First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Taiwan
Entry, Immigration, Customs, Baggage & Airport Arrival Explained
Visiting Taiwan for the first time is exciting, but arriving in a new country can also feel confusing. What documents do you need? Do you need to complete an arrival card? Which customs lane should you use? Can you bring food into Taiwan? And how do you get from the airport to your hotel?
This guide walks first-time international visitors through the entire arrival process, from preparing before your flight to leaving the airport and starting your trip in Taiwan.
Important: Entry, visa, customs, and quarantine requirements can change. Always check the latest official information before departure.
1. Before Flying to Taiwan: Check Your Entry Requirements
Before booking your flight, make sure your passport and entry documents meet Taiwan’s requirements.
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for:
- Visa-exempt entry
- A visitor visa
- An eVisa or other entry authorization
- A resident visa or residence permit
Taiwan currently offers visa-exempt entry to citizens of many countries, but the permitted length of stay varies by nationality. For example, many eligible travelers may stay for up to 90 days, while some nationalities have a shorter visa-exempt period.
Because immigration rules differ by passport, travelers should check Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs before departure.
2. Complete the Taiwan Arrival Card Before Arrival
One of the most important things first-time visitors should know is that Taiwan now uses an online arrival card.
The Taiwan Arrival Card, or TWAC, is completed online rather than on a traditional paper form.
For most foreign visitors entering Taiwan for tourism or short stays, the form must be completed before immigration clearance. Travelers holding certain resident documents, resident visas, or diplomatic identification may be exempt.
The application is free of charge.
The current TWAC system allows travelers to submit the form within 7 days before arrival. You will normally need:
- A valid passport
- A valid email address
- Your occupation
- Your phone number
- Flight or travel information
- Accommodation information in Taiwan
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email.
Official Taiwan Arrival Card:
Taiwan Arrival Card — Official Website
Travel Tip
Complete the TWAC before boarding your flight if possible.
Doing it in advance is much easier than trying to complete the form on your phone after landing with airport Wi-Fi, luggage, and other passengers waiting around you.
3. What Happens After Your Plane Lands?
After arriving at an international airport in Taiwan, follow the signs marked:
Arrivals / Immigration
The usual arrival process is:
Aircraft → Immigration → Baggage Claim → Customs → Arrival Hall
Do not go directly to baggage claim before immigration unless airport signs specifically direct you otherwise.
Keep your passport easily accessible.
4. Immigration Inspection
At immigration, an officer will check your passport and entry status.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked about:
- The purpose of your visit
- How long you plan to stay
- Where you are staying
- Your onward or return travel arrangements
Having your hotel name, address, booking confirmation, and return flight information available on your phone can make the process easier.
Travelers who have correctly submitted the Taiwan Arrival Card normally do not need to complete an additional paper arrival card.
5. Collect Your Checked Baggage
After immigration, follow the signs to:
Baggage Claim
Check the airport monitor for your:
- Flight number
- Airline
- Baggage carousel number
Before leaving the baggage claim area, make sure you have collected all of your luggage.
It is also a good idea to check your suitcase for obvious damage before leaving the restricted area.
6. What If Your Luggage Does Not Arrive?
If your checked baggage is missing, do not immediately leave the baggage claim area.
Look for your airline’s:
Baggage Service / Lost Baggage / Baggage Assistance
counter.
You may be asked to provide:
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Baggage claim tag
- Local hotel address
- Phone number or email address
The airline will normally create a baggage report and explain the next steps.
Keep the baggage report until your luggage has been returned.
7. Taiwan Customs: Red Channel or Green Channel?
After collecting your luggage, you will pass through Customs.
Taiwan uses a red-and-green-channel system for arriving air passengers.
Green Channel — Nothing to Declare
Use the Green Channel when you do not have goods that must be declared and your belongings fall within the applicable customs allowances.
Red Channel — Goods to Declare / Customs Service
Use the Red Channel if you are carrying restricted goods, goods above the duty-free limits, large amounts of currency, or anything you are unsure about.
Taiwan Customs states that passengers with goods requiring declaration must not use the Green Channel. Customs officers may also inspect passengers using the Green Channel when necessary.
