Taiwan Airport Arrival Procedures

What to expect at Taiwan airports from landing to immigration clearance. Taiwan airport arrival procedures are straightforward when you have your Taiwan arrival card QR code ready.

Taoyuan International Airport Arrival Process

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main gateway for international travelers entering Taiwan. The airport has two terminals, and your arrival experience depends on which terminal your airline uses. Both terminals follow the same immigration procedures, but terminal layouts differ.

Step-by-step arrival process at Taoyuan Airport:

1. Deplane and follow signs – Follow the overhead signs toward “Immigration” or “Arrival Hall”
2. Walk to immigration counters – The walk from the gate takes 5-10 minutes depending on your arrival gate
3. Choose the correct line – Foreign passport holders use the counters marked “Foreign Nationals”
4. Present your documents – Hand over your passport and show your Taiwan arrival card QR code on your phone or printed paper
5. Biometric scan – Immigration officers may take your photo and fingerprints
6. Collect your luggage – Proceed to the baggage claim area for your flight number
7. Pass through customs – Declare any items if required, or walk through the green channel

The entire process from deplaning to exiting the airport takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes during normal hours. During peak arrival times (Friday evenings, holiday periods), expect 60 to 90 minutes.

For travelers who need to complete their arrival card at the airport, see our Taiwan arrival card application guide.

Immigration Counter Procedures

Taiwan immigration counters process foreign nationals separately from ROC citizens. Look for the designated lines for foreign passport holders when you approach the immigration hall.

What immigration officers check:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry
• Taiwan arrival card QR code – digital or printed
• Visa (if required) – some nationalities need a visa in addition to the arrival card
• Return or onward ticket – proof that you will leave Taiwan within your allowed stay
• Accommodation details – where you will be staying in Taiwan

The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed duration of stay. Most tourists receive a 30-day or 90-day entry stamp depending on their nationality and visa status.

Self-service immigration kiosks are available at Taoyuan Airport for eligible nationalities. These kiosks use biometric verification and can process travelers in under 2 minutes. Eligible nationalities include holders of passports from the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries.

Taipei Songshan Airport Arrival Process

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) handles mostly regional flights from Japan, South Korea, China, and domestic routes. The arrival process is similar to Taoyuan but smaller and faster.

Key differences from Taoyuan Airport:

• Smaller terminal – Walking distances are shorter, typically 3-5 minutes from gate to immigration
• Fewer immigration counters – Processing may be slower during simultaneous arrivals
• Closer to city center – Located in downtown Taipei, 15 minutes by taxi to most hotels
• Metro access – Direct MRT connection via the Brown Line (Wenhu Line)

The immigration procedure is identical to Taoyuan. You still need your passport and Taiwan arrival card QR code. The main advantage of arriving at Songshan is the shorter distance to central Taipei hotels.

Kaohsiung International Airport

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) serves southern Taiwan and handles fewer international flights than Taoyuan. The arrival process is the same, but wait times are usually shorter.

Important details for Kaohsiung arrivals:

• Single terminal – All international arrivals use the same building
• Shorter queues – Immigration typically takes 10-20 minutes
• Limited international routes – Mainly flights from Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China
• MRT access – Connected to the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line

Your Taiwan arrival card QR code works the same way at Kaohsiung as at any other Taiwan airport. There are no special procedures or additional requirements for arriving at a smaller airport.

Self-Service Immigration Kiosks

Taiwan offers automated immigration kiosks at major airports for eligible travelers. These kiosks can process your entry in under 2 minutes, significantly faster than waiting in the regular immigration line.

Eligibility for self-service kiosks:

• Hold a passport from an eligible country (US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, EU countries, and others)
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Have previously entered Taiwan at least once
• Have a valid Taiwan arrival card

To use the kiosk:

1. Scan your passport at the reader
2. Place your right index finger on the fingerprint scanner
3. Look at the camera for facial recognition
4. Wait for the screen to confirm your entry
5. Collect your receipt and proceed to baggage claim

First-time visitors to Taiwan must use the regular immigration counters. After your first entry, you can register for the automated system and use kiosks on subsequent visits.

What to Do If You Are Denied Entry

Being denied entry at a Taiwan airport is rare but can happen. Common reasons include insufficient passport validity, lack of required visa, inability to show onward travel, or security concerns.

If immigration officers have questions about your entry:

• Stay calm and cooperative – Answer all questions honestly
• Provide supporting documents – Show hotel bookings, return tickets, and sufficient funds
• Request clarification – If you do not understand a question, ask for it to be repeated
• Contact your embassy – You have the right to contact your country’s representative in Taiwan

Travelers who are denied entry will be held in a transit area until a return flight is available. The airline that brought you to Taiwan is responsible for your return transportation.

To avoid entry issues, ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months, you have a confirmed return ticket, and your Taiwan arrival card information matches your passport exactly.

Connecting Flights and Transit

Transit passengers who do not leave the airport do not need a Taiwan arrival card. However, if you plan to leave the airport during a long layover, you must complete the full arrival card and immigration process.

Transit procedures at Taoyuan Airport:

• Airside transit – Stay in the transit area, no arrival card needed
• Landside transit – If you want to leave the airport, go through immigration with arrival card ready
• Transit hotel – The airport has a transit hotel inside the secure area (no arrival card needed)
• Layover tours – Some airlines offer free layover tours that require going through immigration

For layovers longer than 8 hours, many travelers choose to visit Taipei. The Taoyuan Airport MRT reaches Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes. You will need your Taiwan arrival card QR code to exit and re-enter through immigration.

Baggage Claim and Customs

After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage. Baggage carousels are clearly marked with flight numbers on overhead screens.

Baggage claim tips:

• Check the screen – Find your flight number and corresponding carousel number
• Report missing luggage immediately – Go to the airline service counter in the baggage hall
• Keep your baggage tag – You may need it to exit the customs area

Customs in Taiwan uses a red/green channel system:

• Green channel – Nothing to declare (most tourists)
• Red channel – Items to declare (excess currency, restricted goods, commercial items)

Duty-free allowances include 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and gifts valued under NT$20,000. Cash amounts exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Ground Transportation from the Airport

Taiwan airports offer multiple ground transportation options to reach your accommodation. Choosing the right option depends on your budget, destination, and luggage situation.

Transportation options from Taoyuan Airport:

From Songshan Airport, the MRT Brown Line reaches central Taipei in 15 minutes for under NT$50. Taxis from Songshan cost approximately NT$200-400 to most Taipei locations.

From Kaohsiung Airport, the MRT Red Line reaches Kaohsiung Main Station in 15 minutes for NT$50-70.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: July 2025. For official airport information, visit Taoyuan International Airport. This guide is published by the editorial team at taiwan-arrival-card.net to help international travelers navigate Taiwan entry requirements.