[Updated November 2025] Taiwan Entry Guide | A thorough explanation of what you need and the documents you need to enter the country
Things to know before traveling to Taiwan
Beautiful cityscape, gourmet food, and warm people.
Taiwan is close to Japan and is a popular destination for weekend trips and first-time overseas travelers.
However, if you leave without knowing what documents and applications are required to enter the country, you may end up spending a lot of time going through the procedures after you arrive.
Especially for those who are traveling abroad for the first time, understanding the process in advance will help you start your trip with peace of mind.
In this article, we have clearly outlined the latest documents and procedures required to enter Taiwan in 2025, as well as how to apply online .
Reduce your waiting time at the airport and enjoy exploring Taipei and sampling local cuisine right away.
Documents and Procedures Required for Entering Taiwan [Updated November 2025]
Entry Preparation Checklist
First, let's check the list of necessary preparations.
If you keep this in mind, you won't have to panic once you arrive.
| item | subject | Preparation details |
|---|---|---|
| passport | Everyone | Valid for more than 6 months, with blank pages |
| visa | Only applicable persons (long-term, employed, etc.) | Not required for tourism purposes within 90 days (Japanese nationals) |
| Taiwan Arrival Card | Everyone | Pre-register on the official website (paper cards will no longer be available) |
| Customs Declaration | Only applicable persons (if exceeding the tax-free allowance) | Apply online or on board (pay attention to the duty-free allowance) |
| Passport carrier | Everyone | Must be in your possession and ready to show during your stay |
1. Passport
・The validity period must be at least 6 months at the time of entry.
For example, if the package is scheduled to arrive on November 1, 2025, the expiration date must be after May 1, 2026.
・At least 1-2 blank pages are required for the visa section (for stamps).
If your passport is torn or dirty, you may be denied entry.
Taiwan: Use of automated gates (e-Gates) when entering and leaving the country
In Taiwan, you can go through immigration and customs procedures smoothly by using the automated gates (e-Gates) installed at major airports.
However, not everyone can use it right away, and you will need to register at the local airport when you first enter the country .
Registration is done at a dedicated counter at the airport and takes just a few minutes to complete by registering your fingerprints and photo.
Once you have registered, you will be able to complete the procedure by simply passing through the e-Gate the next time you enter or leave Taiwan.
Japanese Passports
Currently, all passports issued in Japan are electronic passports (e-Passports) with IC chips.
The mark is the square IC chip mark at the bottom of the cover.
This chip contains encrypted personal information, which helps prevent counterfeiting and streamlines immigration inspections.
Therefore, all Japanese passport holders are eligible to register for Taiwan's e-Gate.
Once you have registered the first time, you can use the automated gates to enter the country smoothly from the next time onwards.
2. Visa (for tourist purposes)
Japanese nationals do not need a visa if they are staying for short periods of time (for tourism or business purposes) of up to 90 days .
When entering the country, you only need to present your passport and immigration card to complete the procedure.
However, if you fall under any of the following categories, you will need a separate visa.
・Staying for more than 90 days ・Purpose of work, study, etc. ・If you plan to re-enter or stay for a long period of time
For more information, please check the official website of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan for the latest updates.
Official website:
3. Electronic Arrival Card (Taiwan Arrival Card)
-From October 2025, paper arrival cards will be abolished in Taiwan and online registration for a "Taiwan Arrival Card" will be mandatory .
・You can register up to three days before your arrival. It is safer to complete the registration two to three days before your departure.
・Registration is free. Be careful of paid proxy sites other than the official site.
・If you forget to register online, you can register on the day at the designated terminals in the immigration area of the airport. However, it is recommended to register in advance as it can get crowded.
・After completing the application, you will be asked to show the registration number or QR code on your smartphone or print it out and bring it with you when you enter the country.
・Click here for the official Taiwan Arrival Card website
https://twac.immigration.gov.tw
4. Customs Declaration
When entering the country, you must declare any items you are bringing in that exceed the duty-free allowance.
An electronic declaration system has been introduced, allowing you to apply online or on board.
Duty-free range guideline (as of November 2025)
・Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes (up to 1 carton of cigarettes)
・Alcohol: up to 1 liter ・Cash: If it exceeds NTD 100,000 (approximately 500,000 yen), you must declare it
5. Passport Carrying Obligation (Even After Entering the Country)
In Taiwan, you are required to carry your passport as identification during your stay.
You may be asked to show it at tourist spots and accommodations, so be sure to carry it with you at all times.
Summary | Start your journey to Taiwan with a heartfelt experience
Taiwan is close to Japan and has relatively low prices, making it a recommended country for first-time overseas travelers .
If you complete immigration procedures in advance, your arrival will be smooth and worry-free.
・Check the expiration date of your passport
・Register your "Taiwan Arrival Card" online
・Pre-filing customs declarations as necessary
If you prepare these three things, you can calmly go through the procedures at the airport.
You can then enjoy smooth travel and sightseeing afterwards.
Even if you are new to traveling abroad, you should start preparing before you leave so that you can enjoy Taiwan to the fullest.
Walking around the city, eating delicious food, and meeting warm-hearted people—
All of this is waiting for you after a safe procedure.
Pre-entry checklist
| item | subject | Preparation details |
|---|---|---|
| passport | Everyone | Valid for more than 6 months, with blank pages |
| visa | Only applicable persons (long-term, employed, etc.) | Not required for tourism purposes within 90 days (Japanese nationals) |
| Taiwan Arrival Card | Everyone | Pre-register on the official website (paper cards will no longer be available) |
| Customs Declaration | Only applicable persons (if exceeding the tax-free allowance) | Apply online or on board (pay attention to the duty-free allowance) |
| Passport carrier | Everyone | Must be in your possession and ready to show during your stay |
