Taiwan requires most foreign visitors to submit arrival card information before entering the country. Since May 2025, the paper-based entry/exit card has been replaced by the digital Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) system operated by the National Immigration Agency (NIA). This guide covers all documents, information, and prerequisites you need to complete your Taiwan arrival card application successfully.
What You Need for the Taiwan Arrival Card
The Taiwan arrival card requirements include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation address, and an email address. The entire submission is digital – no physical documents need to be uploaded or mailed. You simply enter the required information into the online form at twac.immigration.gov.tw.
Here is the complete checklist of what you need before starting the form:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- Flight or vessel details (airline code + flight number)
- Arrival date in YYYY-MM-DD format
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, study, or work)
- Address in Taiwan (hotel name, street, and district)
- Active email address for receiving the QR code confirmation
The submission takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes from any device with internet access. No documents need to be scanned or uploaded – the system only collects text-based information.
Passport Requirements for Taiwan Entry
Your passport is the most critical document among all Taiwan arrival card requirements. Immigration officers verify your passport at the port of entry, and the details must match your TWAC submission exactly.
Passport validity rules:
- Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Taiwan
- Temporary or emergency travel documents may face additional checks
- The passport number in your TWAC form must match the physical passport
- Machine-readable passports are strongly recommended
Common passport-related mistakes:
- Entering an old passport number after renewal
- Passport validity expiring within 6 months of arrival
- Name mismatches (middle names, hyphens, apostrophes)
- Damaged passports that cannot be scanned at e-gates
If you hold dual nationality, use the passport you plan to enter Taiwan with for your TWAC submission. You cannot switch passports after submission without resubmitting the entire form.
Visa and Entry Permit Status
The Taiwan arrival card requirements apply regardless of your visa status. Even visa-exempt travelers must complete the TWAC form. Here is how different visa categories interact with the arrival card:
Visa-Exempt Entry (no visa needed, arrival card still required):
- United States, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand – 90 days exempt
- European Union/Schengen countries – 90 days exempt
- Japan, South Korea – 90 days exempt
- Malaysia, Singapore – 30 days exempt
- Thailand, Philippines, Brunei – 14 days (some with conditions)
Who is exempt from the arrival card:
- Holders of a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Holders of a valid Taiwan Entry and Exit Permit from the NIA
- Certain diplomatic and official passport holders (verify with your mission)
Even if you have a valid visa or eVisa, you still need to complete the Taiwan arrival card. The visa authorizes your entry; the arrival card provides immigration with your travel details and accommodation information.
Information Required on the Form
Understanding the exact Taiwan arrival card form fields prevents errors and speeds up submission. The form is organized into three main sections.
Personal Information:
| Field | Required Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Exactly as on passport | JOHN MICHAEL SMITH |
| Date of Birth | YYYY-MM-DD | 1990-03-15 |
| Gender | Male / Female | Male |
| Nationality | Select from dropdown | United States |
| Passport Number | Alphanumeric, no spaces | AB1234567 |
Travel Information:
| Field | Required Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Number | Airline code + number | CI 001 |
| Arrival Date | YYYY-MM-DD | 2025-08-20 |
| Purpose of Visit | Select from list | Tourism |
| Address in Taiwan | Full street address | Grand Hyatt Taipei, No. 2 Songshou Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City |
Contact Information:
| Field | Required Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Email Address | Valid email | [email protected] |
| Phone Number | With country code | +1-202-555-0123 |
The email address is particularly important because your QR code confirmation is sent there. Use an email you can access on your phone while traveling.
How to Fill Out Each Section Correctly
The TWAC form is organized into logical sections. Here is how to complete each one accurately.
Personal Details:
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport, including middle names. Do not abbreviate or use nicknames. If your passport reads “JOHN MICHAEL SMITH,” enter that full name – not “John Smith” or “J. Michael Smith.”
Travel Details:
Your flight number should match your booking confirmation. For China Airlines flights, enter “CI 001” (with the space), not “CI001” or “CAL001.” For sea arrivals, enter the vessel name and voyage number.