Simple Rule
If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared:
Use the Red Channel and ask Customs.
That is much safer than assuming an item is allowed.
8. Be Very Careful When Bringing Food Into Taiwan
This is one of the most important things foreign visitors should understand.
Taiwan has strict controls on certain:
- Meat products
- Animal products
- Plants
- Fresh fruits
- Seeds
- Agricultural products
Some animal and plant products may be prohibited or require inspection or prior approval.
This can include food brought from your home country, gifts from relatives, snacks, dried foods, or packaged products containing animal ingredients.
Do not assume that a commercially packaged product is automatically permitted.
If you are carrying food and are uncertain, declare it and ask an officer.
9. Items You Should Not Bring Into Taiwan
Taiwan Customs lists several categories of prohibited or tightly controlled goods.
These include certain:
- Narcotics and controlled drugs
- Cannabis and some cannabis-derived products
- Firearms and ammunition
- Explosives
- Certain controlled knives and weapons
- Counterfeit currency
- Certain counterfeit or intellectual-property-infringing goods
- Restricted animal and plant products
- Unauthorized controlled items
Taiwan Customs specifically lists marijuana and marijuana-derived products above the applicable THC threshold among prohibited items.
Travelers should therefore be particularly cautious with cannabis-related products purchased legally in another country.
A product being legal where you bought it does not mean it is legal to bring into Taiwan.
10. Prescription Medicine
If you travel with medication, keep it in its original packaging whenever possible.
For prescription medicine, it is also sensible to carry:
- Your prescription
- A doctor’s letter
- The original labeled container
Certain medicines and controlled substances may be subject to import restrictions or quantity limits. Taiwan Customs specifically lists medicines among categories that may be controlled when brought in above permitted personal-use quantities.
If your medication contains a controlled substance, check the rules before flying.
11. How Much Can You Bring Into Taiwan Duty-Free?
For ordinary personal belongings, Taiwan provides duty-free allowances subject to applicable customs rules.
As of 2026, personal belongings other than tobacco and alcohol generally have a duty-free customs value allowance of up to NT$35,000, subject to exclusions and Customs assessment.
For eligible travelers, current allowances also include:
Alcohol: up to 1.5 liters for travelers aged 18 or older.
For tobacco, eligible travelers aged 20 or older may generally bring one of the permitted quantities, such as 200 cigarettes, subject to current rules.
If you exceed an allowance, use the Red Channel.
12. Carrying Cash Into Taiwan
Travelers carrying large amounts of currency may have declaration obligations.
For example, Taiwan Customs currently identifies declaration thresholds including:
- More than US$10,000 or equivalent foreign currency
- More than NT$100,000
- More than RMB 20,000
Other rules also apply to certain negotiable instruments and high-value gold.
If you are carrying a large amount of money, check the latest Customs regulations before travel.
13. After Customs: Welcome to Taiwan
Once you clear Customs, you will enter the public arrivals area.
This is where you can usually find services such as:
- SIM card counters
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Convenience stores
- Information desks
- Transportation counters
- Taxi services
- Bus services
This is also a good time to connect your phone and prepare for transportation to your accommodation.
14. Get Internet Access Before Leaving the Airport
Internet access is extremely useful in Taiwan.
You will likely use your phone for:
- Google Maps
- Translation
- Train schedules
- Hotel directions
- Restaurant searches
- Messaging
- Mobile payments
- Ride or taxi information
International travelers typically choose between:
Airport SIM card
or
eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM, setting it up before departure can make arrival easier.
Otherwise, airport telecom counters are convenient for travelers who prefer a physical SIM.
15. Get Some New Taiwan Dollars
Taiwan’s currency is the:
New Taiwan Dollar — NT$ / TWD
Credit cards are common in hotels, department stores, larger restaurants, and shopping malls, but cash remains useful.
You may need cash for:
- Night markets
- Small restaurants
- Traditional shops
- Local vendors
- Some taxis
- Rural areas
ATMs are widely available, including at airports and convenience stores.
