Taiwan Arrival Card - Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)

The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a free, mandatory digital entry document that all foreign nationals must complete online before arriving in Taiwan, replacing the former paper-based arrival card system. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the TWAC, from application to troubleshooting.

What Is the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)?

The Taiwan Arrival Card is a digital entry form required for all foreign visitors entering Taiwan. Managed by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA), the TWAC replaced the traditional paper arrival card and must be completed online before your flight. The Taiwan Arrival Card collects essential travel information including your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address in Taiwan.

The TWAC system was introduced to streamline the immigration process and reduce paper waste at Taiwan’s airports. Unlike a visa, the Taiwan Arrival Card does not grant entry permission – it simply registers your arrival details with immigration authorities. All foreign nationals, regardless of visa status, must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before arriving in Taiwan.

History – From Paper to Digital

For decades, travelers to Taiwan filled out paper arrival cards (also called disembarkation cards) during their flights. These paper forms were collected by immigration officers at the airport. In recent years, Taiwan transitioned to a fully digital system, making the paper Taiwan Arrival Card obsolete. The digital TWAC system is faster, more accurate, and eliminates the need to find a pen on the plane.

Who Needs a TWAC?

Every foreign national entering Taiwan needs a Taiwan Arrival Card, including:

Tourists on visa-free entry
Business travelers with valid visas
Students with resident visas
Transit passengers passing through Taiwan
Children and infants (separate forms required)

The only exceptions are ROC (Republic of China) nationals and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) holders, who do not need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card.

TWAC vs Visa – What’s the Difference?

The Taiwan Arrival Card and a visa serve different purposes. A visa grants you permission to enter Taiwan and determines how long you can stay. The TWAC is a registration document that collects your travel details for immigration records. Even if you have a valid visa, you still need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card. Conversely, travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the US and UK) do not need a visa but must still complete the TWAC.

Taiwan Arrival Card Requirements

You need a valid passport, flight details, and Taiwan accommodation address to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card. The online form requires specific information that you should have ready before starting the application.

Required Documents and Information

To complete the Taiwan Arrival Card, you will need:

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Flight number for your arrival in Taiwan
Arrival date in Taiwan
Accommodation address in Taiwan (hotel name and address, or host’s address)
Contact information (email address and phone number)
Nationality and date of birth

The Taiwan Arrival Card does not require document uploads – you simply enter the information from your passport into the online form.

Passport Validity Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Taiwan. This is a standard requirement for most countries and is strictly enforced. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before completing the Taiwan Arrival Card application.

Accommodation and Contact Details

You must provide a valid address in Taiwan where you will be staying. This can be:

A hotel name and full address
A hostel or guesthouse address
A friend or family member’s residential address
A business address (for business travelers)

For the contact information, provide an active email address – this is where you will receive your TWAC confirmation and QR code. A phone number is also required, though it can be your home country number.

How to Apply for the Taiwan Arrival Card Online

Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card online at twac.immigration.gov.tw in under 10 minutes and receive a QR code confirmation. The application process is straightforward and can be done from any device with internet access.

Step 1 – Access the TWAC Portal

Visit twac.immigration.gov.tw – the official Taiwan Arrival Card website. The portal is available in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Click the “Apply” or “Online Application” button to begin. You do not need to create an account – the Taiwan Arrival Card system uses your passport number to track your application.

Step 2 – Fill in Personal Information

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport:

Full name (as printed on passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Sex
Email address
Phone number

Important: Double-check your passport number and name spelling. Errors in the Taiwan Arrival Card can cause delays at immigration.

Step 3 – Enter Travel Details

Provide your travel information:

Flight number (arrival)
Arrival date
Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
Accommodation address in Taiwan
Duration of stay

If you are transiting through Taiwan without staying, select “Transit” as your purpose and provide your connecting flight details.

Step 4 – Submit and Receive QR Code

After reviewing all information, submit the Taiwan Arrival Card application. The system will:

Validate your information
Generate a QR code confirmation
Send the confirmation to your email address

Save the QR code on your phone or print it out. Immigration officers will scan this code when you arrive in Taiwan. The entire Taiwan Arrival Card process takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Taiwan Arrival Card by Nationality

The Taiwan Arrival Card requirements vary slightly by nationality, with visa-free entry rules affecting how long you can stay in Taiwan. All nationalities must complete the TWAC, but the visa requirements differ.

TWAC for US Citizens

US citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 90 days. You still need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before departure. US passport holders do not need a visa for tourism or business visits under 90 days. For official guidance, check the AIT website.

TWAC for UK Citizens

UK citizens also have visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 90 days. The Taiwan Arrival Card is mandatory regardless of visa-free status. For the latest entry requirements, consult the UK government travel advice.

TWAC for Indian Citizens

Indian passport holders generally require a visa to enter Taiwan. You must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card in addition to obtaining a valid visa. Contact the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs for visa application details.

TWAC for Filipino Citizens

Filipino citizens typically require a visa for Taiwan entry. The Taiwan Arrival Card must be completed alongside your visa application. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid work permits may have different requirements – check with the Taiwan representative office in the Philippines.

Taiwan Arrival Card for Special Travelers

Transit passengers, children, and cruise travelers may have specific Taiwan Arrival Card requirements that differ from standard tourist applications.

Transit Passengers

Even if you are only transiting through Taiwan and not leaving the airport, you must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card. Select “Transit” as your purpose of visit and provide your connecting flight details. The TWAC is required regardless of whether you pass through immigration.

Children and Minors

Every traveler needs their own Taiwan Arrival Card, including children and infants. Parents or guardians can complete the TWAC on behalf of their children. Each child needs a separate application with their own passport details.

