Canadian passport holders must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before entering Taiwan. This free, mandatory digital form — issued by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency — replaced the old paper immigration card on October 1, 2025. It applies to visa-exempt travelers too, so having a valid Canadian passport doesn't let you skip it. This guide covers exactly what you need, how to fill it out, and when to submit.
Does Canada Need a TWAC?
Canadian citizens are required to submit the TWAC before arriving in Taiwan. The form applies to nearly all foreign nationals entering Taiwan, including those who don't need a visa — and Canadians qualify for visa-free entry.
The TWAC is an entry declaration, not a visa. These are two separate requirements. Canadian travelers on visa-free entry only need the TWAC — no visa application required. Travelers who do hold a visa (for a longer stay or a work-related purpose) must complete both.
Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for Canadian Passport Holders
Canadian citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, short business visits, and family travel.
A few conditions apply:
- Your Canadian passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
- You should carry proof of onward or return travel
- Immigration officers may ask for proof of accommodation and sufficient funds — the general benchmark is around NT$2,000–3,000 per day
The TWAC must be completed for every entry, even if you've visited Taiwan multiple times before. Each trip requires a new submission.
Visa-exemption terms are subject to change. Confirm current entry conditions at twac.immigration.gov.tw or through Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
Before you open the form, have the following ready:
- Valid Canadian passport — your name must appear exactly as it does in your passport
- Flight details — airline name, flight number, arrival date, and port of entry
- Accommodation address — the full hotel name and address, or your host's name, address, and Taiwanese phone number
- Your email address — your QR code is sent here immediately after submission
- Purpose of visit — tourism, business, or visiting family/friends
- Occupation and phone number
If you're visiting relatives in Taiwan, you'll also need their full name and a local mobile number. Visa holders must include their visa number and expiry date.
No document uploads are required — you present everything physically at immigration on arrival.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC — Quick Steps for Canadian Travelers
The form takes around 5–10 minutes to complete. Here's a condensed overview:
- Go to the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw and choose your language (English is available)
- Verify your email — this is the first step before the form opens
- Enter your personal details — full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number
- Add your itinerary — flight number, airline, arrival date, departure date, and port of entry
- Enter your accommodation address in Taiwan
- Review and confirm — double-check your passport number and name spelling before submitting
- Save your QR code — it arrives by email instantly after confirmation
Traveling as a family or small group? One person can submit for up to 16 travelers in a single session.
For a full walkthrough of each field, see our step-by-step process guide.
When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card
The submission window is up to 7 days before your arrival date — this window was extended from 3 days to 7 days in June 2026. Your QR code is valid and ready to use from the moment you receive it.
Here's how the timing breaks down:
| When you submit | What it means |
|---|---|
| 7–3 days before | Ideal — plenty of time to fix any errors |
| 2 days before | Good — still manageable if anything needs correcting |
| 24 hours before | Acceptable, but leaves little margin |
| Day of flight | Risky — some airlines check TWAC completion at check-in |
Don't leave it to the airport. Some carriers may deny boarding if your TWAC isn't completed before departure. Self-service kiosks exist at Taoyuan (TPE) and Kaohsiung (KHH) airports, but queues can be long during peak periods.
For more detail on timing, visit our TWAC submission timing guide.
FAQ: Taiwan Arrival Card for Canadian Citizens
Do Canadian citizens need a Taiwan Arrival Card even if they don't need a visa?
Canadian passport holders must complete the TWAC regardless of their visa-exempt status. The Taiwan Arrival Card is a separate requirement from your visa — it's an entry declaration, not permission to enter. All foreign nationals entering Taiwan, including those on visa-free entry, are required to submit it before arrival.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free for Canadians?
The TWAC is completely free to submit at the official National Immigration Agency portal, twac.immigration.gov.tw. The form takes 5–10 minutes and generates a QR code at no cost. Some third-party websites charge a fee to complete it on your behalf — this is unnecessary, as you can submit the form yourself for free.
How long can Canadian citizens stay in Taiwan without a visa?
Canadian passport holders are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 90 days in Taiwan. This covers tourism, family visits, and short business trips. If you plan to stay longer or work in Taiwan, a separate visa is required — and the TWAC is still mandatory on top of that.
What happens if a Canadian traveler makes a mistake on their TWAC?
You can edit your Taiwan Arrival Card at any time before you land in Taiwan. Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw and select the update option. Common errors include using a nickname instead of your full legal name, or entering the wrong passport number — check both carefully before leaving for the airport.
Does a Canadian citizen need a new TWAC for each visit to Taiwan?
A new TWAC submission is required for every trip to Taiwan, even for repeat visitors. The Taiwan Arrival Card is valid for a single entry only. Since the form is free and takes under 10 minutes, completing it before each trip is straightforward — and you can submit up to 7 days in advance.
Need Help With Your TWAC?
Prefer to have someone check your form? Our assistance service guides you through the process — fast, accurate, and error-free.
Complete TWAC Now