23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 0800 024 111.
Call 119.
Call 119.
Call 110 or contact the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Taiwan.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
More information:
Crime rates are low, including for petty crime.
Taxi drivers have assaulted some passengers. However, taxis 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:
Card skimming occurs. Keep an eye on your card when making purchases.
Taiwan experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
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:
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 Bureau. You can also keep up to date by checking:
To prepare yourself in case of a typhoon:
If there's a typhoon or other natural disaster approaching:
Earthquakes happen often. Get advice on travelling to and living in an earthquake-prone region.
Tsunamis are a risk because of frequent earthquakes in the region.
Check the Pacific 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:
Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
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. Take enough legal medication with you for your trip.
Taiwan Customs gives advice on limits and documents you'll need.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Taiwan. If you travel to Taiwan, you'll be subject to self-quarantine or stay at a government-approved quarantine facility on arrival. You should also maintain social distancing of 1.5m indoors and 1m outdoors. If you breach quarantine measures, significant penalties may apply.
You will have to wear a face mask in most public venues. Face masks can be purchased at local convenience stores and pharmacies.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Dengue occurs, especially in the tropical southern and central regions.
Cases of Zika virus were reported in 2016. There's no vaccine available against dengue or Zika virus.
You could also encounter Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan.
To protect yourself from disease:
Speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.
If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about possible Zika virus risks.
More information:
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur. Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, they can continue until October each year.
HFMD mostly affects children aged under 10 years. However, adult cases occur, especially in young adults.
HFMD spreads through contact with discharges of infected people.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
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.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.
Smoking, consuming, possessing or trafficking marijuana can lead to life in prison.
Carrying certain prescription drugs can result in heavy fines and long jail sentences. See Health
More information:
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.
Legal processes can be long. Local authorities won't accept bonds or deposits to guarantee court appearances.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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:
Due to COVID-19, the Taiwanese government has announced an eighth automatic 30-day visa extension for foreigners who entered Taiwan on or before 21 March 2020 on a short term visitor visa and whose stay has exceeded 420 days (no application required, overstayers excepted). These extensions do not apply to foreigners who arrived in Taiwan after 21 March 2020. These conditions may change at short notice. Contact Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs for details.
The following information will only apply once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.
You won't need a visa for Taiwan if you meet all these conditions:
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 six months prior to your passport's expiry date, until you renew your passport, or until you obtain an Alien Resident Card (ARC) in Taiwan. You will need then to register each trip online to use the gates. More information is available at the e-Gate Enrollment 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:
Entry into Taiwan
Taiwan will only allow entry to its citizens, permanent residents and special permission holders. Foreign nationals who don’t hold an ARC may apply to enter Taiwan for reasons other than tourism and regular social visits. For an official or business visit, contact your nearest Taiwanese representative office for the special entry requirements.
Starting from 1 March 2021, transits will be allowed at the Taoyuan International Airport. Transiting travellers must arrive in and depart Taiwan within eight hours on flights operated by the same airline group.
All international arrivals, regardless of nationality or visa status, will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR-test result issued within three business days before boarding their flight to Taiwan. Antigen or antibody test results will not be accepted. The test result certificate can be an original, duplicate or digital copy, and should be in English and/or Chinese. Certificates in other languages may be accepted in consultation with ground staff at the airport of departure. A small number of exceptions to the testing requirement apply, notably to maritime crew on fishing vessels and emergency workers.
You need to make arrangements for your quarantine before arriving in Taiwan, and provide evidence when checking into your flight. From 15 January 2021, arrivals who choose to quarantine at a private residence rather than a quarantine hotel or group quarantine facility will be required to declare their residence complies with quarantine requirements – namely that there is only 1 person per residence unless all travellers travelled to Taiwan together and their quarantine accommodation has a room and bathroom for each person. Exceptions and further details are available from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control.
Taiwan’s usual quarantine requirement for international arrivals is 14 days (not including the day of arrival). However, incoming passengers who have symptoms upon arrival or have experienced symptoms in the 14 days prior to arrival are required to undergo testing at the airport and stay at one of the government’s designated quarantine facilities until notified of their test result. If the test result is negative, a second specimen will be collected again within 24 hours. If both test results are negative, and you have been assessed by a doctor, you may then proceed and complete the remainder of your quarantine at a location that complies with quarantine requirements.
Students enrolled in formal degree programs in Taiwan and recipients of the MoFA Taiwan Scholarship attending the Mandarin Language Enrichment Programs are eligible to enter Taiwan, but must undergo the full 14 days of quarantine. Non-degree students, including language students, exchange students, or New Colombo Plan scholars, are not eligible.
Short-term business travellers are required to complete a 14-days quarantine, or apply for a shorter quarantine period for five or seven days if you are travelling from one of the low or medium-low risk countries. Quarantine may be at a quarantine hotel or your residence (if it complies with the regulations of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control). You will need to travel in a “quarantine taxi” from the airport.
After your quarantine period has ended, you’ll still need to observe self-health management until the 21st day after your arrival in Taiwan. Short-term business travellers with shortened quarantine period approved by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control need to practice enhanced self-health management from day 6 or 8 to day 14, and then complete the normal self-health management from day 15 to day 21. If you breach quarantine measures, significant penalties may apply.
International cruise ships, irrespective of their travel route, are not allowed to dock in Taiwan.
Staying in Taiwan
It is mandatory to wear a face mask in most public venues, including: healthcare facilities; public transport; indoor shopping areas; learning facilities; sports and exhibition venues; entertainment venues; places of worship; and public offices and business venues. You'll also need to maintain social distancing of 1.5m indoors and 1m outdoors.
If staying in 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:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).
Declare amounts over $US10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
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.
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.
If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension at the nearest motor vehicle office in Taiwan.
Roads and vehicles are well-maintained but scooters and motor cycles 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:
More information:
You need a motorcycle licence, either Taiwanese or international, to hire a motorbike.
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis are usually safe. However, there have been instances of drivers assaulting passengers.
To minimise risk, use:
Taiwan has well-developed rail and bus services.
Petty crime happens, so take care of your belongings.
More information:
Some cruise lines stop over in Taiwan.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Taiwan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 0800 024 111.
Call 119.
Call 119.
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.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Office in Taipei.
27th and 28th Floor, President International Tower
9-11 Song Gao Road
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
Check the Australian Office in Taipei website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Australian Office, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.