Navigating the Taiwan Visa Maze: A Step-by-Step Guide
- YUN RU CHEN
- Oct 8, 2024
- 4 min read
After traveling the world for over five years, I’ve gone through my fair share of visa applications. Now, as I plan a return to Taiwan to reconnect with my homeland, I want to bring my Mexican boyfriend along to explore the beauty of Taiwan together.
However, helping him apply for a Taiwan Tourist/Business Visa made me realize how tricky and time-consuming the process can be—especially in Mexico and Latin America, where we had to visit the embassy four times just to get things sorted!
I decided to write this guide for anyone else in a similar situation—whether you're applying for a Taiwan travel or business visa. In this guide, I’ll cover:
Which countries are visa-exempt
Which countries require a visa and how to apply
Prerequisites, required documents, timelines, and the overall process
Countries That Do Not Require a Visa to Enter Taiwan
Taiwan has visa-free entry agreements with several countries, allowing their nationals to visit Taiwan for a specific period without needing to apply for a visa in advance. Depending on the country, travelers can stay for up to 90 days or up to 30 days.
Visa-Exempt Countries (Stay Up to 90 Days)
European Union (EU)
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
United States (USA)
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Visa-Exempt Countries (Stay Up to 30 Days)
Thailand
Philippines
Brunei
If you’re from one of these countries, you can travel to Taiwan for tourism or business without needing to apply for a visa—just pack your bags and go!
Countries That Require a Visa to Travel to Taiwan
If you’re from most countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, or parts of Asia (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia, India), a visa is required before entering Taiwan.
Let’s walk through the visa application process, the documents needed, and some tips to help you navigate it more smoothly.
Taiwan Travel Visa Prerequisites & Requirements
Prerequisites & Requirements
Here are the key requirements and documents you’ll need for your Taiwan visa application:
1. Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Taiwan.
2. Visa Application Form
You’ll need to complete Taiwan’s official visa application form, either online or at a Taiwanese embassy or consulate.
3. Passport-Sized Photos
Submit two recent passport-sized photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm) that meet visa photo specifications.
4. Proof of Financial Means
You’ll need bank statements showing you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Taiwan. In Mexico, this is typically around 25,000 pesos ( around 1300 USD ) .
If you can’t meet the solvency requirements, you’ll need a sponsor. They must provide a signed sponsorship letter and their bank statements.
5. Return Ticket
A confirmed round-trip ticket or an onward travel ticket is required.
Important: If your flight connects through another country, you’ll need to provide a visa for the transit country if required. For example, when we flew through San Francisco, we had to present a valid USA visa.
6. Proof of Accommodation or Travel Itinerary
Submit your hotel bookings or a detailed travel itinerary that covers your stay in Taiwan.
7. Visa Fee
Visa fees vary by country and visa type (single-entry or multiple-entry). In Mexico, the fee is 50 USD, but make sure the cash is new and in pristine condition (no creases, stains, or marks). We learned this the hard way—Taiwanese consulates are very strict about this!
8. Additional Documents for Business Visas
If you’re applying for a business visa, you’ll need:
An invitation letter from a Taiwanese company
Business registration documents from your employer
Check here for more details
How to Apply for a Taiwan Visa
There are two main ways to apply for a Taiwan visa:
Online Visa Application
Some travelers can apply online through Taiwan’s eVisa portal. This process is straightforward and saves time if available for your country.
In-Person Application at a Taiwanese Embassy
Alternatively, you can submit your application at the nearest Taiwanese embassy or consulate. Make sure to double-check the visa requirements specific to your country before heading in.
Visa Processing Time
Processing times can vary depending on the country and visa type:
Standard Visa Processing: Typically takes 3–5 business days, but I recommend applying as early as possible in case of delays.
Rush Processing: In urgent cases, some embassies offer expedited services for an additional fee.
Navigating the Taiwan visa process might seem daunting, especially if you’re applying from a country with more requirements like Mexico. However, with the right preparation and documents, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you’re visiting Taiwan for tourism or business, this guide should help you tackle the process with confidence.
Just remember to double-check the specific requirements for your country, stay organized, and apply early to avoid any last-minute stress. Once that’s out of the way, you’ll be ready to enjoy Taiwan’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes!
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