French passport holders must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before entering Taiwan — this applies whether you're entering visa-free or on a visa. The TWAC is a free, mandatory digital entry declaration run by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. Submitting it takes 5–10 minutes online. It is not a visa.
Does France Need a TWAC?
French citizens are required to submit a Taiwan Arrival Card before arrival. This rule applies to virtually all foreign nationals entering Taiwan, including those traveling visa-free — and French passport holders fall into that category.
The TWAC replaced Taiwan's paper immigration arrival card on October 1, 2025. Every trip to Taiwan now requires a fresh digital submission at twac.immigration.gov.tw, regardless of how many times you've visited before. The form is free, takes around 5–10 minutes, and generates a QR code sent to your email immediately after submission.
To be clear: the TWAC is not a visa and does not replace one. French citizens who qualify for visa-free entry only need the TWAC. If you're traveling on a visa, you need both.
Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for French Passport Holders
French citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days. This is a standard tourist entry — no advance visa application is needed.
That said, visa-free entry and the TWAC are two separate things. Qualifying for visa-free entry doesn't exempt you from completing the Taiwan Arrival Card. The TWAC must still be submitted before you board your flight.
A few conditions apply to visa-free entry:
- Your French passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
- You must hold a confirmed onward or return ticket
- You need a full accommodation address for your time in Taiwan
- Immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds (approximately NT$2,000–3,000 per day is the general benchmark)
Note: Visa-free entry conditions are subject to change. Verify current requirements against the official portal at twac.immigration.gov.tw before you travel.
What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
Gathering your documents before you open the form keeps things quick. Here's what you'll need:
- Valid French passport — your name in the TWAC must match your passport exactly. A nickname or shortened version will cause problems at immigration.
- Flight details — airline name, flight number, arrival date, and your port of entry (for example, Taoyuan International Airport).
- Accommodation address — a hotel name and full address, or if staying with someone, their full name, address, and a Taiwanese mobile number.
- Purpose of visit — tourism, business, visiting family, or another category.
- Valid email address — your QR code confirmation goes here immediately after submission.
- Occupation and phone number — required fields on the form.
Visa holders must also enter their visa number and expiry date. If traveling in a group, one person can submit for up to 16 travelers in a single session — each traveler receives their own individual QR code.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC — Quick Steps for French Travelers
The process on the official National Immigration Agency portal follows five stages: email verification, traveler information, itinerary, review, and confirmation.
Here's how it works in practice:
- Go to the official portal — visit twac.immigration.gov.tw and click "Submit Arrival Card." Select English or your preferred language from the seven available options.
- Verify your email — enter your email address and confirm it. Your QR code will be sent here.
- Enter your personal details — full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and French passport number.
- Add your travel itinerary — flight number, airline, arrival date, port of entry, intended departure date, and purpose of visit.
- Enter your accommodation details — hotel name and address, or your host's contact information.
- Review and submit — check every field carefully before confirming. You can update the form anytime before arrival if something changes.
Your QR code arrives by email immediately. Save it to your phone or print a copy before you head to the airport. For a full step-by-step walkthrough, see our detailed process guide.
When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card
The submission window runs up to 7 days before your arrival date — this window was extended from 3 days to 7 days in June 2026. Earlier is better.
| When You Submit | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 7–3 days before | Ideal — time to fix errors and resubmit if needed |
| 2 days before | Fine, but leaves limited room for corrections |
| 24 hours before | Acceptable — complete before heading to the airport |
| Day of flight | Risky — some airlines check TWAC at check-in |
| After landing | Kiosks exist at TPE and KHH, but queues can be long |
Some airlines verify TWAC completion at the departure gate. French travelers flying via Charles de Gaulle or another major hub should complete the form well before arriving at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports for last-minute submissions, but relying on them adds unnecessary stress.
For more detail on timing rules, see our dedicated TWAC timing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions — Taiwan Arrival Card for French Citizens
Do French citizens need to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card even if they qualify for visa-free entry?
French passport holders must submit the TWAC regardless of how they enter Taiwan. Visa-free status removes the need for a visa — it does not remove the requirement to submit the digital entry declaration before arrival.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free for French travelers?
The TWAC is completely free to submit at the official National Immigration Agency portal, twac.immigration.gov.tw. Some third-party websites charge a fee to complete the form on your behalf — that service is optional and unnecessary. The form itself takes 5–10 minutes.
How long can French citizens stay in Taiwan without a visa?
French passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days per visit. Each stay is a separate entry — the TWAC must be resubmitted for every trip, as each card is valid for a single entry only.
What happens if a French traveler makes a mistake on the TWAC?
The TWAC is editable anytime before you arrive in Taiwan. Log back in at twac.immigration.gov.tw, select "Update Arrival Card," and correct the relevant field. Common mistakes include entering a nickname instead of a full legal name, or entering an incorrect passport number.
Can French citizens complete the TWAC in French?
The official portal currently offers the form in seven languages: English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. French is not currently among them. English is the recommended option for French travelers completing the form independently.
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