Taiwan
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Taiwan
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Taiwan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Advance fee frauds
Fraudsters often send letters, faxes and emails to individuals and companies in the UK and elsewhere. They offer large sums of money if the recipient sends various ‘advance fees’ to Taiwanese bank accounts. The fraudsters are not specifically targeting recipients. They get contact details from telephone or commercial directories.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) investigates advance fee frauds in the UK. Do not reply to this type of communication. The NCA website has more information.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and penalties
Avoid any involvement with illegal drugs, including cannabis, while in Taiwan. Drug laws are stricter than in the UK. Legal definitions of supply or trafficking may be different from in the UK, including the quantities of drugs involved. If you’re found guilty of smuggling, trafficking, possession or use of illegal narcotics, you can expect to get a severe prison sentence or, in some cases, the death penalty.
LGBT+ travellers
Taiwan has some of Asia’s most progressive policies on LGBT+ rights and discrimination on the grounds of gender and gender identity is illegal. Taiwan’s Pride parade, held annually in October, is the largest regular LGBT+ event in Asia, attracting high numbers of participants from the region and internationally.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Taiwan, see information on driving abroad.
You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well as a UK driving licence to drive in Taiwan. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Once in Taiwan, you will need to take your passport, IDP and a passport photograph to a local Motor Vehicles Office to get your IDP validated. Your validated IDP will last up to 12 months.
If you stay longer, you will need to get a new IDP and get it validated. Or you can exchange your UK driving licence for a Taiwan driving licence at a Motor Vehicles Office. The British Office in Taipei cannot provide support on individual applications.
If you do not want to exchange your UK driving licence, you can take a local driving test to get a Taiwan driving licence.
Driving standards and road rules
Roads and vehicles are well-maintained, but scooters and motorcycles often weave in and out of traffic. Be alert when crossing roads as vehicles might not stop at pedestrian crossings.
The alcohol limit for drivers in Taiwan is about a quarter of that in England. If you drive while over the limit, you may get a heavy fine and possible imprisonment. If you are a passenger, you may also be fined.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
If there is a typhoon or an earthquake, check the Taiwanese authorities’ websites for public announcements and details of which roads, schools and office buildings have been closed:
Typhoons
The typhoon season in Taiwan normally runs from May to November. There’s a risk of road blockages and landslides after typhoons, especially in central and southern Taiwan.
Listen to typhoon alerts on the ICRT, BCC and PRS radio stations, and monitor the websites of the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau and the Japan Meteorological Agency.
See our tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you’re likely to be affected by a hurricane or typhoon (tropical cyclone).
Earthquakes
Taiwan lies in a seismically active zone and tremors are recorded throughout the year. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Taipei City Government have created a online digital booklet with useful information on how to keep safe during an earthquake, typhoon and other types of natural and man-made disasters.