It is useful to carry a modest amount of cash rather than relying entirely on cards.
16. Consider Getting an EasyCard
An EasyCard is one of the most useful items for travelers in Taiwan.
It can commonly be used for:
- Taipei MRT
- Some other local public transportation
- Buses
- Convenience stores
- Selected shops and services
Depending on where you are traveling, other stored-value cards may also be available.
For most first-time visitors, having a transportation card makes everyday travel much easier.
17. Getting From Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei
Many international visitors arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
Several transportation options are available.
Airport MRT
One of the most convenient options for reaching Taipei.
Follow airport signs for:
Airport MRT
There are both express and commuter-style services, so check the train information before boarding.
Airport Bus
Airport buses serve Taipei and many other destinations.
They can be convenient if your hotel is near a major bus stop.
Taxi
Official airport taxis are available outside the terminal.
This may be a convenient choice if:
- You have several suitcases
- You are traveling with children
- You arrive late at night
- Several passengers can share the fare
Private Transfer
Pre-arranged airport transfers can also be useful for groups and travelers carrying substantial luggage.
18. Do Not Accept Random Transportation Offers
At airports, use official:
- Taxi queues
- Public transportation
- Licensed airport transfer services
Avoid accepting unsolicited transportation from strangers who approach you inside or outside the terminal.
If you are uncertain, ask the airport information counter for help.
19. Save Your Hotel Address in Chinese
This is a surprisingly useful travel tip.
Before arriving, save:
Your hotel name + full address in both English and Traditional Chinese.
You can show the Chinese address to:
- Taxi drivers
- Police
- Local residents
- Transportation staff
This is especially useful when visiting smaller hotels, guesthouses, or accommodations outside major tourist areas.
20. Important Phone Numbers in Taiwan
Save these numbers before your trip:
110 — Police
119 — Ambulance and Fire
The National Immigration Agency also provides an information hotline for foreigners:
1990 — Foreigners in Taiwan Hotline
For calls from overseas, the NIA lists:
+886-800-001990
First-Time Taiwan Arrival Checklist
Before boarding your flight, make sure you have:
- Valid passport
- Required visa or visa-exempt eligibility
- Taiwan Arrival Card submitted
- Return or onward flight information
- Hotel booking and address
- Travel insurance information
- Necessary prescriptions for medication
- No prohibited food or restricted goods
- Internet plan or eSIM arranged
- Some way to access New Taiwan Dollars
After landing:
Immigration → Collect baggage → Customs → SIM / Money → Transportation → Hotel
Common Questions
Do I need a paper arrival card?
For travelers required to submit an arrival card, Taiwan now uses the online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Traditional paper-based arrival cards were replaced by the online system from October 1, 2025.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free?
Yes.
The official TWAC application is free.
Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge unnecessary fees.
How early can I submit the Taiwan Arrival Card?
The current official TWAC website states that it can be completed within 7 days before arrival.
Can I bring snacks into Taiwan?
Some snacks are allowed, while others containing meat, animal ingredients, plants, seeds, fruits, or agricultural products may be restricted.
If you are unsure, declare them to Customs.
Can I bring cannabis products into Taiwan?
Do not assume that cannabis products legal in another country are permitted in Taiwan.
Taiwan Customs lists marijuana and certain marijuana-derived products among prohibited items.
Should I exchange money at the airport?
You do not necessarily need to exchange a large amount, but having some New Taiwan Dollars when you leave the airport can be useful.
ATMs are another convenient option for many international travelers.
Final Advice for Your First Trip to Taiwan
Arriving in Taiwan is generally straightforward when you prepare a few things in advance.
Remember these five points:
Check your entry eligibility.
Complete your Taiwan Arrival Card before arrival.
Be careful when bringing food, medicine, or restricted goods.
Use the Red Customs Channel if you are unsure whether something should be declared.
Set up internet access and transportation before leaving the airport.
Once those basics are taken care of, you can leave the airport and start enjoying Taiwan.
Welcome to Taiwan — have a wonderful trip!
For official entry information:
Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs — Visa Information
For official arrival-card information:
For official Customs information: