News & Events - Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China(Taiwan)

MOFA adjusts entry regulations for foreign nationals in line with antipandemic policy [Updated entry regulations and visa control measures for residents of Uganda and DRC traveling to Taiwan]

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:33:00 GMT

Starting from August 28, 2026, the ROC (Taiwan) will allow residents of the Republic of Uganda to apply for visas to enter Taiwan. However, issuance of visas to residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will remain suspended until November 28, 2026. These measures are in line with the antipandemic policies of Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The measures will not apply to the following:

Students admitted to an academic degree program in Taiwan
Personnel on diplomatic or official business
Spouses and minor children (under 18 years of age) of Taiwan nationals
Visitors traveling for emergency or humanitarian reasons, such as attending a funeral or visiting a critically ill family member

The aforementioned measures may be adjusted accordingly due to the development of the Ebola outbreak or alterations to the nation’s antipandemic policy.

MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:06:00 GMT

In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 21 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries, overseen by the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries, overseen by the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior.

After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures in past years, the relevant agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027.

In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-End Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2027, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place, with both continuing to apply to nationals of India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. Nationals of Cambodia will no longer be eligible for these two initiatives from August 1, 2026.

MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient.

MOFA adjusts entry regulations for certain foreign nationals in line with antipandemic policy

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:15:00 GMT

Starting from June 2, 2026, and for a period of 90 days, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will implement entry restrictions and visa control measures on residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda given the severe outbreak of the Ebola virus in these countries. These measures are in line with the antipandemic policy of the Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Issuance of visas to residents of the DRC and Uganda will be suspended, and individuals from these countries who have already obtained visas will be denied entry into the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The measures will not apply to the following:

Admitted degree students
Personnel on diplomatic or official business
Spouses and minor children of Republic of China (Taiwan) nationals
Visitors traveling for emergency or humanitarian reasons, such as attending a funeral or visiting a critically ill family member

Also, with regard to residents of the DRC or Uganda who have been issued visas within the past three months but have yet to enter the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will invalidate these visas pursuant to Article 12 of the Statute Governing the Issuance of ROC Visas in Foreign Passports.

The aforementioned measures may be adjusted based on the development of the Ebola outbreak or alterations to the nation’s antipandemic policy.

【Announcement】Note for ROC (Taiwan) visa applicants who have resided in or visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Algeria, Djibouti, Cameroon, or Chad for four weeks or longer in the past year

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:58:00 GMT

In accordance with World Health Organization recommendations, applicants for ROC (Taiwan) visas must provide proof of having been administered the oral polio vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from four weeks to one year before the date of their visa application submission if they have resided in or visited countries at high risk for polio transmission—namely, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Algeria, Djibouti, Cameroon, and Chad—for four weeks or longer within the past year.

【Announcement】Note for ROC (Taiwan) visa applicants who have resided in or visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Algeria, Djibouti, Israel, Cameroon, or Chad for four weeks or longer in the past year

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:04:00 GMT

In accordance with World Health Organization recommendations, applicants for ROC (Taiwan) visas must provide proof of having been administered the oral polio vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from four weeks to one year before the date of their visa application submission if they have resided in or visited countries at high risk for polio transmission—namely, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Algeria, Djibouti, Israel, Cameroon, and Chad—for four weeks or longer within the past year.

【Announcement】Note for ROC (Taiwan) visa applicants who have resided in or visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, French Guiana, or Guinea for four weeks or longer in the past year

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:09:00 GMT

In accordance with World Health Organization recommendations, applicants for ROC (Taiwan) visas must submit proof of having been administered the oral polio vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from four weeks to one year before applying if they have resided in or visited countries or regions at high risk for polio transmission—namely, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, French Guiana, and Guinea—for four weeks or longer within the past year.

MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 16 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries.

After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures over the past years, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2026, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place.

Fraudulent website alert

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:25:00 GMT

Recently a fraudulent website has been providing false information regarding the online immigration arrival card of the National Immigration Agency of the Republic of China (Taiwan). We urge members of the public not to visit this website (https://taiwanonlinearrivalcard.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22349007034&gbraid=0AAAAA-2Y58qkpJObe1o_BjnSA20vIzpjR).

The authentic online immigration arrival card and related information can be found on the official National Immigration Agency website: https://twac.immigration.gov.tw.

【Announcement】Note for ROC (Taiwan) visa applicants who have resided in or visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, French Guiana, or Guinea for four weeks or longer in the past year

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:54:00 GMT

MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:44:00 GMT

In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 12 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries.

After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures over the past years, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2025, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place.

MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral exchanges and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient. (E)

MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 09:36:00 GMT

In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 25 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries.

After evaluating the effectiveness of the above convenience measures over the past years and considering the need to revive mutual bilateral exchanges and tourism in the postpandemic era, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry measure for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. The Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will continue for a further year through December 31, 2024. Any announcements on the TAC scheme will be made on the related website (https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast).

MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthen bilateral exchanges and attract more visitors while ensuring border and public security. We will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient. (E)

【Announcement】CECC announced that starting from January 6, travelers arriving on flights originating from China and transiting through Hong Kong or Macao must provide COVID-19 test results

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:24:00 GMT

【Announcement】CECC announced that starting from January 6, travelers arriving on flights originating from China and transiting through Hong Kong or Macao must provide COVID-19 test results

【Announcement】CECC explains its plan to require non-R.O.C. nationals without NHI cards who are diagnosed with COVID-19 in Taiwan to pay their medical costs during their isolation period themselves starting January 1, 2023

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 08:54:00 GMT

【Announcement】CECC explains its plan to require non-R.O.C. nationals without NHI cards who are diagnosed with COVID-19 in Taiwan to pay their medical costs during their isolation period themselves starting January 1, 2023

【Announcement】the Announcement of the National Immigration Agency: With Easing of Border and Quarantine Measures, NIA will Terminate Automatic Extensions for Foreign Persons

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:41:00 GMT

【Announcement】the Announcement of the National Immigration Agency: With Easing of Border and Quarantine Measures, NIA will Terminate Automatic Extensions for Foreign Persons

MOFA to adjust entry regulations for foreign nationals in accordance with CECC's relaxation of border control measures

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Following an announcement by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), in addition to full reinstatement of visa-exempt entry scheme from September 29, nationals of countries that are not eligible for this scheme may apply for visas to enter Taiwan for the purposes of regular social visits and tourism, starting October 13. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will adjust entry regulations for foreign visitors to Taiwan as follows:

1. Full reinstatement of specific visa regulations
Eligible foreign nationals may enter Taiwan on a landing visa, apply for an e-Visa in advance, or apply for a Travel Authorization Certificate for nationals from Southeast Asian countries from the National Immigration Agency (NIA) online application system. Applications from travelers on High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian countries (Project Kuan-Hong) will be accepted in accordance with the timeframe set by the competent authority—the Tourism Bureau.

2. Full reinstatement of regular visa application procedures
Foreign nationals may apply for a visa at a Republic of China (Taiwan) overseas mission based on their purpose of travel (including regular social visits and tourism) by submitting relevant documents.

For information on required documentation and other details for visa applications, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Please check announcements on the NIA website regarding the online application system for Travel Authorization Certificates for nationals from Southeast Asian countries. In addition, a cap on the total number of arrivals remains in place and inbound passengers are still required to follow current CECC regulations.

MOFA to fully reinstate visa-exempt treatment for nationals of eligible countries starting September 29 in accordance with adjustments to CECC antipandemic border control measures

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:05:00 GMT

Following an announcement by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), visa-exempt entry scheme to Taiwan will be fully reinstated from September 29 for nationals of eligible countries to engage in activities that do not require a permit, such as business, exhibition visits, fact-finding missions, international exchanges, visiting relatives, tourism, and social events. For activities that do require a permit according to the laws and regulations of relevant agencies, travelers must apply to the central competent authority of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for permission and obtain a special entry permit (visa) from an overseas mission of the R.O.C. (Taiwan).

For information on visa exemption regulations, required documentation, and other details, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan but do not meet the requirements for visa-exempt entry should ensure that their purpose of travel is among the reasons for entry currently allowed by the CECC. They must prepare relevant documents and apply for a special entry permit (visa) at an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission. A cap on the total number of arrivals remains in place and inbound passengers are still required to follow current CECC regulations of three days of home quarantine and four days of self-initiated pandemic prevention.

The above measures will be adjusted on a rolling basis by the CECC based on the development of the pandemic.

MOFA to reinstate visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, European countries, and diplomatic allies starting September 12 in accordance with CECC measures

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 10:40:00 GMT

Following an announcement by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will reinstate visa-exempt entry scheme for nationals of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, European countries, and diplomatic allies starting September 12, 2022. The scheme is open to the designated nations' nationals entering Taiwan to engage in activities that do not require a permit, such as business, exhibition visits, fact-finding missions, international exchanges, visiting relatives, tourism, and social events. For activities that, according to the laws and regulations of relevant agencies, do require a permit, travelers must apply to the central competent authority of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for permission and obtain a special entry permit (visa) from an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission.

For information on visa exemption regulations, required documentation, and other details, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website （https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-149-4486-7785a-2.html ）. Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan but do not meet the requirements for visa-exempt entry should ensure that their purpose of travel is among the reasons for entry currently allowed by the CECC. They must prepare relevant documents and apply for a special entry permit (visa) at an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission. A cap on the total number of arrivals remains in place and inbound passengers are still required to follow current CECC regulations of three days of home quarantine and four days of self-initiated pandemic prevention.

The above measures will be adjusted on a rolling basis by the CECC based on the development of the pandemic. (E)

MOFA adjusts entry regulations for foreign nationals in response to the CECC's easing of border control measures

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 02:29:00 GMT

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has announced that beginning July 25, 2022, entry restrictions to the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be further relaxed to allow foreign nationals to apply for a special entry permit (visa) for volunteer work, religious work, study of religious doctrine, internships, international exchanges, and the Working Holiday Schemes (Youth Mobility Programs). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will adjust visa regulations accordingly.

Currently, foreign nationals are allowed to enter the country for the purposes of visiting relatives, joining family, studying, learning Mandarin, conducting business, investing, fulfilling contractual obligations, and engaging in employment, as well as for emergency and humanitarian reasons and other special cases approved by the CECC.

Foreign nationals wishing to visit Taiwan for the aforementioned purposes must prepare the relevant documents and apply for a special entry permit (visa) at an R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission. (For further information, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website https://www.boca.gov.tw/np-137-2.html.).

Quarantine measures for foreign nationals are implemented in accordance with CECC quarantine regulations. Entry regulations are subject to change and may be adjusted based on pandemic developments. (E)

Foreign relatives of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and Alien Resident Certificate holders may apply to enter Taiwan while strict border control measures remain in place

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 01:02:00 GMT

Considering the need for and right to family reunions of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in coordination with other government agencies, announces that starting today, April 12, foreign relatives of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and valid Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan may apply to enter Taiwan. They may submit an application for a special entry permit (visitor visa) for the purpose of visiting relatives at R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas missions by presenting proof of relationship to R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals or Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan.

This arrangement comes in addition to the other purposes for entry to Taiwan currently allowed by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC)—i.e., joining family (foreign spouses and minors only), study (formal degree programs), studying Mandarin, business visits, investment, fulfilling contractual obligations, employment, emergencies, and on humanitarian grounds, and other cases given special approval by the CECC.

For details on the documentation requirements, please refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs webpage on visitor visas for visiting relatives (boca.gov.tw/cp-158-251-e78ef-2.html). Individuals previously issued with special entry permits (visas) for visiting relatives purpose with expiry dates between May 19 and August 18, 2021, may apply, free of charge, for a new visa of the same purpose and type at the same R.O.C. (Taiwan) overseas mission. Visa-exempt entry, visa on arrival, and e-visa services remain suspended.

These regulations are subject to change and may be adjusted based on pandemic developments. (E)

MOFA relaxes regulations for foreign business travelers entering Taiwan beginning March 7, 2022, in line with CECC directives

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on February 24 that starting on March 7, 2022, Taiwan will allow foreign business travelers to enter Taiwan for the purposes of business visits, investment, the fulfillment of contractual obligations, and employment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will adjust entry regulations for foreign business travelers accordingly.

Foreign business travelers must prepare related documentation before applying for a special entry permit (visa) at an R.O.C. overseas mission (relevant information can be found at https://www.boca.gov.tw/np-137-2.html). Individuals previously issued with special entry permits (visas) for business purposes with expiry dates between May 19 and August 18, 2021, may apply, free of charge, for a new visa of the same purpose and type at the R.O.C. overseas mission that issued the original by providing related documentation. Visa-exempt entry, visa on arrival, and e-visa services remain suspended.

Foreign business travelers holding a valid APEC Business Travel Card may enter Taiwan after the border control authority reviews proof or documentations of business activities in Taiwan.

These regulations are subject to change and may be adjusted based on pandemic developments. (E)