Taiwan

Demonstrations happen sometimes but are usually peaceful.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media for planned or possible action
• avoid rallies and protests
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Crime rates are low, including for petty crime.

Taxi drivers have assaulted some passengers. However, taxis and other rideshare options are usually safe.

Some Australians have become victims of extortion scams. Examples include minor car accidents and claims of sexual assault at nightclubs.

To keep yourself safe:

• take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places
• report suspicious behaviour
• book taxis through a central dispatch service or your hotel

Card skimming occurs. Keep an eye on your card when making purchases.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Taiwan experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• typhoons
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Typhoons

Typhoons happen in the wet or typhoon season from May to November. Flooding and mudslides are common.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning. In some areas, shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to everyone.

If a typhoon is approaching, be aware that:

• flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• access to ports could be affected

If a typhoon is approaching, local authorities may declare a 'typhoon day' at very short notice. This means businesses may only open for a short time and government offices may close. 

The Australian Office in Taipei may close on typhoon days (see 'Local contacts').

Authorities announce a 'typhoon day' on local radio and television stations. This includes International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT), which broadcasts in English.

Updates on typhoons and other severe weather are available from the Taiwan Central Weather Administration. You can also keep up to date by checking:

• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

To prepare yourself in case of a typhoon:

• know your hotel's or cruise ship's evacuation plans
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities on preparing for a natural disaster

If there's a typhoon or other natural disaster approaching:

• tune your radio to FM100.7 for English-language updates
• monitor the media, other local information sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay in touch with friends and family
• contact your airline for the latest flight information
• contact Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, or Kaohsiung International Airport for more information
• contact Maritime and Port Bureau for information on ferries
• check the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration for information on office and school closures
• contact your tour operator to check if services at your planned destinations have been affected
• contact a tour operator to check if services at your planned destinations have been affected

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes often occur and may disrupt city and regional train services. Confirm travel arrangements before travelling. Get advice on travelling to and living in an earthquake-prone region.

If you're planning to travel to Taroko or Hualien, check the road conditions before you travel, as access may be affected by the earthquake that occurred on 3 April 2024. 

Tsunamis are a risk because of frequent earthquakes in the region.

For more information check out:

• Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration’s Seismological Center
• Taiwan's Emergency Management Information Center 全民防災e點通 (emic.gov.tw) APP for the latest information.
• the US Tsunami Warning Center for information on earthquakes and tsunamis. 

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Some prescription medications are illegal in Taiwan. Authorities may jail or fine you for carrying these medications.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Taiwan.

Taiwan Customs gives advice on limits and documents you'll need.

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of insect-borne illnesses occur, including:

• Dengue, especially in the tropical southern and central regions
• Japanese encephalitis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Outbreaks may occur from March or April until October each year.

To protect yourself from illness:

• practice good hygiene, including careful and frequent handwashing
• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Taiwan for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities in public hospitals in major cities is good. However, there are often long waiting times.

The medical system can be confusing. Some hospitals have English-speaking private clinics.

Treatment at private clinics and priority care centres is expensive. You may have to pay up-front for medical and dental services, including for emergency care.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include life imprisonment and the death penalty.

Carrying certain prescription drugs can result in heavy fines and long jail sentences (see 'Health').

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

If you're involved in a legal dispute, you won't be allowed to leave Taiwan until the dispute is settled. This includes minor offences.

You may be detained on arrival if you have an outstanding arrest warrant in Taiwan.

Legal processes can be long. Local authorities won't accept bonds or deposits to guarantee court appearances.

Taiwan recognises dual nationality. Taiwanese males aged over 18 must do military service. Some exemptions are available to overseas residents, but you should check this before travelling. If you're not exempt, you may have to serve when you arrive.

If you're a Taiwanese-Australian dual national and you're male, check before you travel.

More information:

• Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
• National Conscription Agency
• Dual nationals

Visas

You must complete a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within 3 days before you arrive in Taiwan. The TWAC should be submitted online through the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency website. Check the TWAC Taiwan Arrival Card website for information on how to complete and submit the TWAC online. The TWAC is a free service. Be alert to fraudulent websites imitating the TWAC service.