Business Travelers

Business travelers complete the same Taiwan Arrival Card as tourists. Select “Business” as your purpose of visit. If you have a business visa, include the visa details in the appropriate fields.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Passengers arriving by cruise ship at Taiwan ports (such as Kaohsiung) must also complete the Taiwan Arrival Card. The process is the same as for air travelers, but you may need to enter the cruise ship name instead of a flight number.

Common TWAC Problems and Solutions

Most Taiwan Arrival Card issues stem from email delivery problems or form errors that have simple fixes. Here are solutions for the most common problems.

Email Confirmation Not Received

If you do not receive the TWAC confirmation email:

Check your spam/junk folder – the email may have been filtered
Wait at least 30 minutes – emails can be delayed
Check that you entered the correct email address
Try submitting the Taiwan Arrival Card again with a different email
Contact the NIA helpline if the problem persists

Form Submission Errors

If the Taiwan Arrival Card form shows an error:

Verify all required fields are filled in
Check that your passport number matches exactly
Ensure your email address is valid
Try using a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Clear your browser cache and try again

Website Access Issues

If you cannot access the TWAC website:

Check your internet connection
Try a different device or browser
Disable VPN if you are using one
Try again during off-peak hours (early morning Taiwan time)

Corrections After Submission

If you notice an error after submitting the Taiwan Arrival Card:

You can submit a new application with the correct information
The most recent submission will be used by immigration
Make sure your passport number is correct – this is the key identifier

Taiwan Arrival Card vs Paper Form

Taiwan replaced the paper arrival card with the digital TWAC system, and paper forms are no longer accepted at immigration checkpoints.

What Changed with the Digital Switch

The transition from paper to digital Taiwan Arrival Card brought several improvements:

Faster processing – no more queuing to hand in paper forms
Reduced errors – typed information is more legible than handwritten
Environmental benefits – no paper waste at airports
Advance completion – fill out the TWAC days before your flight instead of on the plane

Is Paper Form Still Accepted?

No, the paper Taiwan Arrival Card has been completely discontinued. All travelers must use the online TWAC system at twac.immigration.gov.tw. Immigration officers at Taiwan airports no longer accept paper arrival cards.

Taiwan Entry Requirements Beyond the Arrival Card

Beyond the Taiwan Arrival Card, travelers need to meet visa-free entry rules and customs requirements. The TWAC is just one part of the entry process.

Visa-Free Entry Rules

Taiwan offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries, including:

90 days: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most EU countries
30 days: Some Southeast Asian countries
No visa-free: India, Philippines, Pakistan, and some other countries require visas

Even with visa-free entry, you must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card.

Customs Declarations

When arriving in Taiwan, you must declare:

Items exceeding NT$20,000 in value
More than 1 liter of alcohol
More than 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products
Large amounts of currency (over USD $10,000 equivalent)

Health Requirements

As of 2025, Taiwan does not require COVID-19 vaccination certificates or negative test results for entry. However, health requirements can change – check the Taiwan CDC website for the latest health entry requirements before your trip.

FAQ – Taiwan Arrival Card

Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free?

Yes, the Taiwan Arrival Card is completely free. There is no fee to apply, and you should be cautious of any website that asks for payment. The only official TWAC website is twac.immigration.gov.tw.

How early should I complete the Taiwan Arrival Card?

You can complete the Taiwan Arrival Card at any time before your flight. Most travelers submit it **1-7 days** before departure. You can also fill it out at the airport before boarding, but doing it in advance reduces stress and allows time to fix any errors.

Do I need to print the Taiwan Arrival Card?

Printing is not required. The TWAC confirmation is sent as a **QR code** to your email, which you can show on your phone at immigration. However, saving a screenshot or printing a backup is recommended in case your phone battery dies.

Can I fill out the Taiwan Arrival Card at the airport?

Yes, you can complete the Taiwan Arrival Card at the airport using your phone or a computer, as long as you have internet access. However, it is strongly recommended to complete it before arriving at the airport to avoid last-minute stress.

What if I make a mistake on my Taiwan Arrival Card?

If you notice an error after submission, you can submit a **new application** with the correct information. The system will use your most recent submission. The most critical field to get right is your **passport number** – immigration uses this to match you to your TWAC.

Do children need a separate Taiwan Arrival Card?

Yes, every traveler including children and infants needs their own Taiwan Arrival Card. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of children using the child’s passport details.

Is the Taiwan Arrival Card required for transit passengers?

Yes, even passengers transiting through Taiwan without leaving the airport must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card. Select “Transit” as your purpose of visit when filling out the form.

How long is the Taiwan Arrival Card valid?

The Taiwan Arrival Card is valid for a **single entry**. Each time you enter Taiwan, you need to complete a new TWAC. If you leave Taiwan and return, you must submit a new application.

What email should I use for the Taiwan Arrival Card?

Use an email address you can access on your phone while traveling. This is where you will receive the QR code confirmation. Avoid using work emails that may block external emails, and check your spam folder if the confirmation does not arrive within 30 minutes.

Can I complete the Taiwan Arrival Card on my phone?

Yes, the TWAC website at twac.immigration.gov.tw is mobile-friendly and works well on smartphones. You can complete the entire application on your phone and save the QR code directly to your device.

Do I need the Taiwan Arrival Card if I have a valid visa?

Yes, the Taiwan Arrival Card is required for all foreign nationals regardless of visa status. Having a visa does not exempt you from completing the TWAC. The visa grants entry permission; the TWAC registers your travel details.

What happens if I arrive in Taiwan without completing the TWAC?

If you arrive without a completed Taiwan Arrival Card, you may be asked to complete it at the immigration counter using your phone. This can cause delays and added stress. It is strongly recommended to complete the TWAC before your flight.

Last updated: July 2025. Taiwan Arrival Card information is based on the National Immigration Agency and AIT official sources. Entry requirements may change – verify current rules before your trip.