a duration for each country eligible for the visa-free policy.
So, all short stays in the country are regulated according to immigration rules and regulations.
Nationals of some countries are only allowed to stay in Taiwan for 14 days, while others can stay for up to 30 days. Also, some can stay for up to 90 days, and others enjoy only 21 days.
Countries with 14 days stay in Taiwan
Citizens of the Philippines, Brunei, and Thailand can travel to Taiwan without a visa and stay for 14 days, uninterrupted.
However, this privilege is for citizens of the countries mentioned above with ordinary passports. Anyone with a diplomatic passport is not eligible.
Countries with 21 days stay in Taiwan
Russia is the only country in this category. So, Russians with their ordinary country passport can easily travel to Taiwan visa-free and stay for a maximum of 21 days before leaving.
Any Russian with a diplomat passport is not allowed this opportunity.
Countries with 30 days stay in Taiwan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Nauru
- Belize
- Saint Lucia
- Dominican Republic
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nationals from these eight countries can travel to Taiwan on a visa-free basis and stay for 30 days (one month).
Countries with a 90-day visit to Taiwan
- Canada
- Members of EU countries
- Haiti
- Andorra
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Chile
- Israel
- Nationals of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries
- Honduras
- United States
- Guatemala
- Vatican City
- Japan
- San Marino
- Marshall Islands
- Nicaragua
- Tuvalu
- Eswatini
- Palau
Nationals of any of the countries listed above can travel and stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days. And they travel without applying for a visa.
When can a visa-free national apply for a visa to Taiwan?
It’s already a fact that everyone traveling to Taiwan for a long stay must apply for a visa, including; visitors from a visa-free country.
Now, as a national from these countries, you need to apply for a visa if you want to work in Taiwan, study, do business, or live in Taiwan.
Additionally, say you want to apply for this country’s visa, you have to present your documents according to what the Taiwan government requires of your country.
That is to say that each country’s requirements differ from the next. So, be sure to apply accordingly.
Documents required from a Taiwan visa-free traveler
- A valid passport with at least two free pages
- Proof of your accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient money to last you your stay in Taiwan
- Your return flight ticket
- Your contact information in Taiwan
Now, these documents must travel along with you to Taiwan. Therefore, you have to present it when you enter the country.
Application requirement for a Taiwan visa for selected countries
Anyone from a non-visa-exempt country must appear physically at the Taiwan embassy or diplomatic mission in your country to apply for a visa.
As mentioned earlier, Taiwan has different requirements from separate countries.
For example, Nigeria and Ghana citizens who wish to visit Taiwan must process their visas at the Taipei trade office in Nigeria.
In the same way, Indian and Nepal citizens must process their Taiwan visas at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center, New Delhi.
Furthermore, citizens from:
- Syria
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Iraq
- India (citizens with normal visas)
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- The Gambia
- Senegal
- Cameroon
- Niger
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Algeria
- Bhutan
The nationals of these countries can not visit Taiwan with a visitor visa unless they meet some requirements, which include:
- You are coming for medical treatment.
- Visit a family member who must be a Taiwan resident
- The government of Taiwan invited you over for an official visit
- Among a group of performers or on a religious visit
- You are a crew member
- You are on a business visit with a guarantee letter from your Taiwan contact.
How to apply for a Taiwan visa
So long your country is not qualified for visa-free or electronic visa application, you must physically appear at the visa application center to process your visa.
To begin with, you have to arrange these documents for the application process.
Download and correctly fill out the visa application form by penning down your details, passport information, your contact in Taiwan, your application venue, and the type of visa you are applying for. Then, sign the form and save it immediately and print it out.
- Evidence of enough funds to last you till you leave
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs (2)
- Evidence of your return flight
- Proof of visa application fee payment
They may require you to bring extra documents if they deem it fit. It may be for minors, studies, employment, or other purposes.
Extra documentation for employed travelers
- An employer letter that states that you are truly and gainfully employed.
- However, if you are an entrepreneur or self-employed, you need to provide proof.
For students
Present an acceptance or admission letter from a school in Taiwan.
Or an ID card of your school
For minors
It is for children below 18 years of age
Application form signed by the parent or guardian
Original birth certificate
Letter of authorization from parents or guardian if they are traveling alone
Minor’s ID card
Should the minor require an interview, the parents must accompany them
Also, if the minor is traveling with only one parent, the Minor must bear the consent letter from the other parent
In cases where the other parent is not available to give consent, the Minor must carry an appropriate document to prove that.
For workers who got a job offer
An employment letter from the Taiwan company you gained employment from. Meanwhile, you can get a full Taiwan work visa from requirements from here.
Taiwan eVisa requirements
An electronic visa to Taiwan is not for all countries. However, citizens of countries who qualify for this visa must present these documents before they enter the country.
- Evidence of where you will stay in Taiwan
- Proof of funds
- To and fro flight tickets
Additionally, you may provide more documents while applying for the visa online or at the point of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Taiwan visa?
Taiwan does not have a specific amount. It differs according to the country, the travel purpose, where you are applying, and the visa type.
Now, for travelers applying from their respective diplomatic missions, a single entry visa fee is $50.
- The double entry visa fee is $100
- The single entry resident visa fee is $66
- Multiple entry resident visa fee is $132
Can I extend my Taiwan visa?
It is possible to extend your Taiwan visa if you have a qualified visa. However, most visas for Taiwan specifically state that you can not extend your stay. So, check before you think about an extension.
Taiwan visa from Nigeria is how much?
Nigerians can visit Taiwan for specific reasons. As a Nigerian, you have to pay $150 as your visa application fee. Also, a diplomat mission is available in Nigeria, where you can submit your visa application form and documents.
Do Hong Kong citizens need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
Hong Kong citizens do not need a visa to travel to Hong Kong. However, they need to apply for an entry and exit permit.
Is it cheap to live in Taiwan?
Living in Taiwan may be a bit costly for a new resident. But, again, you talk about how cheap the country is, depending on how many people are involved.
Moreover, moving to a new country has never been an easy or cheap task. But when you compare the cost of living in Taiwan and the UK, Taiwan comes off cheaper.
Conclusion
Traveling, as we know, is a form of education on its own. Taiwan holds a lot of fun and educative adventures for visitors. Regardless of your travel purpose to this country, there is a lot to pick from by visiting Taiwan.