Travellers who have not submitted a TWAC in advance may still be able to scan the QR code and submit the TWAC form on arrival. 

Taiwan has a visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of designated countries, including Australia. Please see Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the visa-exempt entry requirements and restrictions. You cannot enter Taiwan under the visa-exempt entry scheme if you have a criminal record. Taiwan's immigration authorities can refuse entry to people with criminal records or deport them from Taiwan.

You won't need a visa for Taiwan if you meet all these conditions:

• you'll only stay for up to 90 days
• you're visiting for tourism or business
• you have a confirmed return or onward air ticket
• your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry
• you're not travelling on an emergency passport

In other situations, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Australians can use Taiwan's e-Gate service. To register for e-Gate, visit the e-Gate Enrolment Counters at the airport, located next to the e-Gate lanes at passport control. The registration is valid until 6 months before your passport's expiry date, until you renew your passport, or until you obtain an Alien Resident Card (ARC) in Taiwan. You'll need then to register each trip online to use the gates. More information is available at the e-Gate Enrolment System website.

Working holiday-makers (WHM) must apply for the WHM visa before arriving. WHM visas are also valid as a work permit.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• National Immigration Agency

Border measures

International transits are permitted at Taiwan's airports. Refer to Taoyuan International Airport or contact your airline or travel agent for more information on transiting Taiwan.

You'll be screened for high body temperature when you arrive. This is to guard against pandemics such as COVID-19, SARS and bird flu (avian influenza). Depending on your results, you may need more medical tests.

If you plan to take prescription or non-prescription medicines with you, check the Taiwan Customs website before you travel (see 'Health').

If you're planning to work, you need to get a work permit before you start paid or unpaid work. Work permits are usually arranged in Taiwan through your employer.

If you work without a work permit or WHM visa, authorities could fine or deport you.

More information:

• Taiwan Workforce Development Agency
• Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).

Declare amounts over USD10,000 or equivalent.

ATMs are widely available in cities and provincial centres.

International credit cards are usually accepted in hotels, restaurants and higher-end shops, especially in cities and larger towns.

Driving permit

If you plan to drive in Taiwan, you must get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive.

You can drive for up to 30 days with an IDP and a current Australian licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).

If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension at the nearest motor vehicle office in Taiwan.

Check Taiwan’s Highway Bureau for information on how to apply for a Taiwanese Driver's Licence.

Road travel

Roads and vehicles are well maintained but scooters and motorcycles often weave in and out of traffic, and vehicles might not stop at pedestrian crossings. Look before stepping onto the road.

Heavy rain and typhoons can lead to landslides and road blockages.

Mountain roads are usually winding and narrow. Travellers have been injured in bus accidents on these roads.

To stay safe:

• don't expect traffic to stop at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights — look before stepping onto the road
• assess weather and road conditions before you drive, especially during typhoon season
• take particular care when driving on mountain roads

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence, either Taiwanese or international, to hire a motorcycle.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis and other rideshare options are usually safe. However, there have been instances of drivers assaulting passengers.

To minimise risk, use:

• taxis booked through a central dispatch service
• taxis booked through your hotel

Mountain hiking

Permits may be required for entering mountains in Taiwan. Ensure the phone location mode (GPS) on the mobile device is turned on. If you get lost in the mountains, dial 119 and follow the instructions to send your location. Alternatively, you can report the location number shown on a blue plate of the nearest electricity pole.

Public transport

Taiwan has well-developed rail and bus services.

Petty crime happens, so take care of your belongings.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Some cruise lines stopover in Taiwan.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

Check Taiwan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire

Call 119.

Medical emergencies (including mountain rescues)

Call 119.

Police

Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer may have a 24-hour emergency number.

Information for Foreigners

Call 1990.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Office in Taipei.

The Australian Office, Taipei

27th and 28th Floor, President International Tower 
9-11 Song Gao Road, Xinyi District 
Taipei, 110 
Phone: (+886 2) 8725 4100 
Fax: (+886 2) 8789 9599 
Website: australia.org.tw
Email: consular.taipei@dfat.gov.au 
Facebook: facebook.com/australianofficetaipei
X: twitter.com/AusOfficeTPE

Check the Australian Office in Taipei website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Australian Office, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia