German passport holders must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before entering Taiwan. The TWAC is a free, mandatory online entry declaration — not a visa — required for nearly all foreign visitors, including those on visa-free entry. Submit it up to 7 days before arrival at twac.immigration.gov.tw to receive a QR code instantly.
Does Germany Need a TWAC?
German citizens must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before traveling to Taiwan. The TWAC is not a visa — it's a digital entry declaration issued by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) that replaced the old paper immigration card on October 1, 2025.
This requirement applies regardless of how you're entering Taiwan. Even if your German passport qualifies you for visa-free entry, you still need to submit the TWAC. The two are completely separate: your visa-exempt status is about permission to enter, while the Taiwan Arrival Card is about registering your entry details before you arrive.
Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for German Passport Holders
German citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 90 days. No visa application, no embassy visit — your German passport is enough.
That said, standard entry conditions still apply at the border. You'll typically need to show:
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Taiwan
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (a general benchmark is approximately NT$2,000–3,000 per day)
The TWAC must be completed on top of these requirements. Think of it as the digital equivalent of filling out the paper card you'd have received on the plane — except now you do it before you fly, and you get a QR code instead of a paper slip.
Visa-free entry terms are subject to change. Confirm current conditions at Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.
What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
Before you open the TWAC form, gather the following:
- Valid German passport — you'll need the passport number, issue date, and expiry date. Your name must match your passport exactly; entering a nickname will cause problems at immigration.
- Flight details — airline name and flight number for your inbound journey to Taiwan.
- Arrival date and port of entry — for most German travelers, this will be Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
- Full accommodation address — the hotel name and street address, or, if staying with a friend or family member, their full name, address, and a Taiwanese phone number.
- Purpose of visit — tourism, business, transit, etc.
- Valid email address — your QR code confirmation is delivered by email immediately after submission.
- Occupation and phone number — required fields on the form.
No document uploads are needed. Physical documents are checked at immigration on arrival, not during the online submission.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC — Quick Steps for German Travelers
The form takes roughly 5–10 minutes to complete. Here's the process:
- Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw and select your preferred language. The form is available in English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.
- Verify your email address — the system sends a verification code before you proceed.
- Enter your personal details — full legal name as it appears on your German passport, date of birth, nationality, and passport information.
- Add your itinerary — flight number, airline, arrival date, port of entry, and departure date.
- Enter your accommodation details — full address of your hotel or host in Taiwan.
- Select your purpose of visit — choose the option that best describes your trip.
- Review and submit — double-check your passport number and name before confirming.
Once submitted, a QR code is sent to your email immediately. Save it to your phone or print a copy. At immigration, the officer will scan your passport to automatically retrieve your TWAC data — you may or may not need to display the QR code, but having it ready is smart practice.
Traveling with family or a group? One person can submit a TWAC for up to 16 travelers in a single session.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see the step-by-step guide on the How to Apply page.
When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card
The TWAC submission window is up to 7 days before your arrival date. This window was extended from 3 days to 7 days in June 2026, giving travelers more flexibility.
Here's a practical breakdown:
| Timing | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| 7–3 days before | Ideal — time to spot and fix errors before you leave home |
| 2 days before | Fine — still enough buffer to correct any issues |
| 24 hours before | Acceptable — but leaves little room if something goes wrong |
| Day of flight | Risky — some airlines check TWAC status at check-in |
| After landing | Avoid — self-service kiosks exist at TPE and KHH, but queues can be long |
The TWAC is editable any time before arrival, so if your hotel changes or your flight gets rescheduled, you can update your submission without starting over. Visit twac.immigration.gov.tw and select "Update Arrival Card."
FAQ: Taiwan Arrival Card for German Citizens
Do German citizens need a Taiwan Arrival Card if they already qualify for visa-free entry?
German passport holders must complete the TWAC even when entering on visa-free terms. The Taiwan Arrival Card and visa-free status are two separate requirements. Your German passport covers the right to enter without a visa; the TWAC is the mandatory digital entry declaration that must be submitted before you board.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free for German travelers?
The TWAC is completely free to submit at the official NIA portal, twac.immigration.gov.tw. There are no government fees. Some third-party websites charge for the service, but paying for assistance is entirely optional — the form takes 5–10 minutes and is straightforward to complete in English.
How long can German citizens stay in Taiwan visa-free?
German passport holders are eligible for up to 90 days of visa-free stay in Taiwan per visit. Standard entry conditions apply, including proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Confirm current terms with Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip, as entry rules can be updated.
Can I complete the TWAC in English as a German citizen?
The TWAC form at twac.immigration.gov.tw is available in English, among other languages. Select English from the language menu when you open the portal. All fields — passport number, name, flight details, and accommodation — can be entered in English.
What happens if I arrive in Taiwan without completing the TWAC?
Some airlines may deny boarding if you haven't submitted the Taiwan Arrival Card before departure. If you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) without a TWAC, self-service kiosks are available — but queues can be long and add significant time to your arrival. Completing it before you fly is always the better option.
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