The Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is a mandatory electronic form that all foreign visitors must complete before entering Taiwan. Registration is free, takes about five minutes, and must be done online through the official TWAC website.
What Is the Taiwan Arrival Card?
The Taiwan Arrival Card, commonly known by its abbreviation TWAC, is Taiwan’s electronic immigration registration system. It replaced the traditional paper arrival card that travelers used to fill out on the plane. The TWAC system was introduced to streamline the immigration process at Taiwan’s airports and seaports, making entry faster and more convenient for international visitors.
Every foreign national who plans to enter Taiwan, whether for tourism, business, work, or transit, must register through the TWAC system before arriving. The form collects basic information including your passport details, flight number, accommodation address in Taiwan, and the purpose of your visit.
The system is managed by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) and is accessible at twac.immigration.gov.tw. The website is available in multiple languages, including English, making it easy for international travelers to complete the registration process.
Who Needs the Taiwan Arrival Card?
The Taiwan Arrival Card is required for all foreign nationals entering Taiwan, with very few exceptions. This includes tourists, business travelers, students, workers, and anyone else passing through Taiwan immigration.
You need the TWAC if you are:
- A tourist visiting Taiwan for sightseeing or leisure
- A business traveler attending meetings or conferences
- A student enrolled in a Taiwanese educational institution
- A worker with a valid employment permit
- A family member visiting relatives in Taiwan
You do NOT need the TWAC if you are:
- A diplomat with official travel documents
- A transit passenger who remains in the airport transit area
- A ROC (Republic of China) national with a valid Taiwan passport
Even if you are from a country that enjoys visa-free entry to Taiwan, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or most European nations, you still need to complete the TWAC registration. The arrival card is separate from your visa status and is a universal requirement for all foreign visitors.
How to Register: Step by Step
Registering for the Taiwan Arrival Card is a straightforward online process that takes about five minutes. Here is exactly what you need to do:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to twac.immigration.gov.tw in your web browser. The site works on both desktop and mobile devices. Click on the English language option if needed.
Step 2: Start a New Registration
Click the “Online Registration” or “Apply” button on the homepage. You will be taken to the registration form.
Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information
Fill in your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), nationality, date of birth, gender, and passport number. Double-check all entries for accuracy.
Step 4: Provide Travel Details
Enter your flight number, airline name, arrival date, and the purpose of your visit to Taiwan. Select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Add Accommodation Information
Enter the name and address of your hotel, hostel, or accommodation in Taiwan. If you are staying with friends or family, enter their address.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Carefully review all the information you entered. Make sure your passport number, flight details, and accommodation address are correct. Click “Submit” to complete your registration.
Step 7: Save Your Confirmation
After submission, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code. Save this to your phone (take a screenshot) or print it. Immigration officers will scan this code when you arrive in Taiwan.
Required Documents and Information
To complete the Taiwan Arrival Card, you do not need to upload any physical documents. However, you will need the following information readily available:
From Your Passport:
- Full legal name (as printed on passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Passport expiry date
Travel Information:
- Flight number (e.g., CI 101, EVA Air BR255)
- Airline name
- Arrival date in Taiwan
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
Accommodation Details:
- Hotel or accommodation name
- Full address in Taiwan
- Contact phone number (if available)
Important: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of arrival in Taiwan. If your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry even with a valid TWAC registration.
Cost and Fees
The Taiwan Arrival Card is completely free of charge. There is no registration fee, no processing fee, and no hidden costs. The TWAC system is provided by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency as a public service to travelers.
Be cautious of any third-party websites that charge a fee to help you fill out the arrival card. The official registration is only legitimate place to register is twac.immigration.gov.tw. You do not need to pay anyone to complete the form for you.
If you encounter a website claiming to charge for Taiwan arrival card registration, it is likely a scam or an unnecessary intermediary service. Always use the official government website to ensure your information is secure and your registration is valid.
When to Fill Out the Taiwan Arrival Card
You can complete the Taiwan Arrival Card at any time before your arrival in Taiwan. The TWAC system allows registration up to several months in advance.
Recommended Timing:
- Best: As soon as you book your flight and hotel
- Good: At least one week before departure
- Minimum: At least 3 days before your arrival
While you can technically register up until the day of your flight, doing it early ensures you have time to fix any errors and reduces travel-day stress. If you wait until the last minute and encounter technical issues, you may not have time to resolve them before your flight.
At the Airport:
If you forgot to register online, you can still complete the arrival card at the airport. Taiwan provides paper forms on flights and at immigration counters. However, this will slow down your entry process, so online registration in advance is strongly recommended.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
Based on the experiences of thousands of travelers to Taiwan, here are practical tips to ensure your Taiwan Arrival Card registration goes smoothly:
Before Registration:
- Have your passport in hand (do not rely on memory for passport numbers)
- Know your flight number and arrival date
- Have your hotel booking confirmation ready for the address
- Use a stable internet connection
During Registration:
- Take your time entering information – accuracy matters more than speed
- Double-check your passport number (a single wrong digit can cause issues)
- Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport, including middle names
- Use the English version of your accommodation address if available
After Registration:
- Save the QR code confirmation as a screenshot on your phone
- Consider printing a backup copy
- Note your registration number for reference
- Check that the arrival date on your confirmation matches your flight
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Entering a wrong passport number (most common error)
- Misspelling your name
- Using a different name than what appears on your passport
- Forgetting to include your hotel address
- Waiting until the last minute to register
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: July 2026. Information is based on the latest TWAC system requirements. Always verify current requirements at twac.immigration.gov.tw before traveling.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. For official guidance, contact the National Immigration Agency of Taiwan or your nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
