Taiwan draws Americans for its night markets, mountain trails and easy rail links between Taipei and the south. Entry is visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, but since 1 October 2025 the online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is mandatory for relevant travelers.
The TWAC must be completed within the prescribed pre-arrival window, so this is no longer a walk-through entry with zero prior steps. Passport validity and proof of onward travel remain the other checks at the border.
What actually changed for Taiwan entry
- Visa-free stay is still up to 90 days for US passport holders.
- The online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) became mandatory on 1 October 2025.
- TWAC must be completed within the prescribed pre-arrival window, not at the airport.
- There is no visa fee for entry.
What the border checks in Taiwan
- Completed TWAC – The online Taiwan Arrival Card must be completed within the prescribed pre-arrival window; this is mandatory, not optional.
- Valid passport – Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
The Taiwan Arrival Card requirement
TWAC is mandatory since October 2025
Since 1 October 2025, the online Taiwan Arrival Card is required for relevant travelers entering Taiwan, and it replaces the assumption of a fully formality-free entry that older guides describe.
Complete the TWAC through the official portal within the prescribed window before your flight; entry without it can cause delays at immigration.
More for your Taiwan trip: Best time to visit · Packing list · Vaccinations · Travel insurance · Money and currency
Check your visa before you book
Confirm the current rules for your passport, then sort the rest of the trip.
Taiwan entry questions
1Do I need to do anything before flying to Taiwan now?
Yes. Since 1 October 2025, the online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is mandatory for relevant travelers and must be completed within the prescribed pre-arrival window.
2Do US citizens still need a visa for Taiwan?
No. Entry remains visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, but the TWAC is now a required step before arrival.
3What is the Taiwan Arrival Card?
It is an online pre-arrival registration, mandatory since 1 October 2025, separate from the visa-free entry status itself.
4Is there a visa fee to enter Taiwan?
No. Entry for US passport holders is free; the TWAC is a mandatory pre-arrival registration, not a visa fee.
5Can I complete the Taiwan Arrival Card after I land?
No. It must be completed within the prescribed pre-arrival window, not at the airport on arrival.