The UK does not recognise Taiwan as a state and has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, so limited support is available to British nationals. Please refer to the British Office in Taipei for further information.
\n\nTyphoons can affect Taiwan in June, but the most active period is between July and September. Typhoon frequency gradually decreases in October. If you are planning to visit Taiwan during typhoon season, it is important to stay informed and plan ahead:
\n\nmonitor official weather forecast: check the website of the Taiwan Central Weather Administration for updated typhoon news
\nbe flexible with your itinerary: flights, trains, buses and other transportation services may be delayed or cancelled during severe weather
\ncheck your travel arrangements with your travel provider
\nfollow the guidance of the Taiwanese authorities
\nconditions may be dangerous for swimming, water sports and other activities in coastal waters around Taiwan during this period
\nInformation and advice on how you can prepare for a range of disasters and emergency situations in Taiwan can be found in their Public Safety Guide or “Little Orange Book”.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Taiwan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Taiwan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Taipei Representative Office in London or the Taipei Representative Office in Edinburgh. Entry procedures are being regularly reviewed, so may change at short notice.
\n\nTo enter Taiwan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nYou must complete a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within three days before your arrival in Taiwan. This must be submitted online via the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency website.
\n\nYou may be exempt if you hold a resident visa, Alien Resident Card (ARC), Alien Permanent Resident Card (APRC), or other permits issued by the Taiwanese authorities.
\n\nFor further advice and instructions on how to complete and submit the TWAC, check the National Immigration Agency.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days. You can extend this by a further 90 days once you have arrived in Taiwan. You can get more information on entering Taiwan without a visa (‘visa-exempt entry’) from the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs. This applies if you travel:
\n\nIf you plan to stay in Taiwan for longer than 180 days, you must have a visa before you arrive. If you stay beyond the time given on your visa, you will get a fine and risk being deported from Taiwan.
\n\nThere are specific rules for naturalised British citizens born in the People’s Republic of China and holders of British National (Overseas) passports wishing to enter under the visa waiver scheme.
\n\nContact the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs or Taiwan National Immigration Agency for further information.
\n\nIf you are in the UK and need a visa, apply at your nearest Taipei Representative Office. If you are in Taiwan, apply through the Taiwan National Immigration Agency.
\n\nIf you already hold a resident certificate, you do not need a visa to enter Taiwan.
\n\nIf you hold a Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Taiwan, you can apply to switch to a working visa or a visa to study a degree course at undergraduate level or higher.
\n\nSubmit your application to the Bureau of Consular Affairs for consideration. If it is approved, you can then apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) at your local National Immigration Agency (NIA) Service Center. Contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs or National Immigration Agency for further information.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Taiwan guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Taiwan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nDo not bring animal products into Taiwan without authorisation. If you are caught with any animal products, you may face a heavy fine. Customs officials have increased inspections due to concerns about African Swine Fever Virus in pork products, particularly from the People’s Republic of China.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is higher than 100,000 New Taiwan dollars (NTD) or 10,000 US dollars. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. Contact the Customs Administration for further information.
\n\nInternational bank transfers can be slow. Most of the ATMs in 7-11 stores accept international cards. Other ATMs may accept them, but not all do.
\n\nAmerican Express, Citibank and Thomas Cook branches accept their own-brand travellers cheques. You may need your receipt as well as your passport when you cash them.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Taiwan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe Taiwanese authorities have provided practical guidance and information (in Chinese), including a booklet, on disaster preparedness and responding to various crises.
\n\nCrime rates are extremely low in Taiwan. However, travellers are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local media, and follow local law enforcement.
\n\nAlways carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy of the photo page.
\n\nAvoid 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.
\n\nIf you’re found guilty of smuggling, trafficking, possession or use of illegal narcotics, including when transiting through the airport, you should expect to get a severe prison sentence or, in some cases, the death penalty.
\n\nAirports in Taiwan have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nTaiwan 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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Taiwan, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nOnce 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf you do not want to exchange your UK driving licence, you can take a local driving test to get a Taiwan driving licence.
\n\nRoads 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nIf 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:
\n\n\n\nThe 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.
\n\nListen to typhoon alerts on the ICRT, BCC and PRS radio stations, and monitor the websites of the Central Weather Administration and the Japan Meteorological Agency.
\n\nEarthquakes are a risk in Taiwan. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nTaipei City Government have created an online digital booklet with useful information on how to keep safe during an earthquake, typhoon and other types of natural and man-made disasters.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 119 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nUnlike in the UK, an ambulance crew will not usually include a paramedic.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Taiwan, including mpox.
\n\nThere has been a significant increase in cases of dengue fever in the south of Taiwan (including the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan). Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. See key updates from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Taiwan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nIf you’re bringing any prescribed medicine into Taiwan, bring the prescription issued by your doctor, hospital or clinic that shows the medicine is for your personal use. The amount of medication you bring must be consistent with the amount stated on the prescription. You cannot bring cannabis oil or cannabis-derived medication into Taiwan, even if it’s legally prescribed elsewhere.
\n\nFor further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Taipei Representative Office in London.
\n\nTaiwan’s health and dental facilities offer a range of routine, emergency and outpatient services. Some have English-speaking staff. Hospitals operate on a ’pay as you use’ basis. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment in Taiwan including possible repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Taiwan where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance and fire: 119
\n\nPolice: 110
\n\nCoastguard: 118
\n\nDomestic abuse and sexual assault hotline: 113
\n\nAny further assistance: 0800 024 111 (‘Information for Foreigners in Taiwan’ helpline)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Taiwan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-08-28T12:31:24Z","updated_at":"2026-08-28T12:31:24Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2012-12-20T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan","content_id":"b486e8b6-fbe2-443d-acaa-cc0c5a8b4cfe","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-08-28T12:31:24Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Taiwan travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/taiwan","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/taiwan","base_path":"/world/taiwan","content_id":"de786e21-2d10-455a-9871-eba03d4d25bd","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Taiwan. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Taiwan.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Taiwan","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2018-02-13T09:38:32Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Taiwan","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/taiwan","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth