US citizens traveling to Taiwan must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before arrival — no exceptions. The TWAC is a free, mandatory online entry declaration run by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. It is not a visa, and it applies to all eligible travelers, including those entering on visa-free entry. Submit it at twac.immigration.gov.tw up to 7 days before your flight.
Do US Citizens Need a TWAC?
Every US citizen entering Taiwan must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before arrival — regardless of how you're entering, how long you're staying, or how many times you've visited before. The TWAC is a digital entry declaration, not a visa, and the two are entirely separate requirements.
US citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Taiwan, which means the TWAC is the only entry form you need to complete. You do not need to apply for a Taiwan visa separately.
One important distinction: the TWAC replaced Taiwan's paper immigration arrival card on October 1, 2025. There is no paper version anymore. Every traveler submits online, and you receive a QR code by email immediately after.
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Taiwan Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry Rules for US Passport Holders
US passport holders are eligible for 90 days of visa-free entry into Taiwan. This applies to tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. You do not need to apply for a visa in advance.
To enter on visa-free terms, your US passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You'll also need a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation — immigration officers can and do ask for both.
The TWAC does not grant entry on its own. It confirms your travel details and streamlines the immigration process. Entry is still at the discretion of the officer at the port of arrival.
What to Prepare for Your Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC)
Before you start your TWAC submission at twac.immigration.gov.tw, have the following ready:
- Valid US passport — your name in the form must match your passport exactly. No nicknames or shortened names.
- Email address — your QR code is sent here immediately after submission.
- Flight details — airline name, flight number, and arrival date.
- Port of entry — typically Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) for most US travelers.
- Full accommodation address — hotel name and address, or if staying with someone, their full name, address, and a Taiwanese mobile number.
- Purpose of visit — tourism, business, visiting relatives, etc.
If you hold a Taiwan visa, you'll also need your visa number and expiry date. No document uploads are required at the time of submission — you present physical documents at immigration on arrival.
How to Fill Out the Taiwan TWAC — Quick Steps for US Travelers
The form takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. Here's a condensed walkthrough:
- Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw and select "Submit Arrival Card." Choose English as your language.
- Enter your personal details — full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Add your travel itinerary — flight number, airline, arrival date, port of entry, and departure date.
- Enter your Taiwan accommodation address — hotel or host details as required.
- Select your purpose of visit and complete any remaining fields.
- Review and submit — double-check your passport number and name before confirming.
After submission, a QR code arrives by email instantly. Save it to your phone or print a copy. The TWAC is editable anytime before you arrive if you need to make changes.
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see the step-by-step TWAC guide.
When to Submit Your Taiwan Arrival Card
The submission window is up to 7 days before your arrival date (this was extended from 3 days to 7 days in June 2026). The QR code you receive is tied to your arrival date, so submit once your travel plans are confirmed.
Recommended timing for US travelers:
- 7–3 days before arrival — ideal. Gives you time to fix any errors without stress.
- 2 days before — still fine for most travelers.
- 24 hours before — acceptable, but leaves little room if something goes wrong.
- Day of flight — risky. Some airlines check TWAC completion at check-in and can deny boarding.
Complete the TWAC before you leave for the airport. Self-service kiosks exist at Taoyuan (TPE) and Kaohsiung (KHH), but queues can be long during peak periods, and you risk missing your connection.
FAQ: Taiwan Arrival Card for US Citizens
Do US citizens need a Taiwan Arrival Card even with visa-free entry? US citizens on visa-free entry must complete the TWAC — the visa-free status does not exempt you from the entry declaration. The TWAC and visa requirements are entirely separate. Because US passport holders qualify for visa-free entry, the TWAC is the only form you need to submit before arrival.
How long can US citizens stay in Taiwan without a visa?
US passport holders are eligible for up to 90 days of visa-free entry per visit. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an appropriate visa before traveling. Each trip to Taiwan requires a new TWAC submission regardless of your stay length.
Is the Taiwan Arrival Card free for US citizens?
The TWAC is completely free to submit at the official portal twac.immigration.gov.tw (National Immigration Agency). Some third-party services charge a fee to assist with the form, but you can complete it yourself in 5–10 minutes at no cost.
What happens if a US traveler forgets to complete the TWAC before the flight?
Airlines can deny boarding if you haven't completed the TWAC, since carriers may be held responsible for returning non-compliant passengers. Self-service kiosks at TPE and KHH allow on-arrival completion, but queues can be significant. Completing the form at least 24 hours before departure is strongly recommended.
Can a US citizen update their TWAC after submitting?
The Taiwan Arrival Card can be edited at any time before you arrive in Taiwan. Visit twac.immigration.gov.tw and select the update option. Common corrections include fixing a passport number or updating an accommodation address — both are straightforward to amend before your flight.
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