The Taiwan arrival card is completely free of charge. There are no government fees, processing charges, or hidden costs for applying through the official TWAC portal.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card Free?
Yes, the Taiwan arrival card is 100% free. The National Immigration Agency does not charge any fee for the online application, processing, or QR code generation. This applies to all nationalities and all types of visits.
The official TWAC portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw is the only legitimate application platform. Any website that asks you to pay for a Taiwan arrival card is a scam or third-party service charging unnecessary fees.
What is included at no cost:
- Online application – Complete the form for free at twac.immigration.gov.tw
- Processing – Automatic approval with no processing fee
- QR code – Free PDF download and email delivery
- Re-application – Submit new forms as many times as needed at no charge
- Airport paper forms – If you complete the form at the airport, it is also free
There is no “premium” or “expedited” option that requires payment. All applications go through the same free processing system.
Beware of Scam Websites
Multiple fraudulent websites charge travelers NT$500 to NT$2,000 for Taiwan arrival card applications. These sites mimic the official TWAC portal and collect your personal information along with payment.
How to identify scam sites:
- They ask for payment – The official TWAC portal never asks for credit card information
- Different URL – The only official URL is twac.immigration.gov.tw
- They offer “processing” or “service” fees – Government services in Taiwan for arrival cards are free
- They claim faster processing – There is no expedited option; all applications process the same way
- Poor English or machine-translated text – Official government pages are professionally written
If you accidentally paid a scam site, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge. The scam site may still submit your application to the real TWAC system, but your personal data may be compromised. Change any passwords you used on the fraudulent site.
Total Cost of Traveling to Taiwan
While the arrival card itself is free, travelers should budget for other Taiwan entry-related costs. Understanding the full cost picture helps you plan your trip effectively.
Typical entry-related expenses:
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Arrival Card | Free | Yes (all foreign nationals) |
| Visa (if required) | US$50-100 | Depends on nationality |
| Airport MRT to Taipei | NT$160 (~US$5) | No (alternative transport available) |
| Tourist SIM card | NT$300-500 (~US$10-16) | No |
| Travel insurance | Varies | Recommended |
| Airport taxi | NT$1,000-1,200 (~US$32-38) | No |
For US, Canadian, EU, Japanese, Australian, and most other passport holders, no visa is required for stays under 30 or 90 days. The only mandatory cost related to entering Taiwan for these travelers is zero – the arrival card is free.
No Hidden Fees in the Application Process
The TWAC system does not collect any financial information during the application process. You are never asked for a credit card number, bank account, or payment of any kind.
If a website asks for payment during a Taiwan arrival card application:
- Stop immediately – Do not enter any payment information
- Close the browser tab – You are on a fraudulent site
- Go directly to twac.immigration.gov.tw – Type the URL yourself, do not click links from emails
- Report the scam – Contact the National Immigration Agency at +886-2-2388-9393
The legitimate TWAC application form asks only for: passport information, flight details, accommodation address in Taiwan, and your email address. No financial fields exist on the form.
Third-Party Application Services
Some travel agencies and visa services offer to complete your Taiwan arrival card for a fee. While not technically scams, these services charge for something you can do yourself in 5 to 10 minutes for free.
What third-party services typically charge:
- Travel agencies – NT$200-500 (US$6-16) for form completion
- Online visa services – US$15-35 for “expedited processing” (no such thing exists)
- Hotel concierge services – Usually free as a guest service, but some charge NT$100-300
These services may be useful if you have limited internet access or are uncomfortable filling out forms in English. However, the TWAC portal supports multiple languages and the form is straightforward. Most travelers complete it independently without issues.
The official TWAC portal supports: English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Traditional Chinese.
Cost Comparison with Other Countries
Taiwan’s free arrival card policy is generous compared to many other Asian destinations. Several countries charge significant fees for similar digital entry forms.
Regional comparison:
| Country | Digital Entry Form | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (TWAC) | Taiwan Arrival Card | Free |
| Japan (Visit Japan Web) | Visit Japan Web | Free |
| South Korea (K-ETA) | Korea Electronic Travel Authorization | 10,000 KRW (~US$8) |
| Australia (ETA) | Electronic Travel Authority | AUD 20 (~US$13) |
| USA (ESTA) | Electronic System for Travel Authorization | US$21 |
| Canada (eTA) | Electronic Travel Authorization | CAD 7 (~US$5) |
| India (e-Visa) | Electronic Visa | US$25-80 |
Taiwan’s decision to keep the arrival card free reflects its commitment to facilitating tourism and business travel. The TWAC system was designed to streamline immigration, not to generate revenue.
Budgeting for Your Taiwan Trip
Beyond the free arrival card, Taiwan offers excellent value for international travelers. Daily costs in Taiwan are significantly lower than in Japan, South Korea, or Singapore.
Average daily budget for Taiwan:
- Budget traveler – NT$1,500-2,500/day (US$48-80) including hostel, street food, and public transport
- Mid-range traveler – NT$3,000-5,000/day (US$96-160) including hotel, restaurants, and attractions
- Luxury traveler – NT$8,000+/day (US$255+) including premium hotels and fine dining
Money-saving tips for Taiwan:
- EasyCard – Get a rechargeable transit card for MRT, buses, and convenience store purchases
- Night markets – Excellent, affordable meals for NT$50-150 per dish
- Free attractions – Many temples, parks, and hiking trails are free
- Hostels – Clean, well-located hostels from NT$500/night in Taipei
The money you save on the free arrival card can go toward experiencing Taiwan’s incredible food scene and natural attractions.
Currency and Payment in Taiwan
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). While the arrival card is free, you will need local currency for everything else during your trip.
Currency tips for travelers:
- Exchange rate – Approximately US$1 = NT$31 (varies)
- ATMs – Widely available; international cards accepted at most ATMs
- Credit cards – Accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and department stores
- Cash – Required at night markets, small shops, and street food vendors
- Mobile payment – Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted in cities
Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange counters at the airport for the best rates. Avoid street money changers. ATMs at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores accept international cards and offer competitive rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: July 2025. For official information, visit the National Immigration Agency. This guide is published by the editorial team at taiwan-arrival-card.net to help international travelers understand that the Taiwan arrival card is completely free.
