How long it takes to get approved and when to apply for your Taiwan arrival card. Taiwan arrival card processing is usually instant but can take up to 24 hours during peak periods.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Most Taiwan arrival card applications are approved within minutes of submission. The TWAC system at twac.immigration.gov.tw processes applications automatically, and the majority of travelers receive their QR code confirmation within 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Processing time factors:
- Automatic approval – Applications with valid passport numbers and complete information are processed instantly
- Peak travel periods – Chinese New Year, summer holidays, and Golden Week can slow processing to 24 hours
- Manual review – Some applications flagged for verification take 12-24 hours
- System maintenance – Scheduled updates may temporarily delay processing
The QR code arrives by email to the address you provided during registration. The email comes from the National Immigration Agency and contains a PDF attachment with your QR code and application details.
If you have not received your QR code within 24 hours, log back into the TWAC portal to check your application status. You can download the QR code directly from the portal without waiting for the email.
When to Apply Before Your Trip
Apply for your Taiwan arrival card at least 3 days before your departure date. This gives you enough time to resolve any issues while avoiding the risk of your card expiring before you arrive.
Key timing rules:
- Earliest application – You can apply up to 30 days before your arrival in Taiwan
- Recommended timing – 3 to 7 days before departure
- Latest safe application – 24 hours before your flight
- Risky timing – Less than 12 hours before departure (processing delays possible)
- Invalid timing – More than 30 days before arrival (card will expire)
Taiwan arrival cards are valid for 30 days from the date of approval. If you apply too early and your travel date is more than 30 days away, your card will expire before you arrive. In that case, you need to submit a new application.
For guidance on the application process itself, visit our Taiwan arrival card online registration guide.
Validity Period of the Arrival Card
Your Taiwan arrival card is valid for 30 days from the approval date. This means you must enter Taiwan within 30 days of receiving your QR code. The validity period starts from approval, not from your application date.
Validity rules explained:
| Scenario | Valid? | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Applied 5 days ago, arriving tomorrow | Yes | Use current QR code |
| Applied 25 days ago, arriving in 10 days | No | Submit new application |
| Applied today, arriving in 20 days | Yes | Use current QR code |
| Applied 35 days ago, arriving today | No | Submit new application at airport |
The validity period is printed on your QR code PDF. Always check the expiry date before traveling. If your card has expired, submit a new application – the process only takes 5 to 10 minutes and approval is usually instant.
Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry
Each Taiwan arrival card is valid for a single entry into Taiwan. If you leave Taiwan and plan to return, you need a new arrival card for each entry.
Common scenarios requiring multiple arrival cards:
- Taiwan plus Japan trip – Entering Taiwan, flying to Japan, returning to Taiwan = 2 arrival cards needed
- Business trip with side trip – Flying to Taiwan, then to Hong Kong, then back to Taiwan = 2 arrival cards
- Cruise passengers – If your cruise stops in Taiwan multiple times, each stop may need a separate card
You can submit a new application while you are still outside Taiwan. There is no waiting period between applications. Some frequent travelers submit a new arrival card immediately after each Taiwan departure to prepare for their next visit.
Peak Season Processing Delays
Expect longer processing times during Taiwan’s peak travel seasons. The TWAC system handles significantly more applications during holidays, and manual reviews take longer when immigration staff are busy.
Peak periods to be aware of:
- Chinese New Year (January/February) – Processing can take 12-24 hours
- Lunar New Year Golden Week – High volume from regional travelers
- Summer holidays (June-August) – Family travel season increases applications
- National Day (October 10) – Taiwan’s national holiday period
- Christmas/New Year (December-Janiversary) – International tourist peak
During these periods, apply at least 5 to 7 days before departure to allow extra processing time. Avoid applying on the day of your flight during peak season.
What Happens After Approval
After your Taiwan arrival card is approved, you receive a QR code by email. This QR code is your proof of pre-registration and is checked by immigration officers when you arrive in Taiwan.
What to do after approval:
- Download the QR code PDF – Save it to your phone and print a backup copy
- Check all details – Verify that your name, passport number, and travel dates are correct
- Save the email – Keep the confirmation email accessible on your phone
- Screenshot the QR code – In case you lose internet access at the airport
- Share with travel companions – Each person needs their own QR code
The QR code contains a unique identifier linked to your passport. Immigration officers scan it when you arrive and verify your information against their system. If everything matches, you are cleared for entry.
Re-Application After Expiry or Rejection
If your Taiwan arrival card expires or is rejected, you can submit a new application immediately. There is no penalty or waiting period for re-application.
Common reasons for re-application:
- Card expired – You applied more than 30 days before your arrival date
- Wrong information – You submitted incorrect passport number, name, or dates
- Changed travel plans – Your flight number or accommodation address changed
- System error – Rare technical issues during the approval process
To re-apply, simply visit twac.immigration.gov.tw and start a new application. Enter your correct information and submit. The new application will override any previous submissions using the same passport number.
There is no limit to how many times you can apply, but submitting more than 3 applications in a single day may trigger a temporary lock. If this happens, wait 24 hours before trying again.
Processing for Different Nationalities
Processing times can vary slightly depending on your nationality. Travelers from visa-exempt countries typically receive instant approval, while travelers from countries with additional screening requirements may experience longer processing times.
Nationality-based processing estimates:
- Visa-exempt countries (US, Canada, Japan, EU, Australia, etc.) – Instant to 2 hours
- Countries with visa-on-arrival agreements – 2 to 12 hours
- Countries requiring pre-arranged visa – These travelers cannot use the TWAC system
If your nationality requires a visa for Taiwan entry, you must obtain the visa from a Taiwan embassy or consulate before applying for the arrival card. The arrival card supplements your visa – it does not replace it.
For detailed visa information by nationality, visit our Taiwan visa requirements page.
Updating Your Arrival Card Information
You cannot edit a submitted Taiwan arrival card, but you can submit a new one with updated information. The TWAC system keeps only your most recent submission.
Situations requiring an update:
- Changed flight number – Your airline changed your flight or you rebooked
- New accommodation – You switched hotels or your host address changed
- Name correction – You noticed a typo in your name after submission
- Date change – Your travel dates shifted by a few days
Submit a new application with the correct details. The system automatically overrides your previous submission. Use the QR code from the latest application when you arrive in Taiwan.
Time Zone Considerations
The TWAC portal operates on Taiwan time (UTC+8) for all date and time calculations. Keep this in mind when planning your application timing.
Important time zone notes:
- 30-day validity is calculated from Taiwan time, not your local time
- Processing time refers to Taiwan business hours for manual reviews
- “Same day” applications are based on the Taiwan calendar day
If you are in the US or Europe, your “3 days before departure” might actually be 2 or 4 days in Taiwan time, depending on your time zone. To be safe, apply 5 days before departure regardless of your location.
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 Taiwan arrival card processing times.