Accommodation:
Enter the full address where you will spend your first night. For hotels, include the hotel name and district: “Grand Hyatt Taipei, No. 2, Songshou Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City.” For private stays, enter the residential address.
Contact and Confirmation:
Use a mobile-accessible email address. The QR code serves as your digital arrival card, and immigration officers may ask to see it during processing.
Double-check every field before submitting. Mismatches between your TWAC submission and your passport can result in additional questioning at immigration.
Documents to Carry at the Airport
While the Taiwan arrival card is digital, you should carry certain documents when traveling to Taiwan. These are separate from the Taiwan arrival card requirements but are essential for smooth entry.
Essential (keep in carry-on):
- Valid passport (the one used for TWAC submission)
- TWAC QR code – printed or saved on your phone
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Visa or eVisa approval letter (if applicable)
Recommended but not mandatory:
- Travel insurance documentation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Business invitation letter (for business travelers)
- Student enrollment letter (for students)
Immigration officers at Taiwan airports (Taoyuan, Songshan, Kaohsiung, Taichung) may ask about your visit’s purpose and duration. Having printed copies of your hotel booking and return flight helps speed up the process.
Special Requirements by Traveler Type
Different categories of travelers face additional Taiwan arrival card requirements beyond the standard form.
Minors and Children:
Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own Taiwan arrival card. Parents must submit separate TWAC forms for each child using the child’s own passport information. The process is identical to adult submissions.
Transit Passengers:
If you are staying in the airport transit area and not passing through immigration, you do not need a Taiwan arrival card. However, if you leave the transit area for any reason – including overnight stays – you must complete the TWAC form.
Crew Members:
Airline and shipping crew members have a separate immigration process and do not use the standard TWAC form. Coordinate with your airline’s immigration liaison.
Group Travelers:
Each person in a group must submit an individual arrival card. There is no group submission option. A single person can submit multiple forms on behalf of family members, but each requires that individual’s passport details.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Based on traveler reports and NIA guidance, these are the most frequent errors on Taiwan arrival card submissions:
-
Passport number errors – Typing “O” (letter) instead of “0” (zero). Copy the number from your passport’s machine-readable zone.
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Wrong arrival date – Entering the booking date instead of the landing date. Check your itinerary for the actual landing date, accounting for time zone changes.
-
Incomplete address – Writing only “Taipei” instead of the full accommodation address. Include the hotel name, street, and district.
-
Inaccessible email – Using an email you cannot access while traveling. Use Gmail or another mobile-accessible service.
-
Name mismatch – Entering “Maria” when your passport says “MARIA” or using a married name when your passport shows a maiden name. Use exactly what is on your passport.
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Duplicate submissions – Submitting twice because the confirmation email went to spam. Check your spam folder first.
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Last-minute submission – Completing the form at the airport. Submit at least 24 to 48 hours before departure to allow time for corrections.
Submission Timing and Validity
Understanding when to submit and how long your Taiwan arrival card remains valid is important for trip planning.
When to submit:
- The TWAC form accepts submissions up to 7 days before your arrival date
- It is recommended to submit at least 48 hours before your flight
- Submissions made more than 7 days before arrival are not accepted
- Last-minute submissions at the airport are possible but not recommended
Validity period:
- Each TWAC submission is valid for a single entry only
- If you leave Taiwan and return, you must submit a new arrival card
- The QR code does not expire but is linked to a specific arrival date
- If your dates change, resubmit with the correct information
Taiwan Arrival Card vs. Other Entry Documents
The Taiwan arrival card is distinct from several other documents:
- Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) – Mandatory digital form for all foreign nationals except ARC holders. Free of charge.
- Taiwan Visa – Required for nationals not on the visa-exempt list. Has a fee.
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) – For long-term residents. Exempts you from the arrival card.
- Re-entry Permit – For ARC holders leaving and returning to Taiwan.
- Customs Declaration – Separate document for goods and currency, unrelated to the arrival card.
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide was last updated in July 2025 based on current NIA regulations. For the most current requirements, visit the National Immigration Agency website.
