Hualien Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Taiwan offers visa-free entry, landing visas, or electronic travel authorization to citizens of many countries. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit.
Citizens of these countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and possess a confirmed return or onward ticket. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, attending conferences, or visiting relatives only - not for employment or study. Some nationalities may need to apply online before arrival even if visa-exempt.
Citizens of certain countries can apply for visa-exempt entry online before traveling
Cost: Free of charge for online visa-exempt entry certificate
This is different from a traditional visa - it's a pre-authorization for visa-exempt entry. Valid for one entry within 3 months of issue. Must have onward/return ticket and proof of accommodation or invitation letter.
Citizens of select countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Taiwan's international airports
Cost: Approximately NTD 300-1,600 (USD 10-50) depending on nationality
Not available to all nationalities. Requirements include passport valid for 6+ months, confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds (minimum USD 2,500 or equivalent). Check eligibility before travel as this option is limited.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or landing visa must apply for a visa in advance
This applies to citizens of countries including (but not limited to) China, Russia, most African nations, most Middle Eastern nations, and some South Asian countries. Requirements and fees vary by nationality. Some nationalities may face additional screening or documentation requirements.
Arrival Process
When arriving in Taiwan (whether at a major international airport before traveling to Hualien, or directly at Hualien Airport on international flights), you'll go through immigration and customs. The process is typically efficient and well-organized, with clear signage in English and Chinese.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Taiwan Customs enforces regulations on what you can bring into the country duty-free and what items are prohibited or restricted. Agricultural quarantine is particularly strict to protect Taiwan's ecosystem and agriculture.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants - Taiwan has strict agricultural quarantine to prevent pests and diseases
- Meat products and animal products (including jerky, sausages, moon cakes with meat) - prevents animal disease transmission
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including death penalty for drug trafficking
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media - intellectual property violations strictly enforced
- Weapons and ammunition - including knives with blades over 6cm, pepper spray, stun guns without permits
- Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products (IQOS, etc.) - currently banned in Taiwan
- Endangered species products - items made from protected wildlife, including traditional medicines containing prohibited ingredients
- Obscene or seditious materials - pornographic materials and publications deemed harmful to public order
- Soil and organisms - to protect agricultural and ecological systems
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only personal amounts with doctor's prescription and original packaging; narcotics and psychotropic drugs require special permits
- Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificate from country of origin and inspection upon arrival
- Live animals and pets - require import permits, health certificates, and may require quarantine (see special situations)
- Wireless communication devices - certain frequencies require approval from National Communications Commission
- Drones - subject to civil aviation regulations; registration may be required for drones over 250g
- Traditional Chinese medicines - some ingredients are prohibited; bring only personal amounts with clear labeling
- Gold and precious metals - amounts exceeding 20,000 grams require declaration
- Professional equipment - commercial video/photography equipment may require temporary import documentation
Health Requirements
Taiwan maintains high health and safety standards. Currently, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry from most countries, but health requirements can change, particularly in response to global health situations.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate - required only if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America within 6 days prior to arrival
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and polio
- Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers, as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, or require medical procedures
- Japanese Encephalitis - consider if staying in rural areas during transmission season (May-October), particularly in southern Taiwan
- Typhoid - recommended for travelers eating at smaller restaurants or street vendors
- Influenza - consider seasonal flu vaccine, especially during Taiwan's flu season (November-March)
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Taiwan has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical treatment can be expensive for foreigners not covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Some travel insurance policies specifically exclude coverage in certain territories, so verify Taiwan is covered.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), particularly if traveling with only one parent or with guardians. Include contact information for parents and authorization for medical treatment if necessary. Children follow the same visa requirements as adults based on nationality. Unaccompanied minors may require special arrangements with airlines and additional documentation. For children born in Taiwan to foreign parents, check with your embassy regarding citizenship and travel document requirements before departure.
Taiwan has strict pet import regulations. Requirements include: Import permit from Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) obtained before travel; Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) implanted before rabies vaccination; Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before arrival but within validity period); Health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of departure; Rabies antibody titer test for dogs and cats from non-rabies-free countries (minimum 0.5 IU/ml, taken 180 days before entry); Quarantine period of 7-21 days depending on origin country and documentation; Application must be submitted at least 20 days before arrival. Certain breeds may be restricted. Pet-friendly accommodations in Hualien should be arranged in advance. Service animals have additional provisions but still require health documentation.
Tourist visa-exempt stays are typically 30-90 days depending on nationality. Extensions: Apply at National Immigration Agency before your authorized stay expires. Tourist extensions may be granted for up to 180 days total in some cases, requiring valid reasons (medical treatment, force majeure, etc.). Fee: approximately NTD 300-1,000. Longer stays require appropriate visas: Work Permit and Resident Visa for employment (employer must sponsor); Student Visa and ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) for study at recognized institutions; Investment or Business Visa for entrepreneurs; Marriage Visa for spouses of Taiwan nationals. Overstaying can result in fines (NTD 2,000-10,000), detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If you need to stay longer than initially permitted, apply for extension well before expiration - don't wait until the last day.
Business visitors entering visa-free or with tourist visas can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiate contracts but cannot engage in paid employment or productive work. For extended business activities, apply for a Business Visa (60-90 days, multiple entry possible) through Taiwan representative offices, requiring invitation letter from Taiwan company, company registration documents, and itinerary. Working in Taiwan requires Work Permit from Ministry of Labor (employer must apply) and Resident Visa. Digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies should technically enter as tourists; Taiwan does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa. Always declare business purpose honestly to immigration to avoid complications.
Admitted students must obtain a Visitor Visa for Study from Taiwan representative offices abroad, requiring admission letter from recognized institution, financial proof, health examination, and police clearance certificate. After arrival, apply for Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at National Immigration Agency within 15 days. Student visas allow part-time work up to 20 hours/week during semester with permission. Academic researchers should apply for appropriate visa category based on their status (visiting scholar, exchange program, etc.). Some scholarship programs assist with visa processing. Health insurance is mandatory for all students.
Individuals holding both Taiwan (ROC) and foreign passports must enter and exit Taiwan using their Taiwan passport. This applies even if the Taiwan passport is expired (though renewal is recommended). Males aged 18-36 with Taiwan citizenship may be subject to military service obligations and could face restrictions on departure - consult with immigration or military service administration before travel if applicable. Taiwanese-Americans and other dual nationals should be aware of this requirement. Foreign passport holders who previously held Taiwan citizenship should verify their current status before travel.
Residents of mainland China (PRC), Hong Kong, and Macau have different entry procedures than other foreign nationals. PRC citizens require an Exit and Entry Permit (EEP) from Taiwan authorities, typically obtained through travel agencies for group tours or with special authorization for individual visits. Hong Kong and Macau residents can apply for Entry Permit online before travel. Requirements and permitted activities differ from standard tourist visas. Separate immigration counters are designated for these travelers. Political sensitivities mean regulations can change; verify current requirements through official channels well before travel.